New Exhibits at the Breaks Park Visitor Center and Museum

New display featuring four snake species from the area.

Museums are a very special place. They are a place where people can visit and learn at their convenience. Museums are a vital instrument used to teach, learn and expose people from near and far to the rich cultural, historical and natural history of any given time or place. In many cases, one can learn as much in a given day in a museum than they would otherwise learn in a year. And in most cases, a museum is not just a building full of things and "junk", they tell a story. And to those that pay attention to that story will be rewarded.

Aquarium displaying fish of the Russell Fork, as well as frog and toad exhibits.

We here at Breaks Interstate are now very pleased to announce the addition of a new set of exhibits in the Museum, located at the Park's Visitor Center. Since I began working here in January of 2012, my thoughts began to wander toward getting new displays in the museum that would fill in a gap that I had noticed. We are very fortunate in that through our museum we are able to tell the story of Native Americans, Daniel Boone, the Civil War, the Hatfields and McCoys, moonshining, logging, coal mining and the large animal species found on the park. But one thing that was missing was the story about the importance of the smaller fauna that can found on the park. Reptiles, amphibians and other
small critters are vitally important to the ecosystem, and losing them tips the balance of nature in a very negative way. So, over this past winter (when our Museum/Visitor Center is closed) we set about

Northern Pine Snake. One of several snake species on display

constructing an exhibit specifically for these animals. The exhibit is made of recycled materials with the exception of the enclosures. On one side of the display, you can learn about and see four species of snakes and learn about their myths and tales. All of the snakes are native or historically native to the area. On the other side you can learn about fish of the Russell Fork via an aquarium set up to mimic their habitat. Also on display are American Toads, where you can learn if they really can give you warts! And their are also a couple other displays not yet setup for animals that will be soon to come. Our little museum is still a work in progress and their is still much to do, but we hope that you will enjoy what has been completed and that you will visit often to see other updates as they happen.

I wanted to make you aware of our new exhibits but you don't have to drive all the way here to see them (although we would enjoy having you). There are museums all over our great States to visit! Many State Parks have museums that will teach you the story of their respective area. So visit a park or museum. They are the best learning materials around!

The Visitor Center Museum is currently open Friday-Sunday, 7 AM- 9 PM. Call 276-865-4413 for hours as the year progresses.

I can be reached by emailing me HERE