Explore Powell County

The Deer Lodge Valley is a grassland landscape surrounded by mountain ranges to the east and west. In Powell County, trails through this landscape are as much a part of the travel experience as museums and historic buildings. This lets you include outdoor experiences and regional history when planning your stay.

Hiking Trails, River Scenery, and Cycling

The Grant-Kohrs Ranch offers more than 10 miles of interconnected hiking trails. In the western section, trails pass through natural grasslands and wildflowers and along irrigated hay meadows. You may spot deer, elk, and several bird species. Trail conditions may vary on site.

Arrowstone Park lies along the Clark Fork River in a riparian habitat, with a number of well-established hiking trails. Together with the trails at Grant-Kohrs Ranch, it offers a contrast between a landscape of grassland, wildflowers, and hay meadows and a riverside hiking area. Both places offer a specific reason to set aside time outdoors.

There is also a clearly designated cycling route: At Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, cycling is permitted on West Side Road from the Washington Street Entrance to the park boundary at the Old Wood Hay Stacker. This permission applies to the specified stretch of road. By contrast, the interconnected network of more than 10 miles is the main point of reference for hiking at the ranch.

Prison History and Historic Sites

In Deer Lodge, the Montana Territorial Prison admitted its first inmate on July 2, 1871. The Old Montana Prison offers guided and self-guided tours through the Cell House and the Maximum Security areas. This puts both a precisely dated chapter of local history and different tour formats on the itinerary.

The Rialto Theater in Deer Lodge is designed in the Beaux-Arts style and was added to the National Register in 1998 under number #98000124. The William K. Kohrs Memorial Library served a different historic purpose: Built in 1902 as a memorial to William K. Kohrs, it has served Deer Lodge as a free public library since its founding. The two buildings offer different insights into the town’s architectural and institutional heritage.

Visitors who want to explore historic buildings through photos and stories can take an interactive Deer Lodge walking tour. It features historic photos and stories about Deer Lodge’s historic buildings. Powell County Museum is another place to learn about local history, with exhibits on mining, wood carving, and local history. Regional exhibits and photographs convey what life was like in early Montana.

Collections and Visitor Planning

Collections on display at Powell County Museum also include salt and pepper shakers and antique furniture. The contents may change. The Montana Auto Collection offers a separate look at the history of technology; its holdings include a 1913 Detroit Electric Car. Individual exhibits in this collection may also change.

Yesterday’s Playthings features Harriet Free’s collection of antique and reproduction dolls, as well as mohair teddy bears. The collection also includes doll carriages, baby carriages, and a bed from a collection dating back to 1835. These objects complement the dolls and bears with further examples of historic toys and everyday items.

Milwaukee Road is another attraction in the museum complex. The admission price for the complex includes access to all five attractions; check the current admission policy before your visit. Prison Cow Ice Cream Shop serves ice cream cones and sundaes from May through September. As this is a seasonal offering, it is recommended that you check before your trip.

Getting Your Bearings in the Region

The Old Yellowstone Trail runs from Deer Lodge to Garrison, Montana. Another geographic reference point is Deer Park Golf Course, about two miles west of the center of Deer Lodge.

Whether you plan to spend most of your time on hiking trails, exploring regional history, or viewing collections, Powell County offers a range of specific subjects to explore. You can pair these interests with a search for a hotel that suits your stay.

Discover more destinations: Lincoln County, Judith Basin County, Pondera County, Valley County, Jefferson County, Deer Lodge, Lewis And Clark.

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