The pioneering cattle ranches of the 19th century are brought to life at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Deer Lodge, Montana. The vast 1,600-acre (650-hectare) estate was the former headquarters of a cattle empire that encompassed millions of acres of grasslands. Today it provides an accurate picture of pioneering in Montana in the late 1800s. Explore the ranch house, meet blacksmiths and cowboys or tour around the estate on a charming old wagon.
Established by the Canadian fur trader Johnny Grant in 1862, the ranch was later purchased by the renowned cattle baron Conrad Kohrs and developed into a profitable estate that put Deer Lodge on the Old West map. Take a guided tour of the home ranch and learn about the lives of the ranchers and cattlemen that lived and worked here. Find out how the ranch made a lucrative business selling livestock to nearby fledgling mining towns and settlers passing by on the Oregon Trail. A local ranger will guide you through the stately house, providing an insight into the living history of the ranch.
Peruse the collections of beautifully preserved furnishings and walk around the estate to see the historic bunkhouse, horse barns and cattle sheds. You’ll be transported to another era with hands-on exhibits of 19th-century horse-drawn ranching equipment. Join educational talks by the ranch’s blacksmith and learn about the ranch life with a cowboy. Explore 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) of walking trails and watch draft horses haying the meadows.
Take the kids along to see the horses, cows and chickens and take part in roping lessons. Check out the Grant-Kohrs Ranch program to find out when special events and talks are scheduled. You might catch Junior Ranger Day or Pumpkin Sunday. Join in during special events such as cattle branding or haying with horses.
The Grant-Kohrs Ranch is located on the northwestern border of Deer Lodge. Drive or reach the ranch’s visitor center on foot from downtown. There is no admission fee and tours are free to join. The ranch is open daily year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years’ Day.