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.
Come learn about the old Paradise School and how it has been preserved and repurposed, Glacial Lake Missoula and how western Montana was formed, the history of Paradise, Montana and its connection to the railroad (including our mini-roundhouse), and so much more!
SUMMER 2026 HOURS
Open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day
Friday through Monday
10:00AM to 4:00 PM
WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT
406.826.3679 or 406.826.6945
Please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.
We look forward to seeing you!
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!
