Deer Lodge Tourist Attractions
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The town of Deer Lodge (pop. 3,400) was established in 1862 as a result of a nearby gold discovery. The area offers hiking, riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fishing, hunting, and golfing opportunities.
Old Montana Prison
The Old Montana Prison was built by convict labor in the late 1800's and actively used until 1979. Visitors can tour the maximum security area, the Cell House and step inside the slide bar cells. Cell No. 1 was occupied by Paul "Turkey Pete" Eitner; sentenced to life in 1918, he became a model prisoner and was placed in charge of the prison turkey flock. Turkey Pete died in 1967 after 49 years behind bars; he was the only prisoner to occupy the cell.
Frontier Montana Museum
The Frontier Montana Museum in Deer Lodge houses a collection of handguns, spurs, chaps and other cowboy collectibles. Bead work, animal skin clothing, and Native American weapons are displayed. Exhibits are housed in the Old Montana Prison Mule Barn.
Powell County Museum
The Powell County Museum in Deer Lodge features a collection of weapons including WWI and WWII military weapons, frontier era guns, and muskets are displayed. The museum contains more than 22,000 photos of events and people from the area in the Smith-Hartley-Thompson collection.
Law Enforcement Museum
The Law Enforcement Museum in Deer Lodge was established in memorial to the 115 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1863. Exhibits include historic accounts, photographs and artifacts as well as uniforms, badges, patches and weapons.
Montana Auto Museum
The Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge features more than 120 cars from classic Chevys and muscle cars to a Schacht high wheeler and a 1903 Ford with tonneau and wicker side baskets.
Yesterday's Playthings Doll & Toy Museum
Yesterday's Playthings Doll & Toy Museum in Deer Lodge has a collection dating back to 1835, including dolls, carriages, prams, furniture, dishes and accessories. The focus of the museum is on toys from the 19th C to the present day.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
The Grant-Kohrs Ranch was established by Canadian fur trader John Grant, and expanded by cattle baron Conrad Kohrs. The site shows the history of the Western cattle industry from the 1850s to recent times. The working ranch still has livestock and more than 80 buildings from the bunkhouse row to the 23-room ranch house.
