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Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Miracle of America
I visited the Miracle of America Museum last Thursday with my friend Jen and her boys. It's located on Highway 93 just south of Polson, Montana. I've driven past it a million times, but never made time to stop. I'm glad I finally did.
Jen says it should be called the American Museum of Cr*p, because it's just a big collection of junk. Cool junk, though. The main building houses collections of stuff under glass -- everything from Native American artifacts to old saddles and state highway maps -- and a complete soda fountain counter. Oh, and a stuffed buffalo. A fair amount of space is dedicated to morality, like abstinence and anti-smoking displays, and many reminders of the sacrifices made by our soldiers.
Outside, a jumble of old buildings houses various historic, agricultural and other items. There's a one-room schoolhouse, a gas station and barber shop. I loved the big barn -- and had a strange sense of deja vu in it. Scattered in between all the buildings are rusting cars, trucks, farm equipment and even an alien spaceship.
Definitely worth a visit if you're passing through.
More photos in my Miracle of America Museum set.
posted by Patia 4:50 PM
Comments:
The miracle of America is silent pills for females!
Gee, do you think they had opium or morphine in them?
posted by
Gee, do you think they had opium or morphine in them?
posted by 
Rebecca : August 03, 2008 5:55 PM
I've driven by that place a zillion times but never stopped.
posted by
posted by Chris : August 04, 2008 7:41 AM
Hi Patia,
I figured out what the Miracle part of the museum is. It's not getting tetanus.
Hahaha
Jen
posted by
I figured out what the Miracle part of the museum is. It's not getting tetanus.
Hahaha
Jen
posted by Jennifer : August 04, 2008 3:42 PM
I enjoyed your photos. I haven't been in there in years.
posted by
posted by 
montucky : August 04, 2008 7:09 PM
I kinda like American Crap! Hahaha.
History, in any case, is cool. Nice post. Thanks for sharing your museum experience.
posted by
History, in any case, is cool. Nice post. Thanks for sharing your museum experience.
posted by 
Tabbie : August 05, 2008 11:32 PM
I have always wanted to stop there too! Never ever do cause I am on my way to epic outdoor adventures that I cannot wait for.
posted by
posted by dig this chick : August 09, 2008 8:35 AM
This sounds like a complete hoot. I love roadside Americana.
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posted by Brent : August 12, 2008 10:48 AM
Great story Patia :) And I love Jen's name for the place. I suppose I'll have to find my way up there again soon and actually check it out :)
I like how on their map (available on their website) they label the outhouses: "restroom" (if you dare).
posted by
I like how on their map (available on their website) they label the outhouses: "restroom" (if you dare).
posted by Buddhist_philosopher : August 12, 2008 9:51 PM
Nici, I know, I'm always racing between Missoula and Kalispell/Whitefish. But Polson was our destination this time. We visited with friends and played in the lake. It's a great, short day trip.
Brent, thank you for reading and commenting. If you are who I think you are, I'm doubly honored!
Justin, you'd love it. And it's funny, Jen has pictures of things that I didn't even see. There is so much, you just can't absorb it all in one visit.
posted by
Brent, thank you for reading and commenting. If you are who I think you are, I'm doubly honored!
Justin, you'd love it. And it's funny, Jen has pictures of things that I didn't even see. There is so much, you just can't absorb it all in one visit.
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