Rock Museum

Open May 1 through Labor Day
Wednesday through Saturday 12 - 4pm
Tuesday and Sunday By Appointment, call (701)862-3352

Labor Day - April 30, please use the e-mail to contact the curator
For more information, call (701)862-3264

pbrostemuseum@hotmail.com



The museum was a brainchild of Mr. Paul Broste, a local farmer, artist and collector. He began his rock collection at an early age and did much of it during the 1920's and 30's when few people were interested in purchasing rocks. He acquired only the finest specimens from all over the world. They were cut, ground and polished into spheres and slabs of unimaginable beauty. For many years Paul dreamed of housing his collections in a unique museum. Thus began the quest for the Paul Broste Rock Museum.



This world famous museum is nestled on the Great Plains of North Dakota, built of natural granite quarried from the area. The entire structure was done with volunteer labor and opened for business in 1965. Paul called it his "Acropolis on a hill".



Dr. John Hoganson of the State Geological Survey inventoried the entire collection while the museum was being renovated. He stated that the museum housed the most significant rock and mineral collection in the state of North Dakota and many of the unique specimens are so rare that they may be only found at museums like the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. or the American Museum of Art. There are some items like the fluoride crystals in the collection that can not be found anywhere else in the world and are deemed priceless. We have several pictures of these display cases showing some of the remarkable specimens within this wonderful museum. It is far better to view them in person - up close!



View these one of a kind national and international award winning sphere trees. The Infinity Room is a must see. You will not find anything like this in the entire world.



Former curator, Robert "Jake" Jacobson (1932-2006), added some of his own collection of American Indian artifacts to the museum for viewing by the public. You will find an excellent collections of arrowheads that have been framed for viewing.



As you can see from our short tour, there is a great deal to see in this unique nationally acclaimed collection housed on the great plains of North Dakota. It would be our pleasure to give you a personal tour! So take a break and come visit us for a breath-taking, beautiful and educational display of nature, artifacts and art at the Paul Broste Rock Museum in Parshall, North Dakota.