the ranch house plus
1 / 10

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

4.7
·581 reviews·Deer Lodge, United States

Step back in time at a working 19th-century cattle ranch, a living history museum preserving the legacy of the American West.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
the ranch house plus

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at a working 19th-century cattle ranch, a living history museum preserving the legacy of the American West.

4.7
(581 reviews)

"This is a well-preserved gem. It tells the story of one huge ranch in Western Montana- the trials and the successes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pet the Cows!

You can get up close and personal with the cows here. A perfect spot for animal lovers! :cow:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Ranch house tours and blacksmith demos are highlights. Don't miss special events like calf branding!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ranch House Tour

Historic Ranch House Tour

Ranch House

Step inside the opulent home of the Kohrs family and discover their 'ahead of their time' innovations like electricity and central heating.

Reddit
Working Cattle and Horses

Working Cattle and Horses

Pastures and Barns

See a genuine working ranch in action with cattle grazing and draft horses. You might even get to pet them!

TikTokReddit
Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Blacksmith Shop

Witness the skill of a blacksmith at work, a crucial trade for any 19th-century ranch.

Instagram+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Working Ranch Vibe

Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a living history museum where a working cattle ranch still operates. Expect to see cattle and draft horses, and learn about 19th-century ranch life. Check the schedule for demonstrations like blacksmithing or ranch house tours to make the most of your visit. TikTok

Plan for Interactive Learning

This site offers a unique, hands-on experience. Participate in ranger-led tours, learn about cowboy history, and even try your hand at roping! The annual calf branding event is a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Annual Calf Branding Event
Why
Unique historical experience
Crowd
High
When
Holiday Open House
Why
Festive Victorian atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a National Historic Site located in Deer Lodge, Montana. It preserves the former location of one of the largest cattle ranches in American history. In fact, the National Park Service still operates a working cattle ranch on the property today - a form of living history where you can see exactly how the ranch might have been run back in the eighteenth century. For this pa...
nationalparkdiaries
8 likes • 495 views

🎯 Pet the Cows!

You can get up close and personal with the cows here. A perfect spot for animal lovers! Reddit :cow:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Ranch house tours and blacksmith demos are highlights. Don't miss special events like calf branding! InstagramReddit

Step back in time and see what Christmas was like during the Victorian era at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Deer Lodge, Montana! There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, blacksmithing demonstrations, holiday crafts, and more. Make sure to hop on a free tour of the historic ranch house which will be decorated with authentic Victorian era decorations! #montana #travel #shorts #christmas...
southwestmontana
32 likes • 1.2K views
Who doesn't deserve a holiday kiss from wintery whitetail doe? Image depicts a whitetail familiarizing herself with a trail camera at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.
grantkohrsnhs
95 likes • 842 views

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Exploration

Even if you miss a ranger tour, other buildings are open. Great for a quick leg stretch on a road trip. Reddit

🤠 Junior Ranger Program

Kids can earn a 'Little Rancher' badge, making the visit interactive and fun for families. Instagram

Little Rancher badge! Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. @grantkohrsnhs #mountainmowzer #cowboycat #littlerancher #juniorranger #catranger #travelcat #adventurecats #catsofinstagram #catlife #meow
mountainmowzer
11 likes • 525 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pet the Cows!

You can get up close and personal with the cows here. A perfect spot for animal lovers! Reddit :cow:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Ranch house tours and blacksmith demos are highlights. Don't miss special events like calf branding! InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Exploration

Even if you miss a ranger tour, other buildings are open. Great for a quick leg stretch on a road trip. Reddit

🤠 Junior Ranger Program

Kids can earn a 'Little Rancher' badge, making the visit interactive and fun for families. Instagram

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the essence of the Old West. Look for specific photo spots mentioned by visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(581 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Grant-Kohrs Ranch for its authentic living history experience, interactive elements, and well-preserved ranch house. The opportunity to see working cattle and horses, coupled with friendly and informative staff, makes it a memorable stop. Some noted a desire for more staff presence during off-peak times and expressed concerns about certain interpretive signage.

"This is a nice little place to stop by for a couple of hours. Learned about the history of cowboys and settlers. (and some conflict between the two!)
Pretty interactive and can see the farm animals very close. Staff are friendly.
A small restroom is available but no gift shop. A small booth provides NP guides and stamp."

Junwoo Lim

"This was fascinating! I came on the day of their annual calf branding. That was really interesting and the rangers and volunteers gave out so much interesting info as well as answering questions. Then we took the tour of the house. Wow! The history of cattle ranching really came to life looking at the actual belongings and home of the people who made history here."

Karen Landon

"I missed the Ranger guided tour of the ranch house, but the other buildings were open to explore. It was very interesting, and it was a perfect quick stop to stretch my legs on a long road trip."

Jordyn Fairaizl

What People Like

Living history demonstrations
Historic ranch house tour
Working cattle and horses

What People Dislike

Limited staff during off-peak
Concerns about signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grant-Kohrs Ranch is located in Deer Lodge, Montana. It's accessible by car, and visitors often stop here during road trips through the region. Reddit

Yes, parking is available for visitors. It's a convenient stop for those traveling by car. Instagram

Yes, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a fee-free park, making it an accessible historical experience. Instagram

Exploring on foot is ideal to see the historic buildings, interact with the animals, and take in the scenery. Reddit

Yes, RVs can visit the ranch. It's a popular stop for those living the RV life. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a fee-free park, so no tickets are required for entry. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most current information before your visit. Instagram

Yes, ranger-guided tours of the ranch house are a highlight. Check the schedule upon arrival to catch one. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Special events like the Holiday Open House and calf branding offer unique experiences. InstagramReddit+1

There is no dedicated gift shop, but a small booth may provide National Park guides and stamps. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see cattle, including calves, and working draft horses. Visitors have noted they can pet the cows. TikTokInstagramReddit

The ranch preserves the history of one of America's largest cattle ranches, focusing on cowboy and settler life in the 19th century. TikTokReddit

Yes, children can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn a 'Little Rancher' badge. Instagram

The Chronolog is a photo site where you can take a picture of the same view over time. Specific locations are marked near the Springer Hay Field and wooden bridge. Reddit

The ranch house tour provides insights into the lives of the Kohrs and Bielenberg families who managed the vast ranch. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic ranch house, the pastures with cattle and horses, and the blacksmith shop offer great photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can photograph the resident wildlife, including deer and various birds. Instagram

Visitors mention 'Chronolog' photo sites for historical comparison shots. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in National Park Service sites to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check official regulations. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering light for capturing the ranch's atmosphere. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a fantastic destination for families. The Junior Ranger program offers a fun way for kids to engage with the site and earn a 'Little Rancher' badge. Instagram Seeing the working cattle and horses up close is always a hit, and some visitors mention being able to pet the cows. Reddit The ranch house tour provides a glimpse into a different era, and the open spaces are great for kids to explore. Consider visiting during special events like the Holiday Open House for added festive fun. Instagram+1

🤠 History Buffs & Western Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the American West, Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a must-visit. It offers a deep dive into the history of large-scale cattle ranching and the lives of the cowboys and families who built these empires. TikTok The meticulously preserved ranch house provides a unique window into the wealth and lifestyle of figures like Conrad Kohrs, showcasing early innovations. Reddit Don't miss the ranger-led tours for in-depth historical context and the chance to learn about the conflicts and collaborations of the era. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Grant-Kohrs Ranch is an ideal stop for those on a road trip through Montana. It's a fee-free site that offers a rich historical experience without a significant time commitment. Instagram You can easily spend a couple of hours here stretching your legs, learning about cowboy history, and seeing the farm animals. Reddit Even if you miss a guided tour, the other buildings are open to explore, making it a perfect quick stop to break up a long drive. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Living History: The Working Ranch

Grant-Kohrs Ranch isn't just a museum; it's a living history site where a working cattle ranch continues to operate. This means you'll see authentic ranching activities, including cattle grazing and the care of draft horses. The National Park Service maintains this tradition, offering a glimpse into the daily life of 19th-century cowboys and ranchers. TikTok Visitors can learn about the immense scale of operations, as the ranch once managed grazing lands across millions of acres. Instagram

This hands-on approach makes the history tangible. You can witness demonstrations like blacksmithing, a vital skill for maintaining equipment and tools on a vast ranch. Instagram+1 The presence of working animals and the ongoing ranching practices provide a unique educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with the past in a dynamic way. It’s a chance to understand the challenges and triumphs of those who shaped the American West. Reddit

The Kohrs Family Legacy

The heart of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site lies in its preservation of the Kohrs and Bielenberg families' history. Conrad Kohrs, a Norwegian immigrant, built one of the largest and most successful cattle empires in the American West. Instagram His ranch house, a testament to his wealth and foresight, showcases a remarkable level of comfort and modernity for its time. Reddit

During the ranch house tour, you'll discover how the family incorporated innovations like electricity and central heating, demonstrating their progressive outlook. Reddit Exploring the meticulously preserved rooms and personal belongings offers an intimate look at their lives, their business acumen, and the social dynamics of the era. It’s a powerful narrative of ambition, hard work, and the evolution of ranching in Montana. Instagram

Interactive Experiences for All Ages

Grant-Kohrs Ranch excels at providing engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Beyond simply observing, you can actively participate in learning. The Junior Ranger program, for instance, allows children to become 'Little Ranchers' by completing activities, earning a special badge and a deeper understanding of ranch life. Instagram

Ranger-led programs are a cornerstone of the visitor experience. These can include informative tours of the ranch house, demonstrations of traditional skills like roping, and insights into the conflicts and collaborations between cowboys and settlers. Reddit Special events, such as the annual calf branding or the festive Holiday Open House with Victorian-era decorations and wagon rides, transform the site into a lively historical tableau. Instagram+1 These interactive elements make the history of the American West come alive, offering memorable moments for families and history enthusiasts alike. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2