Boot Hill Cemetery | Dodge City

The Range Riders Museum is a historical institution located in Miles City, Montana, dedicated to preserving and presenting the heritage of the American West.

Visual Characteristics

The museum occupies a series of interconnected buildings, primarily constructed from wood and brick. The main exhibition hall features a pitched roof and large windows. Exterior paint colors are typically muted earth tones. The overall structure presents a functional, utilitarian aesthetic consistent with early 20th-century public buildings.

Location & Access Logistics

The Range Riders Museum is situated at 24 North Custer Avenue in Miles City, Montana. It is approximately 0.5km north of the city center. Ample free parking is available on-site. No public transport routes directly serve the museum; access is primarily via private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum's origins trace back to the early 20th century, with its primary building constructed in 1917 to serve as a public school. It was later repurposed to house historical artifacts. The collection focuses on the history of ranching, Native American culture, and frontier life in the Northern Plains region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits include displays on cowboy gear, firearms, Native American artifacts, and local pioneer history. Visitors can view a collection of horse-drawn wagons and early automobiles. Educational programs and special exhibitions are periodically offered.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor exhibit spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the museum premises. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available in downtown Miles City.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. For optimal viewing of outdoor exhibits and comfortable exploration, late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer moderate temperatures. Mid-day offers the most consistent lighting for interior exhibits.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact within the museum is a saddle believed to have belonged to Calamity Jane. The museum also houses a collection of branding irons from various local ranches, each with its own history of livestock management in the region.

Nearby Landmarks

• Miles City Depot Museum (0.3km South)
• Tongue River (1.5km West)
• Buck's Sporting Goods (0.4km South)
• Montana State University - Northern Agricultural Research Center (2.1km East)