Old Montana Prison Museum

Take a tour to learn about the history behind this old prison.

The Old Montana State Prison is located in the Southwestern region of Montana. This prison was a correctional facility that was in operation from 1871 until about 1979. In the early years of this facility, it was strictly for men. It wasn’t until the 1900s that a new portion of the prison was built to hold women. The intention for building this prison was to tame the West's criminals, as there was expansion in farmland and cattle ranches.

Now this prison is a historical site to teach about the impact this prison had back in the day. It also shows how different prisons were in the 1800-1900s compared to modern prisons. Along with touring the remains of the prison, there is also an old car museum next to the prison for those interested in the evolution of cars.

There are other attractions nearby, such as Frontier Montana, Yesterday’s Playthings exhibit, Powell County Museum, and Yellowstone Trail museum that everyone can enjoy during their time at Deer Lodge, Montana. Admission is free for other museums with the purchase of a prison tour ticket. This is a great place for all who love history and learn about the United States' technological advancements.