ALL ITEMS
1
Copper River Rafting, Alaska!
Live ItemGlaciers and Grizzlies: Copper River Rafting Adventure in Alaska
Everything is bigger in Alaska, and a float down the Copper River with Sundog Expeditions is no exception. Come float America's 8th largest river by volume and spend 7 days floating across an enormous landscape in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Chugach National Forest. Experience what it is like to be truly humbled by the size, scale, power, and beauty of a river.
This trip begins in Valdez and ends in Cordova, AK; both cities are accessible via flights or the legendary Alaska Marine Highway Ferry system, which adds a unique element to this multiday rafting adventure. For the first 3 days of the trip, you will float by impressive ice-capped mountains, and experience wildlife such as bears, wolves, seals, and a variety of birds. Towards the end of the trip, you will enter the "Glacier Zone" of the legendary Miles Lake, and float underneath the 300' tall Childs Glacier.
Sundog Expeditions is a premier river outfitter in Alaska; expert guides provide a safe and memorable experience with hiking opportunities, interpretation of the natural and cultural history along the river corridor, exquisite backcountry cooking, and first-class service. Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
Value: $4100
1 person; additional guests are welcomed at booking price
Booking based on availability: July 11-17, 2026 or TBD 2027.
Trip begins in Valdez, Alaska and ends in Cordova, Alaska. Does not include flights.
Includes passenger van transport from Valdez to the Copper River and from the Copper River to Cordova.
Thank you to Brian and Jenni Chaffin at Sundog Expeditions.
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7-Day Puerto Vallarta Magic!
Live ItemEnjoy a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on the stunning Bay of Banderas!
Situated in historic Old Town*, this vista retreat is only a five-minute walk to the Malecon where incredible food, culture, shopping, and nightlife await to keep you exhilarated or relaxed, depending on your speed. In addition to the attractions of the town itself, there are many opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, fishing, birding, and other nature exploration, and trips to nearby markets and villages, by car, bus, or tour. And did we mention the food? In addition to traditional Mexican, you can find all types of fusion, sushi, Italian, and more. We have many great recommendations and personal favorites to share with guests.
Casa Bella Vista is a unique accommodation broken up into three beautiful units; each one-bedroom apartment has a king bed, a kitchenette, and access to a pool terrace with grill and palapa bar. Two units also have a sleeping couch (great for kids). There is an additional king bed in the aqua studio near the pool on the terrace level. Winning bidders can claim one unit, or book the entire house, making the Casa Bella Vista perfect for a couple's getaway, or a family or friend reunion. Filling the entire house means unlimited use of the new rooftop kitchen, grill, and terrace with amazing views overlooking historic Old Town and the entire Banderas Bay. The house can sleep up to 10, but is recommended for 8 if your party is limited to adults.
Winning bidder can reserve their week by contacting MNHC's Beth Conway at: bconway@montananaturalist.org.
Follow on Instagram: @casabellavista.mx | Facebook: facebook.com/casabellavistamx
Value: $2,450
Availability: Anytime between April 1 and November 30, 2026
Additional dates possible; dates subject to approval
Thank you to Caroline and Willis Kurtz, Gia Randono, and Wayne Fairchild!
*PLEASE NOTE: Casa Bella Vista is located in Colonia El Cerro, which means "the hill." You will need to be able to walk up many uneven stairways and along uneven (though charming) streets. The house itself contains numerous stairs so, unfortunately, is not recommended for people with mobility issues or children under 6. We also have many close neighbors, with whom we have good relationships. It's a family-friendly, lively environment that can be active at times but offers a very special window into Mexican life beyond the typical tourist experience.
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Painting: "Looking Skyward"
Live ItemThis incredible painting must be seen in person to truly appreciate the size, texture, and perspective. "Looking Skyward" was inspired by Nancy's love of trees. Her dad would climb a giant oak next to her childhood home in Ohio. She loved looking up through the branches to find him so high up. She adapted her aspen series to this different perspective.
Artist Nancy Seiler is a longtime friend of MNHC, and has served on the Auction Committee the last two years! Many of the amazing items in our live and silent auction were procured by Nancy this year.
Nancy Seiler received her Visual Communications degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1981. In 1988 she started her graphic design business which she had for over 35 years. She taught classical botanical illustration and nature journaling on her own as well as the uses of acrylics, oils and watercolors for GOLDEN Artist Colors. Her work is represented by Frame of Reference Fine Art (FoR) in Whitefish and Bigfork, Montana.
A huge thanks to Nancy Seiler for this amazing donation and all of her hard work on our auction this year!
Value: $9,500
Artist: Nancy Seiler
Title: "Looking Skyward"
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
72"H x 60"W
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2-Day Fossil Dig for Four!
Live ItemContribute to real scientific research by helping the Elevation Science team uncover 150-million-year-old dinosaurs.
Work alongside scientists and dig for dinosaurs in the fossil-rich and rugged landscapes of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, near Red Lodge.
In this experience, your group will join the field expedition for two days during the 2026 summer season. During your adventure, you'll be doing hands-on work, contributing to decades-long research projects by helping the field teams find and excavate the fossilized remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.
Some of the fossils at this dig site will make their way to the MNHC for preparation and additional discoveries - that includes the ones you unearth during your dig!!
What will you be excavating? Based on the success of previous field seasons, you'll have the chance to work on the Morrison Formation, which hold the remains of some of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth. Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus and more are the dinosaurs they uncover every day in the field. They're preserved with the remains of many other lifeforms -- all important pieces of the larger puzzle we're trying to assemble.
Whether you've held fossils before or you are a complete novice, the paleontologists on site will teach you everything you need to know. This will be an experience of a lifetime and you'll never look at the Montana landscape the same way again.
Value: $1600
4 guests, 2 days
Ages 8 and up
Does not include lodging or transportation.
For booking details see: elevationscience.org/fossil-dig-day-trips
A few more details: Winner should email Jason Schein at jschein@elevationscience.org and Beth Conway bconway@montananaturalist.org as
soon as possible to ensure your best possible date. Day trips are limited to 5 people per day and they book fast.
AVAILABLE DATES FOR THE 2026 FIELD SEASON WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY 2026.
This auction item does not include lodging.
Thank you to Elevation Science Institute for this unique opportunity!
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Bisbee AZ: Birders' Delight!
Live ItemThe Ideal Depth of Winter Excursion + Birder's Delight
The funky art town of Bisbee, Arizona, is but a 90-minute drive from Tucson yet it offers world-class birding in two separate locations. Your base will be a five-star, art-filled apartment in the heart of "Old Bisbee" and next door to the iconic Copper Queen hotel.
This large, comfortable apartment has two bedrooms, two baths (with steam showers), a living room, dining room, and kitchen-all with a balcony view of the Mule Mountains.
You can visit nearby Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area to see Sandhill Cranes (42,000 in mid-January 2025), Vermilion Flycatchers, Loggerhead Shrikes and many species of shorebirds, herons, and raptors. The other nearby wildlife hotspot is Ramsey Canyon, where you might see a Flame-Colored Tanager, an Aztec thrush, and Eared Quetzal or any one of six species of hummingbirds.
The town itself is very entertaining, with galleries and antique stores nestled between coffee shops and galleries. Historic Tombstone is only a 20-minute drive to the north.
Value $1800
Up to 4 guests. 5-night stay.
Must book stay by April 30, 2026.
Subject to availability.
Thanks so much to Bisbee resident and owner, Jim Mullen, for this fantastic winter getaway!
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Yellowstone Adventure for Five
Live ItemTreat yourself to an epic Yellowstone vacation!
Enjoy a 4-night stay in the Tuholske family's spectacular cabin in Cooke City, the ideal base camp for a Yellowstone wildlife adventure. This cabin sleeps five, two in the bedroom and up to three in the loft, and is located within walking distance from the bakery and just about everything else in Cooke City. It's been described as "the nicest cabin within sixty miles of Cooke City," and is normally $400 a night to rent. If that base camp wasn't enough, we have booked some of the best wildlife guides in Yellowstone to show you the ropes.
Early June is a prime season to join the expert guides at Yellowstone Wolf Tracker for a wildlife viewing tour in the park. Wolf Tracker's naturalist guides are skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to what they do. Each of their guides knows the park's wolf packs and where they reside. With palpable passion, their guide culture is one of reverence, wonder and awe for a wild Yellowstone. This guided tour for five includes transportation (from meeting spot, noted below), breakfast and snacks.
Lamar Valley meeting spot: The location is a very large pullout with public restrooms in Lamar Valley that we call Hitching Post, also called Lamar River trailhead, 3K1, stock cutoff trail, etc.:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AVz93cnj5zzrGsZu6 (3K1, google maps)
Suggested meeting time for wildlife tour is 5:30 a.m.
Value of overnight stay and guided trip: $3000
Must be used June 2-6, 2026
Guided wildlife tour is reserved for June 3, 2026
More information on the cabin can be found at vrbo.com/35554
Many thanks to the Tuholskes and the friendly people at Yellowstone Wolf Tracker!
14
A Week in Baja for Two
Live ItemFor many years, Montana-based Sea and Adventures, Inc., representing the La Paz-based Mar Y Aventuras S.A. de C.V. adventure travel company, has provided MNHC supporters with incredible whale watching and sea kayaking opportunities! They have again donated a 7-day Baja adventure for 2 people!
On this Espirito Santo Island Expedition, guests will snorkel with friendly sea lions and among tropical fish, kayak the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, walk among giant cactus or try their hand at fishing!
Upon arrival to the famous Espiritu Santo Island (ESI) National Park you'll settle into a beautiful camp on a white sand beach caressed by turquoise waters with volcanic cliffs and towering cactus as back drop. Camp is comprised of walk-in tents, each complete with 2 cots, pads and pillows for a restful night's sleep.
Professional guides will provide sea kayaking excursions tailored to abilities from beginner to advanced paddlers. As you kayak or travel by boat along the shores of ESI it's common to see manta rays and dolphins leaping from the sea's surface. Having skiffs accompany your trip allows you to participate in activities not possible if traveling by kayak alone.
Don't miss this opportunity to for spectacular wildlife events with kayaking, snorkeling , hiking and fishing while camping in comfort at our luxury camp on the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo.
All trips originate in La Paz, Mexico, and include double occupancy accommodations for 2 nights in La Paz, camping in tents on cots and pads, meals, juice and evening cocktails at camp, and all camp equipment except for personal sleeping bags (available for rent in La Paz).
Value: $3,100
Trips can be scheduled any time during the 2025-2026 season (December to March) pending availability
Does not include airfare
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Glacier National Park Getaway!
$1230A beautiful retreat for up to 8 guests to one of our nation's best natural treasures!
Yards from the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, feet from Glacier View Golf Course, and a literal stone's throw from Glacier National Park... this is where the river meets the fairway. Whether you're in search of quiet mornings, rising trout, an epic trek through Glacier, or all of the above, start your journey here. Your accommodations for this trip sits at the intersection of boundless adventure, uninhibited relaxation, and perpetual fun.
Minutes from Glacier National Park
This is the coziest modern retreat nestled just outside the entrance to Glacier National Park. Whether you're here for hiking, scenic drives, or simply to unwind in nature, this newly renovated space is the perfect home base.
Enjoy stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, and plush bedding. Thoughtful touches throughout reflect our deep local roots to make your stay unforgettable.
Two Nights
Up to 8 Guests
Reservations for October-December 2026, subject to availability
For more information see listing on AIRBNB
Thank you to Caitlin Twohig for this generous donation!
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Nature Journaling Class for 10
$300Spend the afternoon with up to ten friends treating yourselves to a day of drawing and observation in this exclusive nature journaling workshop! Your host and instructor for the afternoon is local artist, Nancy Seiler, who will work with you one-on-one throughout the three-hour class, sharing numerous tips and exercises to achieve drawing success!
Nature journaling is for everyone - and so is this workshop! From beginners to experienced illustrators, the practice of natural journaling is a powerful tool for deepening connection to our natural world.
The winning bidder can pick the date and location of their choice; this workshop can be hosted inside or outside, and MNHC is happy to help suggest some great locations in our nearby public lands and spaces!
Your lunch for the afternoon is provided by local favorite and Best of Missoula Winner Tagliare Delicatessen.
Nancy Seiler received her Visual Communications degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1981. In 1988 she started her graphic design business which she had for over 35 years. She taught classical botanical illustration and nature journaling on her own as well as the uses of acrylics, oils and watercolors for GOLDEN Artist Colors. Her work is represented by Frame of Reference Fine Art in Whitefish and Bigfork, Montana.
Details:
- Up to 10 guests, 3 hours
- Date and location are your choice, pending host availability
Excursion expires August 31, 2026
Thank you to Tagliare Delicatessen for catering this afternoon experience.
We are so grateful to Nancy for her generosity and sharing her time and talent with the MNHC community!
111
Birding in Missoula Tour
$250Revel in Missoula's amazing avian life with this birding tour for two with naturalist Elena Ulev of Blue Heron Nature Tours.
Missoula has many great places to bird year-round. From bohemian waxwings and northern shrikes in the winter to yellow warblers and mountain bluebirds in the summer, every season is fun to bird in. You will go to Elena's favorite local spot which has forest, riparian, and grassland habitats, ensuring that you see a huge variety of birds.
To date, Elena has recorded 119 bird species at this spot, which includes raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, owls, and migratory songbirds.
Length: 2 hours - 9:00-11:00 a.m OR 12:00-2:00 p.m.
The walk is 1.7 miles long on a flat gravel path that is handicapped accessible and there are restrooms at the trailhead. If you need a wheelchair suitable for gravel trails, they are available to rent in Missoula for free. New Vortex binoculars are available to borrow. Elena will bring her Vortex spotting scope to hone in really closely on the birds.
Must be used by October 25th, 2026.
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Wavy Pine, Trillium, & Swallow
$250Take home this triptych of gorgeous Montana species by printmaker David Lusk: an 11"x14" wavy ponderosa pine (our state tree!), a 9"x12" trillium, and a 5"x7" tree swallow. Bring a little bit of Montana's wild and wonderful beauty into your home!
David received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Montana in 2014. He is inspired by the intersection of science and mythology, and nature & humanity. See more of his work at anomalpress.com.
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Paleo Tour with Kallie Moore
$300Don't be petrified! All these animals are really, really dead. The University of Montana Paleontology Collection houses around 50,000 specimens from over 20 different countries. During your private tour, you'll be able to touch a 2.5 billion-year-old fossil, check out the life that swam in a shallow sea that covered Montana 320 million years ago, take some selfies with the skull of Montana's T. rex, and get all your questions about ancient life answered!
Details:
- What: Spend up to two hours on a private, backstage tour of the University of Montana Paleontology Collection with Kallie Moore, the Collections Manager, Fossil Librarian, and co-host of the YouTube channel, Eons (youtube.com/eons). You'll have the freedom to explore fossils of specific interest to you, and the chance to ask all the questions you can think of, while you share in Kallie's enthusiasm for earth's history. The University of Montana houses a collection of around 50,000 fossils that represent the ancient heritage of North America in addition to specimens from 20 different countries. Ask to see the oldest fossil in the collection - a 1.3 billion-year-old Stromatolite from Glacier National Park, learn about Montana's ancient sea life, or see fossils from some of Montana's earliest mammals. It is up to you!
- For: Up to 6 people (ages 8+)
- Expiration Date: Must have this experience before November 2026
- When: Tours must be scheduled during the week, but can be during evening hours (M-F).
- Value: 4.6 billion years of history
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Marbled Blue Bliss Mugs
$150These handmade blue marble-glazed pottery mugs, crafted from Kentucky Mudworks brown bear clay by Kara Shapiro of Winding Pine Pottery, are so gorgeous that several of our staff are already planning a bidding war over them. Enter the battle at your peril...
These mugs are solid, lovely, with handles that fit perfectly into your hands, and they're just the right size for a generous serving of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot toddy. A great holiday gift!
About the artist: Kara's pottery journey started back in 1995. There were some long lapses in time but Winding Pine Pottery was started in Missoula, Montana, in 2018. Kara and her family moved to Newport, Oregon, in July of 2021. Her pottery is inspired by the nature around her. The ocean has become a big inspiration since moving to the Oregon Coast but the mountains will always be a big part of her love of nature (and Montana).
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"OG Trek" by David Lusk
$220Take home this intricately crafted hand-cut relief print by local artist David Lusk. Image is printed with oil-based ink on kuzo paper, with a delicate torn edge.
8"x10"
David received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Montana in 2014. He is inspired by the intersection of science and mythology, and nature & humanity. See more of his work at anomalpress.com.
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$250 to Beautify Your Yard!
$320Have you been longing to re-imagine your yard? Wanting to incorporate native plants but not sure how? This package is for you! Giles Thelen of Native Yards has generously donated $250 toward your choice of:
- Plants
- Landscape Design
- Native Plant Restoration
- Hardscape Design
- Survey & Mapping
- Winter Clean-up & Planning
Native Yards' mission is to promote and save native plant communities and the environment they inhabit. Native Yards provides design and installation of natural landscapes and hardscapes; removing unwanted plants from one lot to 10,000-acre plots, and replacing those with desired native species, via our custom seed mixes or with fully grown individuals. Learn more at nativeyards.com.
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Vespiary Handmade Journal
$75This handmade journal has so many possible uses: a luxury for your personal thoughts, magical incantations, great American novel, or nature observations. This book, like each one crafted by Audra Loyal of The Vespiary, is a unique creation.
189
10 lbs Local Grass-Fed Beef
$150It's time for burgers, lasagna, meatballs, chili... Cook up your favorite meaty meals with 10 pounds of local, grass-fed beef, donated by Jen Knoetgen of Mountain Meat Shares. They provide quality meat from local farms to home cooks in western Montana so you can cook with variety and feel good about the meat you eat. Yum!
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Montana Waterbird Skulls
$500The Montana Natural History Center commissioned local artist David Lusk to craft this striking print of Montana water bird skulls, inspired by specimens in our collections. Custom framing donated by the Art Haus. Print 1/50.
David received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Montana in 2014. He is inspired by the intersection of science and mythology, and nature & humanity. See more of his work at anomalpress.com.
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2 Missoula Symphony Season Tix
$300The Missoula Symphony has generously donated two Sunday general admission season tickets for the 2025-2026 season, which runs fall to spring. Check out upcoming performances at missoulasymphony.org.
The Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale has delivered unique, live symphonic and choral music to Western Montana since 1954. Locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds attend our concerts, from our first-time symphony goers to our dedicated sponsors and community members.
Now, under the leadership of our new Music Director, Julia Tai, we have expanded our offerings even more. Our outreach and education program continues to provide scholarships to University of Montana music students and educational activities in regional public schools.