We are excited to announce that the Old Trail Museum has been awarded a portion of the Montana Department of Commerce’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant for the construction of a new 1,500-square-foot building for the Rocky Mountain Front Interpretive Center (RMFIC). This grant will fully fund the construction of the RMFIC, greatly enhancing our ability to engage visitors with the unique natural history of the Rocky Mountain Front.
The RMFIC will feature expanded exhibits and educational programming, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s wildlife, ecology, climate, and weather phenomena. The new facility will also incorporate significant audio/visual capabilities, providing dynamic presentations, film screenings, and interactive educational programming. The construction project has been awarded to a local contractor, creating jobs and supporting the local economy. The RMFIC will also serve as a year-round venue for community meetings, workshops, and special events, further cementing its role as a cultural and economic asset to Choteau.
In 2023, the Old Trail Museum established the RMFIC in collaboration with local wildlife biologists, ecologists, meteorologists, geologists, and hunters. This unique cooperation ensures the center’s exhibits are driven by scientific expertise as well as the practical knowledge of those who have lived and worked in the area. The RMFIC’s expert-driven exhibits interpret the region’s diverse ecosystems, including its wildlife, natural histories, and conservation efforts. The center is committed to preserving and sharing the stories of this remarkable environment, with tours and hands-on experiences that connect visitors directly to the land.
Once the new RMFIC building is completed, the OTM School House will be rededicated as Choteau: Yesteryear, a new exhibit space dedicated to the human history of Choteau and the Rocky Mountain Front. When Choteau: Yesteryear is complete, this will allow for the expansion of OTM’s dinosaur collection and Old North Trail exhibit in the main museum. This transformation will allow the museum to more fully tell the story of the region in a well-rounded way, bridging both the natural and human histories that have shaped this remarkable landscape.
This grant will ensure the continued growth of the Old Trail Museum complex, while also enhancing Choteau’s role as a gateway to the Rocky Mountain Front and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. The RMFIC will serve as a hub for both visitors and the local community, providing a space where people can connect, learn, and engage with the rich history and ecology of this special place.
The Montana Department of Commerce’s Press Release can be read here: https://commerce.mt.gov/News/press-releases-and-statements/Commerce-Awards-8.75-Million-to-Seven-Montana-Communities-for-Tourism-Success
