The Paradise Center is a valued public facility re-purposed from a historic public school to a community, visitor and arts center. The Center hosts performances, artist shows, a history museum and visitor center attractions.
After over 100 years of service, Paradise Elementary School closed its doors in 2013 after educating many generations of students in this once thriving railroad community in Northwest Montana. The Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee is a group of community residents who value this historic structure and the important role it has played—and will continue to play—in the economic and cultural life of Sanders County. Their efforts have resulted in The Paradise Center, a community, arts, and visitors center for area residents, county students, and the many tourists who now drive by on their way to other western Montana destinations. The Paradise Center will become an important economic, social, and cultural mainstay for our region.
The Town of Paradise, MT and The Paradise Center
In July of 2024 a young lady from Missoula, Fuyuko Mochizuki met with Board President Dave Colyer at the The Paradise Center. She was hired by a Dutch Film company to do a short video of places called Paradise. Our little town of Paradise was among forty towns named Paradise to be considered. Fuyuko and her film crew came to The Paradise Center to film a video that included appearances by Betty Meyer, Gary Sanks, Judy Stephens, Shirley King, and Darin King.
In September the Dutch Filming company aired the video in the Netherlands in the Dutch language only. The filming done in Paradise was edited to the extent that Fuyuko decided to create her own version of the film and give it to the Center. Her generosity and hard work to provide this video are deeply appreciated.
The film crew included:Director/Editor: Fuyuko MochizukiDirector of Photography: John Enos DickeyLocation/Sound Kaitlin King
The Paradise Center is Closed for the Season.
Tours are available by appointment around holidays.
Please call John at 406-826-0500 for an appointment.
CURRENT EVENTS
About Us
The Paradise Center is the second life of the former Paradise Elementary School, currently owned by Sanders County and operated by the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee (PESPC). The 1910 school building is possibly the most important historic building in Sanders County. When the school closed in 2013, concerned residents from across the county participated in a public meeting to discuss the future of the site. Some came together to form the PESPC to ensure the site was preserved and repurposed for continued service to and access by the public.
The committee has worked tirelessly to sustain the historic integrity of the site while reimagining how it could remain a vital and viable part of the community. Today, the site is used and/or visited by more than 2000 people annually. Uses include family and community events, dramatic and musical performances, classes, and drop-in visits to see the many exhibits.
The new life of the former Paradise School focuses on continued service to the public, both in terms of sharing history as well as offering contemporary resources. After renovations to ensure sustainability and improvements to enhance accessibility, The Paradise Center is ready to serve the community, visitors, and the arts for another 100 years.
History
The history of this site is paramount because it is the story of how this area was settled in the early 1900s. It is a landmark of a time-gone-by. LEARN MORE…
Transition
The transition from a school to a community, visitor, and arts center is relevant for understanding the path from potential closure and decay to renewed vitality and vibrancy. LEARN MORE…
Accomplishments
Accomplishments are meaningful because they are steppingstones on the path that ties history to contemporary times. LEARN MORE…
Board of Directors
The board of directors represents a countywide effort to achieve a common purpose – long life for the historic site. LEARN MORE…
What We Offer
Sustaining and maintaining a historic site and creating a legacy and relevancy for it in contemporary times has been the focus of many individuals since the historic Paradise Elementary School closed in 2013. Today, The Paradise Center is unique in its three areas of service. Each area is independent in its specific focus, but all are interdependent in supporting the site. The three areas are the direct result of a countywide meeting soon after the school closed. Participants offered numerous ideas for the future of the site. Almost all those ideas are captured in the three areas of service currently available. The board of directors and the many volunteers who work to implement services continually improve and enhance offerings. Visit this space and this website often! Opportunities for enjoyment, education, and creative expression are always changing!
In The News
- Paradise Center Roundhouse Opens for Visitors
June 6, 2024 - Volunteers Make Railroad Ties For Display
February 8, 2024 - Paradise Center’s Roundhouse Taking Form
October 19, 2023 - Remarkable Effort To Save Paradise Landmark
August 21, 2023 - Paradise Alumni Gather To Share Memories
July 6, 2023
- Young Artists Explore Skills at Paradise Camp
June 22, 2023 - Paradise Center Breaks Ground For New Building
April 27, 2023 - Roundhouse Replica Groundbreaking Held At Paradise
April 26, 2023 - Breaking Ground
April 20, 2023 - Building Up
Jan 19, 2023
