Location: Deer Lodge
Top Things to do in Deer Lodge
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Things to do in Deer Lodge, Montana (MT): The Best Museums
Deer Lodge is a city in and the county seat of Powell County, Montana, United States. The population was 3,111 at the 2010 census. The city is perhaps best known as the home of the Montana State Prison, a major local employer. The Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, and former state tuberculosis sanitarium in nearby Galen are the result of the power the western part of the state held over Montana at statehood due to the copper and mineral wealth in that area. Deer Lodge was also once an important railroad town, serving as a division headquarters for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad ("the Milwaukee Road") before the railroad's local abandonment in 1980.
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1. Powell County Museum
2. Old Montana Prison Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR VISITORS AND STAFF PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY REQUIRING MASKS AND SCREENING BEFORE ENTERING THE MUSEUMS. THE MUSEUM IS BEING SANITIZED EVERY 2 HOURS The Old Montana Prison Complex consists of 5 museums and is open Daily throughout the year. This Museum does not receive funds from State or Federal Funding, we rely on tourism, donations and Memberships. We very much appreciate everyone that supports the complex. We have the Old Prison, Montana Auto Museum, Frontier Montana (Western History, WWII Exhibit), Yesterday's Playthings (Model Trains, dolls and toys) and Powell County Museum (local history, wood carving and mining). Other attractions include a Milwaukee Road exhibits (including 2 locomotive engines and a caboose), Cottonwood City ( a recreation of a small pioneer town), plus an Art Gallery and other historic buildings. Check in at our Visitors Center. One ticket covers all Museums. We have now returned to winter hours. We are open 10-4 daily
Reviewed By pamcS3084KG - Virginia Beach, United States
The prison complex was interesting, with a lot of informational plaques describing the various buildings, and areas. It was very hot the day we were there and there were some of the areas that we didn't visit as much as we would have liked. A beautiful area with lots of history. The prison store, across the street from the prison itself, had a fantastic display of items for sale, made by the inmates at the New Prison, and at the Women's Prison. There were artwork, jewelry, leatherwork, harness, and belts, with a very unique Chess Set made of leather in the store. The antique car section was also worth seeing. The price of admission is reasonable and you can come back within a year, as long as you have your ticket.
3. Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation is a local, non-profit membership organization in Deer Lodge, Montana which operates the Old Montana Prison as a museum. PCMAF also oversees and operates the Montana Auto Museum, the Frontier Museum, Yesterday’s Playthings, Cottonwood City, the Powell County Museum, the PEN Art Gallery and the Prison Cow Ice Cream Shop as part of the Old Prison Museum Complex
Reviewed By laurink172 - Brisbane, Australia
The quality of the cars in this complex are a great and to see so many of them have been donated and fully restored
4. Yesterday's Playthings
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 27 reviews
North, South, East and West all offer spectacular views of the mountains and are accompanied by the incredible feeling of stepping back into another time where the Railroad ruled, mining was a way of life & outlaws lived across the street.
Reviewed By BajaBuddies2 - Florida, United States
Many assorted toys of years gone by. There are trains, dolls, hobby horses, and much more. Doll houses, Barbie dolls, and more toys the years have forgotten about. It is very interesting and fun to stroll thru. We enjoyed the look at our childhood. The era of about 1950's to 1980's !
5. Frontier Montana Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
