Browning, Montana
Population 1,026
Browning is located about an hour southeast of the Saint Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park, and it makes a nice stop on the way to or from the park. Although there’s really not much to the town, the excellent Museum of the Plains Indian (
www.doi.gov/iacb/museum-plains-indian) is definitely worth a visit. Although the exterior of the museum is unimpressive, don’t be dissuaded by the lackluster front façade, as the artifacts inside are first-rate. There’s barrier-free access to the galleries that are filled with everything from cradleboards and toys, to weapons, ceremonial clothing, toys and lots of jewelry. The unusual bag made from a cow hoof, the buffalo hunt mural and the collection of woven cornhusk bags definitely stand out. There’s also accessible seating in the theater, where a short movie about the Plains Indians is shown. And don’t miss the excellent gift shop, the artist demonstrations, and the gallery filled with works by tribal artists.