Primary Exhibit
Open Year-round
Welcome to Yellowstone Country
Step into the captivating world of Yellowstone Country as you enter the renowned Robert L. Gardner Gallery. Our Welcome to Yellowstone Country exhibit serves as an immersive introduction to this remarkable region nestled in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Delve into the fascinating history of tourism and hospitality that took root with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. This gallery unravels the stories of visionary entrepreneurs, such as Charles A. Hamilton and F. Jay Haynes, whose ventures played a pivotal role in shaping the tourism industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discover their remarkable contributions and the legacies they left behind.
Immerse yourself in the showcases of this exhibit, thoughtfully curated by Montana State University Museum Studies classes. Each display offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Yellowstone's history and the diverse narratives that have shaped this iconic destination.
As you navigate through the gallery, seamlessly transition into the captivating realm of Enduring Peoples. This exhibit invites you to explore the fascinating history and vibrant culture of the native peoples who have inhabited Yellowstone Country. Delve into their stories, traditions, and deep connection to the land, gaining a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy they have left behind.
Experience the intertwining narratives of Yellowstone's tourism history and the enduring spirit of its native peoples as you explore the captivating Robert L. Gardner Gallery. Step into a world where past and present converge, offering a deeper understanding of the rich heritage that makes Yellowstone Country an unparalleled destination.
Embark on this enlightening journey and let the stories of Yellowstone Country unfold before your eyes.
Click Thumbnail To View Gallery
Highlights include:
The full-size bison in the exhibit was part of a commercial herd raised for meat. It was harvested in November when its body weight and hide were in prime condition. The Indians used bison chips (dung) as a primary source of fuel.
The bison herd photo was taken on the Flying D Ranch located southwest of Bozeman, Montana. The ranch operates as a commercial bison ranch and is owned by Ted Turner. The photo shows the kind of grassland that was most attractive to the bison. The plains of Montana are classified as a short grassland region. The native grasses of the region have the property of retaining their nutritive qualities when dried out in the annual summer drought; therefore, the bison got the full nutritional value without concern for the amount of rain that had fallen.
Discover some items that visitors may have brought with them to Yellowstone from 1935 to 1950.
Discover some items that visitors may have purchased in Yellowstone from 1910 to 1960.
The Haynes Photo Shops used this photographic rack for processing and developing photos.
While enjoying what Yellowstone has to offer, visitors might start to pick up lingo that became unique to the park’s employees. The causal toss of barn dogs or pearl divers might make the visitors do a double-take in an attempt to decode their language.
American Indian tribes have histories with Yellowstone that predate the creation of the national park by over 12,000 years. Over time, at least 26 different tribes lived or passed through the region seasonally.