Survey reveals insights in Montana Indian tourism
Tourists want to learn about Indian history and culture, according to a survey from the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana.

Researchers found that 69 percent of people who visited a reservation were drawn by a museum and 39 percent cited a historic landmark. More than half of respondents said they want to learn more about tribal culture and history.

Only 18 percent said they would visit a reservation for gaming. "I think one of the big take-home messages in our state, anyway, is that gambling is not going to draw vacationers to Indian Country," Christine Oschell of the Institute told The Billings Gazette. "I think a lot of other states use that as a draw."

Forty percent of people who visited reservations fell into the 55 to 64 age group, followed by 29 percent in the 45-54 age group and 23 percent of people aged 65-74. That accounts for 91 percent of visitors to reservations.

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Message to tribes: Museums work (The Billings Gazette 2/26)