Three Forks, Montana is where three rivers, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin, join to form the mighty Missouri River. Because of its rich soil, abundance of fresh water, and diverse wildlife, the Three Forks area was home to many Native American tribes prior to white settlement. Most notably, the area was the original home to the Lemhi Shoshone girl Sacajawea, who was captured a mile from the current city of Three Forks around the year 1800. Sacajawea returned to the headwaters area in 1805 as an interpreter for Captains Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery, and again in 1806 with Captain William Clark on his way back east. 

The Headwaters Heritage Museum is operated by the Three Forks Area Historical Society as a non-profit organization, and works every day to provide visitors with the intimate details of the area’s rich history – one that is deeply connected to the eventual creation of the modern United States of America. The area’s history and culture spans a wide range and the museum reflects that variety. We have Native American art and artifacts, Lewis and Clark memorabilia, fur trader exhibits, lots of railroad artifacts, mining and agriculture exhibits as well as exhibits of early settlers and businesses, veterans and home makers. Our anvil of Ft Three Forks and our barbed wire collection are nearly national treasures, while we have a sizable photo archive, obituary collection and newspaper microfilm library for research. Full of everything from old artifacts, uniforms, scrolls, and schoolhouse furniture, the museum is sure to provide visitors with hours worth of exploring around every corner.

As the museum is operated as a non-profit, there is no entrance fee. We simply ask for a small donation of your own ability to help the Historical Society continue to preserve the headwater’s history for generations to come