Montana is called the Last Best Place, and it’s certainly a fitting nickname since we love preserving our local history. And if you’re looking for a place to visit that epitomizes the American West, head to the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site near Deer Lodge. It’s open year-round, and it’s well worth exploring.
This enormous ranch was the work of fir trader John Francis Gran and German immigrant (and butcher) Conrad Kohrs.
Gryfudd / TripAdvisor Kohrs eventually worked up the capital to buy out Grant. This property soon became the headquarters of a 10-million acre cattle empire.
The brutal winter of 1886–87 was devastating for a lot of Montana cattle ranchers.
LATravel55 / TripAdvisor Many herds were decimated that winter, but Kohrs’ herds managed to survive. Korhs took the opportunity to expand, taking over lands from bankrupt ranchers from Colorado to Canada.
Visiting this historic site is a reminder of an important chapter in the history of the American West.
coquiOmaha / TripAdvisor The open-range cattle industry didn’t last long, but this property really showcases the hard work people put in to make them successful.
Guided tours of the main ranch house are offered year-round, and they’re fantastic.
Tom L. / TripAdvisor Seeing the house and hearing the stories will give you an up-close-and-personal glimpse into the lives of the families who lived here. Better yet, the tours are free.
You can do your own exploring and go on a self-guided tour.
Flickred! / Flickr This is still a working ranch, complete with daily chores. There are also a few peaceful nature trails to walk.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Tom L. / TripAdvisor Stop by the visitor center during business hours (9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.), get a brochure, and enjoy your interactive history lesson.
If you love learning about Montana’s past, check out these other historical landmarks as well.
Gryfudd / TripAdvisor
Kohrs eventually worked up the capital to buy out Grant. This property soon became the headquarters of a 10-million acre cattle empire.
LATravel55 / TripAdvisor
Many herds were decimated that winter, but Kohrs’ herds managed to survive. Korhs took the opportunity to expand, taking over lands from bankrupt ranchers from Colorado to Canada.
coquiOmaha / TripAdvisor
The open-range cattle industry didn’t last long, but this property really showcases the hard work people put in to make them successful.
Tom L. / TripAdvisor
Seeing the house and hearing the stories will give you an up-close-and-personal glimpse into the lives of the families who lived here. Better yet, the tours are free.
Flickred! / Flickr
This is still a working ranch, complete with daily chores. There are also a few peaceful nature trails to walk.
Stop by the visitor center during business hours (9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.), get a brochure, and enjoy your interactive history lesson.
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