Desert John's Saloon Museum is one of several museums which are part of the complex known as the Old Prison Museums in Deer Lodge. The restored prison stables contain Frontier Montana. Up front are exhibits featuring all types of Western memorabilia. There are displays of handguns, knives, and even swords which were once carried by those who settled the West. Their chaps, clothing and saddles, are here as well. Native American artifacts are well represented, too. There is enough history here to keep those with an interest in the old West enthralled for hours.

Two large rooms at the back tell another kind of story about the old West. It is here that Desert John's Saloon, has a home. For those who love the lore of the old West saloon, this place is a time machine. Everything is pre-Prohibition.

Upon entering, a visitor is greeted by an automated saloon keeper. He stands behind the gleaming wooden bar and tells a tale of how it was shipped up the Missouri River from St. Louis. Turning from the bar, patrons are greeted by walls covered in dozens of colorful signs and trays, posters and calendars, all promoting early brands of whiskey. They feature scenes of satisfied drinkers, lovely young lassies with come hither looks, and folks enjoying the sporting life.

Early whiskey bottles from around the country fill countless shelves. Beside them stand flasks of every size, shape, and color. Etched shot glasses compliment the bottles and feature brand names which echo those on the bottles: Old McBrayer, Old Prentice, Old Blue Ribbon, Samaritan Rye, and Golden Link. Back bar bottles and decanters, their fancy lettering done in gold, or silver, or in white enamel, are found upon still more shelves. Stoneware jugs, large and small, all emblazoned with the names of liquor dealers long since gone, fill a large section of one room.