Deer Lodge Montana
Despite its origins as a mining town, Deerlodge, Montana, has always been an agricultural center. The Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site exemplifies this dependence on the land. The ranch, just outside of Deerlodge shows the development of the cattle industry from the 1860s to 1960s. Not to be outdone, the town itself offers a plethora of historic sites. The Old Montana Prison was in use for over a century. Today, in addition to the guided or self-guided tours of the four tiers of cells and the looming gray gothic façade, the Old Prison complex features a theater and five unique museums. The Montana Auto Museum has over 120 antique automobiles with interpretive displays. The Frontier Montana Museum combines two of the best collections of old west memorabilia in the northwest. Learn the history of social lubricant at Desert John's Saloon, an antique bar with contents dating as far back as the Civil War. To experience local history, nowhere could be better than the Powell County Museum. Relive over a century of childhood as you stroll through the displays of antique toys in Yesterday's Playthings. Whatever niche of old west history you fancy, the Old Montana Prison complex in Deerlodge has something to suit your tastes.
