Miracle of America Museum hosts Winter Activities Day

Miracle of America Museum in Polson is hosting its first Winter Activities Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15.

Volunteers will start the engines on usually static exhibits and offer rides and demonstrations of historic snow machines and other snow vehicles. In addition, visitors will be able to take a ride on two vintage vehicles used in Glacier National Park — the sno-crawler built by members of the maintenance crew in their East Glacier shop, and the historic 1952 Tucker Sno-cat which replaced it. The Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation of Medford, Oregon, is one of the world's oldest and most successful makers of snow vehicles in the world.

According to museum founder Gil Mangels, the day will be a fundraiser for the nonprofit museum. Standard admission prices will be in effect and hot chocolate and apple cider will be available for $1 per cup. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the non-ethanol premium gas needed for all historic vehicles. And while the emphasis might be on snow machines, visitors are invited to view the historic exhibit containing vintage and historic skis, snow shoes and clothing used during Montana winters.

Mangels is also looking for volunteers to drive some of the vehicles and would like to invite any snow sports groups and businesses who would like to demonstrate or display their products during the event to join the fun. For more information, call Mangels at 406-883-6804.