The upper Swan Valley area is unique in that it still retains a plethora of evidence of its varied history. There still exist old Indian trails crisscrossing our mountains. Old trapper cabins and marten notched trees are still around on the landscape. This area was homesteaded and settled at a relatively late date, primarily from the mid-1910's and later, with many artifacts and buildings of that particular era still in existence. Early Forest Service ranger station buildings and cabins are still here. Springboard notched trees and sawmill sites from the early logging days are scattered around the valley. The early dude ranches and lodges are still here today.

The Swan Valley Museum recently opened its doors to the public. Please consider helping us further develop and maintain the museum. Show your support for the discovery, collection, interpretation and preservation of local history and culture. Join us!

Our vision for the organization and museum is to inspire a sense of place and history by discovering, collecting, preserving, and interpreting the Swan Valley's historical and cultural heritage.

The Upper Swan Valley Historical Society (USVHS), established in 1988, is dedicated to the discovery, collection, preservation and interpretation of materials that will help establish and illustrate our local history.