Wide open spaces, the hard-working cowboy, his spirited cow pony, and vast herds of cattle are among the strongest symbols of the American West. Once the headquarters of a 10 million acre cattle empire, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is a working cattle ranch that preserves these symbols and commemorates the role of cattlemen in American history.
The Basics
Hours:
Open Daily - except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Hours: 9:00 - 5:30 Memorial Day - Labor Day, 9:00 - 4:30 the rest of the year.
Address:
266 Warren Lane
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Phone:
406-846-2070
Phone:
406-846-2070
Fax:
406-846-3962
Map
Directions
Grant-Kohrs Ranch is located directly off I-90 midway between Yellowstone NP and Glacier NP in Deer Lodge, Montana. The ranch is 1/2 mile from exit 187 and can also be accessed from exit 184. Also, after a short 2 mile drive through the city of Deer Lodge, you will see Grant-Kohrs Ranch located at the north end of town.
Climate
Grant-Kohrs Ranch is sheltered from the worst effects of stormy weather by the surrounding mountains. It is classified as semiarid with total annual precipitation averaging 10.6 inches. Summers are pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Winters are characterized by fluctuating temperatures. Mild winter weather is not unusual and a week or more of consistently cold weather is rare. Spring: 30s - 50s; Summer: 50s - 90s; Fall: 30s - 70s; Winter: Below Zero - 50s
It is highly recommended that school groups and bus groups make a reservation if they are planning on visiting the park.
Things To Do
When you arrive at the ranch, your first stop should be the Visitor Center. There you may sign up for guided tours, and find out about the day’s other activities. From the Visitor Center, a 400-yard paved path will lead you to the ranch complex.
Among the original buildings on the site are the historic ranch house, the bunkhouse, the blacksmith shop, horse barns, and cattle sheds.
If you feel a need to stretch your legs, there are some easy walking trails you can venture on. You will have an opportunity to see parts of the ranch many visitors don't experience.
And don't forget, the cows, horses and chickens are always present to educate, entertain and enjoy.
This is a working ranch (not a dude ranch or petting farm) with year-round chores directed by the seasons. The ranch can bustle with activities or seem quiet. Ranger-led programs are offered seasonally. Regardless of the time of year you come, there is always an opportunity to explore the ranch on your own.
When you stop at the visitor center, pick up a park brochure. Inside the brochure you will find a self-guiding map of the ranch buildings. Walk around the historic bunkhouse and see where the cowboys lived. Check out the Thoroughbred Barn which houses the park collection of historic wagons and buggies. Take a few minutes to see the granary, draft horse barn, ice house and other historic outbuildings.
There are also a number of easy walking trails to explore. Take a walk down the nature trail that follows Cottonwood Creek to the Clark Fork River and see some excellent grassland habitat. You can follow the old Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way that will take you to a swampy area which is great for spotting aquatic birds. Or maybe you would rather head out to the far pastures to see the main herd of cattle and experience some incredible views along the way. Whichever trail you decide, it is a great opportunity to get out and stretch your legs and visit parts of the ranch that most visitors never experience.
Stop at the visitor center to get a map of the trails and to find out where the cattle are located.
Guided Tours
Throughout the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are a variety of ranger-led programs offered daily. Stop at the visitor center to find out the program schedule for the day of your visit.
Ranch Tour The open range cattle era in American history only lasted a few short decades, but it left a lasting impression. You can join a ranger for a walk around the ranch. On the tour you will have an opportunity to see parts of the ranch many people don't visit, experience incredible scenic views and learn about the open range era and its lasting legacy.
Cowboy Talk One of the most recognized images from the open range cattle era is the cowboy. Over the years, Hollywood, television, and books glamourized cowboy life. You can join a ranger and learn about the real cowboy and what his job entailed during the days of the open range.
Chuckwagon Talk The open range cattle era was a time of trail drives and round-ups. Take a minute to sit down at the chuckwagon and hear what life was like living out on the open range for months at a time and how the chuckwagon became home away from home for those hardworking cowboys.
Blacksmith Talk
The blacksmith shop was the hub of activity during the haying season as horses were shod and machinery repaired. Learn about ironwork throughout history and the importance of the blacksmith to ranchers during the open range cattle era.
Main Ranch House Tour Johnny Grant originally built the ranch house in 1862. It was a trading post downstairs and a residence upstairs. In 1866 he sold the ranch to Conrad Kohrs who became known as the "Cattle King" in Montana. In 1890 Kohrs built a brick addition onto the home adding a formal dining room, large kitchen, a second bathroom, and many bedrooms. Augusta Kohrs acquired the elegant furnishing seen throughout the house over several decades.
Tours of the main ranch house are offered daily. Stop by the Visitor Center for tour times. You must sign up for house tours at the visitor center. There is no fee for tour tickets. For preservation reasons, tours are limited to 12 people. Tours do fill up quickly in the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Grant-Kohrs related sites in Deer Lodge
Hillcrest Cemetery, W. Milwaukee Road. Burial sites for Augusta, Conrad, son William Kohrs, John Bielenberg, and grandson, Conrad Warren.
Old Prison Museum, 1106 Main St., 406-846-3111. Site of the Montana Territorial Prison. Kohrs served on the board of prison commissioners in the mid-1870's.
William K. Kohrs Memorial Library, 501 Missouri Avenue. William, Conrad Kohrs' only son died in 1901.
Kohrs related sites in Helena, Montana
Home of Conrad and Augusta Kohrs, 804 Dearborn Avenue. Kohrs bought the home in 1900.
Montana Historical Society Museum, 225 N. Roberts St. Collection of oils, watercolors, bronzes, and illustrated letters by artist Charles M. Russell.
