Ashland, Montana

Learn about the history of the Cheyenne on your Montana Vacation in Ashland

by Michele Kadison

Montana vacation travelers wishing to learn about the history and culture of the Cheyenne people will be enthralled by the exhibits at the Cheyenne Indian Museum. Besides this interesting bit of history, this town offers great Montana hotels and accommodations.

Situated on the grounds of the Saint Labre School, which opened in 1884 as a learning center for Native American Children, you can visit the replica of the three room cabin that was the original school building.  There are now more than 700 children educated at the school, which of course has expanded to accommodate the growing number of students.

The museum itself contains a wide range of Native American art and artifacts such as textiles, clothing, arrowheads, tomahawks, toys, jewelry, and exquisite beadwork.  There are also interesting dioramas on display as well as paintings that depict the enormous range in styles generated by Native American artists of various periods.

Another beautiful building, the Saint Labre Indian Chapel, with its teepee-like structure, is a stunning architectural testimonial to both the Cheyenne and the Plains Indians.  You can attend mass there on Thursdays at 4:30 PM and Sundays at 10AM.

The gift shop is a great place to find a souvenir to take home as a reminder of the resonant Native American culture.  The museum is an important window into Native American customs and contributions, making it an ideal place to visit with the entire family.

Tours of the museum begin at 8AM and end at 4:30 PM, with longer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Saint Labre Indian School
Tongue River Road
Ashland, Montana 59003
Tel: 406-784-4516

Related posts:

• Browning, Montana Vacations
• Hardin, Montana
• Wolf Point, Montana Vacations
• Montana Vacations: Landmarks
• Miles City, Montana