So there’s a town in Montana called Deer Lodge, and we chose the KOA Campground there for a one-night stop. Nestled seemingly in the middle of nowhere, this town surprised us — it’s full of rich history and unexpected charm, and we had an absolute blast. It’s the kind of place you might drive past without a second glance, but we’re so glad we didn’t.
First stop: the Old Montana State Prison, now a museum packed with stories of prisoners, riots, fires, and even hangings. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also home to a surprisingly awesome antique and classic car collection — a strange yet fascinating juxtaposition of exhibits. One of the most striking parts was the old theatre, damaged by fire, where now only the original gallows and noose remain. Chilling and unforgettable.
Back in the mid-1800s, when vigilante justice and lawlessness were common across the Wild West, Congress chose Deer Lodge as the site of the first Territorial Prison in the western United States. In 1871, it opened with just nine prisoners. Within months, it was already overcrowded and underfunded. From this rough start, the use of convict labortook root — prisoners built additional cells and structures, including a small women’s unit.
By 1889, Montana had become a state, and the facility became known as the Montana State Prison, operating until its closure in 1979. A newer prison still operates just four miles down the road.
After our tour through history, we wandered down the Main Street and stepped into Wallows Brewery, a newer, inviting building that immediately caught our eye. We grabbed some cold beers and food — but the best part was the company. We ended up sitting next to a couple named Johnal and Cindy, who live in Deer Lodge part of the year and spend the rest sailing their boat and enjoying life.
John had retired from the new state prison, and Cindy was a local music teacher. We traded stories about travel, retirement, Texas, and sailing, and it turned into one of those special evenings you just don’t plan for — the kind that makes life on the road so meaningful.
Isn’t it something? In just a few short hours, in a little town in Montana we never planned to love, we made new friendsand shared memories we’ll always keep. Life is unpredictable. And sometimes, that’s the very best part.