Museum of the Rockies

 The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman has been described as having one of the best space and dinosaur exhibits in the U.S. so we knew we needed to go there. Neither of us are huge museum fans — it depends on the subject matter. We most enjoyed the 1/2 hour we spent in reclining chairs staring up at the ceiling where a wondrous and fascinating display and description of outer space took place.

 On the top floor we discovered a room where children could go and play with various exhibits. We found several critter statues made out of the strangest things! I love foxes. This one has appendages made from very odd items.

A buffalo and her baby constructed with all kinds of odds and ends for body parts. I was especially amused to see the two hind legs made from electric guitars!

Exiting the museum we saw, off to the side, a reconstructed homestead from the mid 1800s. We had not noticed it when we entered the main door of the museum. Now, this is what I really love and appreciate seeing! William Tinsley homesteaded 160 acres at Willow Creek, south of Three Forks. Tinsley and his wife lived here from 1867 with 8 children until he was able to increase his lands and build a new, big house 20 years later. I can not even imagine 10 people in that tiny home!

In the 1980s the state of Montana acquired the homestead with all its buildings and moved and reconstructed them here in Bozeman. The house is surrounded by the typical outbuildings, as well as a lovely flower and vegetable garden, all from heirloom seeds and varieties that existed in the time period, and all beautifully kept. And there was no entry fee!

  The back of the house.

 Silly Mr. Keith in quite a deluxe outhouse, a two-holer.

 I love the old back porch. It reminded me a little of my childhood home. Here I am, broom in hand, ready to clean things up!

I had to get a photo of the old piano in the drawing room. It was even in tune!

My grandmother had a Singer sewing machine just like this one! She sewed many a garment and quite a few quilts on hers.

 The house is unusual in that it is a hands-on museum display. Every day meals are prepared for the staff right here on the cast iron cookstove. There were very few "Do Not Touch" signs and no barriers in any of the rooms keeping the lookers from entering in. There was even a room upstairs with old clothes from the time period for trying on!

I took this photo from upstairs, through a screened window, because it was the best view of the garden. We truly enjoyed our look back to olden, pioneer times in Montana!