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Old Montana Prison Museum Complex, Deer Lodge, MT
MuseumsHistory BuffFamily Favorite

Old Montana Prison Museum Complex

1106 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 · Deer Lodge, MT

Why you should go…

The Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation operates the Old Montana Prison Museum Complex in Deer Lodge, Montana, preserving the history of the Deer Lodge Valley inside the walls of the former Montana State Prison. One ticket covers five museums on site: the Old Montana Prison, the Powell County Museum, the Frontier Montana Museum, Yesterday's Playthings and the Montana Auto Museum. The complex is open daily year-round.

  • #prison museum
  • #montana history
  • #antique cars
  • #toys
  • #deer lodge

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Old Montana Prison Museum Complex, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

    Free

    Tour a working cattle ranch from the open-range era, with a historic ranch house, living history and walking trails.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Anaconda

    Free

    Historic copper-smelting town in southwest Montana between Yellowstone and Glacier, with a downtown visitor center.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Montana Zipline Adventures

    $50+

    Montana's longest zipline course, seven lines totaling over 9,300 feet through the Pintler Wilderness.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

    $50+

    Year-round mineral hot springs resort near Anaconda with four spring-fed pools, a waterslide, golf and lodging.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Sapphire Gallery & Sweet Palace

    Free

    Neighboring Philipsburg, Montana shops for hands-on sapphire mining and jewelry, next to a handmade fudge and candy store.

    27 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Berkeley Pit

    Under $25

    Look out from a viewing stand over a mile-long former open-pit copper mine that is slowly filling with acidic water.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing