Hysham: Cultural History and Landscape

Hysham combines cultural history with a location on the Yellowstone River. The Yucca Theatre and the Treasure County 89'ers Museum form the town’s historic core. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hysham, you can consider whether architectural history, museum exhibits, or nearby destinations will shape your stay.

Cultural History in Hysham

The Yucca Theatre is a notable example of Mission-style architecture in Montana. David and Jim Manning built it in 1931, and the theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along with the Manning residence, it is part of the Treasure County 89'ers Museum complex. To get there, take the I-94 Hysham exit, then follow Frontage Road to Elliott Avenue. The theatre has been opened for museum visitors upon request. This single building brings together its architectural classification, a specific construction year, and the names of its builders.

The history of the Treasure County 89'ers Museum began in 1989 in a renovated former drugstore on Elliott Avenue, Hysham’s main street. Exhibits include fossils and dinosaurs, the Crow, and an exhibit about astronaut Frank Borman. The museum also features a restored soda fountain from the former drugstore, which is used on special occasions. It connects with the building’s former use and adds a distinctive note alongside the varied exhibit topics.

Yellowstone River and Surroundings

Hysham’s landscape can be described by direction: the Yellowstone River borders the town to the north, while gently rolling hills extend to the south. The river is also a point of reference for the nearby Howrey Island Recreation Area in its floodplain. The area covers about 592 acres and is managed by the BLM. This means you’ll encounter the Yellowstone River both along the town’s northern boundary and in the surrounding river floodplain.

At the Howrey Island Recreation Area, a concrete path about three feet wide forms part of an accessible nature-trail loop. It runs from the parking area through the picnic area to the Yellowstone River and back. Flooding washed away part of the former loop. If you’re planning to use the path, check its condition before your visit.

Direction and approximate distance are helpful when comparing the two nearby wildlife management areas: Amelia Island Wildlife Management Area is about one mile north of Hysham; Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area is about seven miles west. Public recreation sites in the area also provide access to fishing. The area’s nature attractions thus include both a specifically described trail and sites in different directions. Amelia Island Wildlife Management Area is about six miles closer to Hysham than Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area.

Discover more destinations: Bighorn.

View the broader travel guide: Treasure County.