Old Montana Prison Museum
Explore Montana's territorial past in a historic prison and marvel at a vast collection of classic cars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Old Montana Prison Museum
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Montana's territorial past in a historic prison and marvel at a vast collection of classic cars.
"Highly recommend! Super interesting and fun experience with friendly staff."
🎟️ Multi-Museum Pass
Your ticket often covers multiple museums for up to a year! Plan accordingly.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the prison and car exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Prison Cells
Old Montana Prison
Walk through the actual cells and feel the weight of history. A truly immersive experience.
Classic Car Collection
Deer Lodge Auto Museum
Marvel at over 200 vintage cars, meticulously organized by decade. A car enthusiast's paradise.
Territorial Prison History
Old Montana Prison
Learn about Montana's early days and the stories of those incarcerated here. Educational and thought-provoking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Prison & Auto Museum Visit
Tickets & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Multi-Museum Pass
Your ticket often covers multiple museums for up to a year! Plan accordingly.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the prison and car exhibits.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
3+ hours recommended for prison & auto museum alone.
🚗 AAA Discount Available
Check for potential discounts like AAA for admission.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Multi-Museum Pass
Your ticket often covers multiple museums for up to a year! Plan accordingly.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking through the prison and car exhibits.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
3+ hours recommended for prison & auto museum alone.
🚗 AAA Discount Available
Check for potential discounts like AAA for admission.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for unique photos, especially in the prison.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend the Old Montana Prison Museum, praising its fascinating history and extensive classic car collection. The friendly staff and the value of multi-day passes that include access to other local museums are frequently mentioned positives. Some note that the prison tour can be somber, but overall, it's considered a highly educational and enjoyable experience.
"Highly recommend! My husband and I stopped by shortly before they closed and were able the check out the old prison. The staff were kind enough to let us back the next morning to see the car museum the next day, free of charge. We are so happy we stopped here to check out this museum on our way to Glacier, super interesting and fun experience! The staff were so friendly! We got a discount having AAA"
Rachel Peterson
"My husband & I visited both museums. Well worth the cost of admission & the time. The self guided tour is amazing. You can walk through nearly all of the prison. So much information & education.
The auto museum is a car enthusiast’s dream. Vehicles dating back to about 1914 & into the 1970’s.
Would highly recommend!"
Tina Scott
"Highly Recommend! Very interesting and educational. So much history! We only had time to tour the prison and auto museum but if you have 2 days, you can enjoy 3 other museums with your admission ticket. Very enjoyable experience and such friendly staff. Over 200 beautiful cars organized well by decades. Nicest car museum I have ever toured. I am not passionate about cars, but I really enjoyed it!"
Stacie Pales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Montana Prison Museum is located in Deer Lodge, Montana. It's easily accessible by car, often mentioned as a stop along road trips through Montana. Many visitors find it while traveling to or from destinations like Glacier National Park. 
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the Old Montana Prison Museum complex. Visitors have mentioned it as a convenient stop on their travels.
Deer Lodge is situated along I-90, making it a straightforward drive from various points in Montana. Travelers often pass through it on cross-state journeys.
Yes, Deer Lodge offers other historical sites like Garnet Ghost Town and several other museums included with your admission ticket, making it a great area for a day trip.
Absolutely! Many visitors treat the Old Montana Prison Museum as a significant stop on a larger road trip or as a dedicated day trip from nearby towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but reviews indicate that tickets are well worth the cost and often include access to multiple museums. Some visitors have also noted receiving discounts, such as for AAA members.
Yes, many visitors have reported that their admission tickets are valid for a second visit, often for up to a year, allowing ample time to explore all the included exhibits.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Some visitors have mentioned that certain museums might not be open for the entire season, so it's advisable to check their official hours before your visit, especially if traveling during shoulder seasons.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check the official website for the Old Montana Prison Museum for the most up-to-date information on purchasing tickets online or at the entrance.
The prison portion typically offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and read information panels. Some social media content highlights specific staff members who share stories, suggesting opportunities for engaging interactions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The complex includes the historic Old Montana Prison, where you can walk through cells and learn about its history, and the Deer Lodge Auto Museum, featuring over 200 classic cars. Admission often includes access to other historical museums in Deer Lodge. +1
Yes, families have enjoyed visiting the Old Montana Prison Museum. The kids loved it, and the combination of history and cars offers something for various ages.
Visitors recommend allowing at least 3 hours to fully explore the prison and the auto museum. If you plan to visit the other included museums, you might need more time or a second day.
The prison has a rich history, including a riot in 1959 that resulted in casualties. Stories of its past and the lives of inmates and guards are a significant part of the visitor experience.
The self-guided tour allows you to walk through nearly all of the prison, offering a lot of information and education about its history and former inhabitants. It's described as an amazing and educational experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museums, offering great opportunities for unique shots, especially within the historic prison cells and among the classic cars.
The prison cells themselves offer dramatic and historical photo opportunities. The well-organized classic car collection in the auto museum also provides excellent backdrops for car enthusiasts and photographers alike.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography, especially in sensitive historical areas.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and museums to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the museum directly regarding their drone policy.
A camera with good low-light performance would be beneficial for capturing the atmosphere inside the prison cells. For the car museum, a versatile lens that can handle both wide shots and details would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a multi-day pass if you have younger children who might need breaks or if you want to explore the other museums in Deer Lodge at a relaxed pace. The self-guided nature of the prison tour allows families to move through at their own speed, and the educational aspects can be presented in an age-appropriate manner.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Beyond the impressive car exhibits, the historical context of the prison offers a unique juxtaposition. You can spend your morning delving into Montana's penal history and your afternoon admiring the evolution of automotive design. It's a dual experience that appeals to a broad range of interests, but for car lovers, the auto museum alone is worth the trip.
+1🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the prison walls, the admission often includes access to other historical museums in Deer Lodge, further enriching the historical immersion. This complex provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's past, from its correctional facilities to its cultural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Montana's Past: The Old Montana Prison
Social media content highlights the haunting atmosphere of the prison, with creators sharing their impressions of the confined spaces and the stories of past events, including a significant riot in 1959. The staff's willingness to share stories further enhances the immersive nature of the visit, making it more than just a walk through an old building. It's a chance to understand a crucial, albeit somber, part of Montana's heritage.
+1For those interested in the social history of the region, the prison offers a unique perspective. It serves as a reminder of how justice and society have evolved. The accessibility of the tour allows everyone to engage with this history at their own pace, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Deer Lodge.
Wheels of Time: The Deer Lodge Auto Museum
The organization of the collection by era makes it easy to trace the evolution of automotive design and technology. Each car is a piece of history, representing different eras of American life and innovation. The attention to detail in displaying these vehicles ensures a visually engaging experience for all visitors, regardless of their prior knowledge of automobiles.
This part of the complex is frequently highlighted in travel reels and reviews for its amazing auto exhibit. It provides a vibrant contrast to the somber history of the prison, offering a more celebratory look at American ingenuity and culture. The combination of these two distinct attractions makes the Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex a uniquely comprehensive destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit