Located in Deer Lodge, the Old Montana Prison is now a complex featuring five unique museums inside its walls. However, there’s no denying that this historic space still feels a little eerie, even though it hasn’t served as a prison in many decades. As you walk through the grounds, you just might feel as if you’re being watched, even if no one is there. This is especially true if you’re brave enough to go on a ghost tour.

You'll find the Old Montana Prison Museum right on Main Street in Deer Lodge.
Old Montana Prison Complex / Facebook
The gray sandstone walls are 24 feet high and buried four feet deep, once serving as an attempt to keep inmates from escaping.
The prison was built by convict labor in the late 1800s, and it was actually the first Territorial Prison in the western United States.
Tom C / TripAdvisor
The Montana State Prison, or the "Old Prison" as it was known, was active until 1979.
It goes without saying that this wasn't a great place to be, but historical texts indicate it was often downright awful.
Old Montana Prison Complex / Facebook
The prison was plagued with outdated facilities, financial issues, underpaid staff, and mistreated inmates. It was even the site of a deadly riot in 1959.
Whether or not you believe in paranormal activity, a sinister history like that is bound to leave some residual energy.
busymothertoronto / TripAdvisor
But visitors and professional ghost hunters alike think there's a lot more going on here.
The Old Montana Prison Museum offers year-round ghost tours for $50 per person, allowing you the chance to roam the property late at night and try to summon a spirit.
Old Montana Prison Complex / Facebook
Nearly everyone has taken the tour has experienced random bouts of inexplicable coldness and heard strange sounds. Many paranormal investigators have visited over the years, and most if not all of them have witnessed things that simply defy explanation.
This year, the museum staff added something new (and terrifying) to the lineup: Virtual Convict Lockdowns.
Robby G C / TripAdvisor
For $125, you will be "convicted" of a crime, sentenced, given prison attire, and sent to your own cell to spend the night. Dinner and breakfast are included (and it's not prison food). As of now, the only date on the calendar for this heart-pounding event has passed, but there will be others.
The Montana State Prison was not a fun place to be.
Ben Loughridge / Google
Luckily, these days, all you'll have to worry about when you visit is feeling a little spooked.

Ready to take a road trip to Deer Lodge, if you dare?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Montana

Featured Addresses
Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex, 1104 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, USA