Attractions of the Complex
Something for Everyone!
Old Prison Museum
Guided and self-guided tours lead you through the intimidating Cell House and into the chilling slide bar cells and black box of Maximum Security. See what it was like to live amongst the turreted stone towers and iron gates at the “Prison Life” photo exhibit, then view the galloping gallows, currently located in the Clark Theater.
Montana Auto Collection
Too many to list, but too much to miss, is a visit to the Montana Auto Museum in the Old Prison Museum Complex. Over 200 cars are on display from classic Chevys and muscle cars to a Schacht high wheeler. Listed by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Car Museums in the country the Montana Auto Museum offers a splendid display of automotive history.
Frontier Montana
“God created man, but the Colt made him equal” is the title on one exhibit case in Frontier Montana Museum. This is the largest collection of handguns, spurs, chaps and all the cowboy collectibles between Cody and Calgary. Housed in the Old Montana Prison Mule Barn, these exhibits shine in the ambiance of end-grain wood block floors and real tin ceilings.
Yesterday's Playthings
Montana’s foremost doll and toy museum features the collection of Harriet Free. Antique Jumeaus and reproduction dolls done by Mrs Free, play with mohair teddy bears, Jeri dolls in full-body porcelain, dolls of Lee Middleton and much more. There is a cabbage patch with children of cloth, porcelain, and composition with Lady Liberty overseeing her domain. Rotraut Schrott is represented with four full body dolls.
Powell County Museum
The story of the Deer Lodge Valley unfolds as you step into the Powell County Museum. Experience what life was like in early Montana through displays and photos of the area.
Gift Shop
Featuring unique and made in Montana items, our gift shop is one of a kind. Do a little shopping with us for you or a loved one. There is something for everyone!
Prison Cow Ice Cream
Take a break from our museums and get yourself some hot food or some cold ice cream at the Prison Cow Ice Cream Shop!
Yellowstone Trail
The Yellowstone Trail was the first transcontinental automobile highway in the United States, stretching across the northern part of the country from Washington all the way to Massachusetts. But, few people are aware of its social, political and economic effects on the nation. Some, don't even realize it exists.
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About Us
The Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation is a local non-profit membership organization which operates the Old Montana Prison as a Museum. As the Old Prison Complex contains buildings located on three blocks outside the Old Prison walls, other collections have been brought in to fill five museums.
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Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation
Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex
1106 Main St. Deer Lodge, MT 59722
© 2024 by Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation
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