You’ve driven by it for years and have always said that someday you’ll stop.

Right now could not be a better time because the Miracle of America Museum in Polson is open during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place every day from 9-5.

“I’m probably sticking my neck out, but I feel we are an essential business as we continue to teach the Constitution, which is critical in these times,” said Gil

Mangels, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

The museum opened in 1981 at Yellow Bay and moved to its present location in 1985. Over the years it has attracted people from all 50 states and the busiest year for international tourism showcased 51 different countries.

Asked why he launched this eclectic collection of artifacts and Mangels said it was almost an epiphany.

“It was in 1963 when I was in Berlin and went through Check Point Charlie. The difference was night and day. Slavery and freedom and I decided to show people how fortunate we are to live in a country with freedom and strong values.”

Consider it a road trip to learn more about the history of the U.S. during a time when more history is being made.

Visitors will see and feel a patriotic streak that is obvious throughout the property.

Until the COVID-19 pandemic, door receipts almost covered the utilities and wages for two employees. Their endowment covers the deficit along with help from Friends of the Museum and outside donations.

“If we could find a philanthropist to make a $2.25 million gift, we would become a self-sufficient 501©3 non-profit.”

The Miracle of America Museum has honestly been referred to as The Smithsonian of the West, but you won’t know that until you enter. Many visitors run out of time or hit ‘history overload’ before they visit every category.

A few of the things on display include a 1912 school, Beauty Shop and Millinery, shoe repair, Fiddlers Hall of Fame, more than 70 vintage motorcycles dating back to 1912, a gun shop, ski boats and outboard motors, vintage cars and automobiles, snowmobiles and winter snow equipment.

For aficionados of military history, this collection has everything under the sun from the Spanish American War through Vietnam.

It includes weapons most people never knew existed, vehicles, uniforms and medals with several pictures and stories of local GIs.

“Four-and-one-half acres with over 42 buildings and that’s not counting the

outhouses,” Mangels said with a big smile.

According to visitmt.com, other displays include everything from a tiny bird-point arrowhead to the 65-foot Paul Bunyan, a logging towboat listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Also at the museum is a pioneer village, which includes an original sod-roofed log cabin, general store, school, fire house, and shops for a blacksmith, barber, tailor, carpenter and saddle maker.

Mangels suggests a visit to their website with the kids so you can plan your visit: www.miracleofamericamuseum.org.

The Museum is located at 36094 Memory Lane. They may be contacted at 406-883-6804, 406-883-6264 or at [email protected].

The Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.