Entry No. 5 — the Helena file — filed under: haunted

Old Montana Prison

Montana's territorial-and-state prison held inmates from 1870 until 1979, and the empty sandstone cell blocks, isolation cells, and guard towers are now open as a museum. The convict-built 1912 cell house, the 'Galloping Gallows' (a portable gallows once moved between hanging sites, now on display), and the scene of the 1959 riot in which inmate Lee Smart killed deputy warden Ted Rothe all survive on the grounds. After-dark ghost tours run from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and reach areas closed to daytime visitors, including the Death Tower and the upper tiers of the cell house.

The move: Book the late-night ghost investigation, then split a thermos of coffee on the drive back over the pass before dawn.

📍 Before you go Deer Lodge is about 40 miles west of Helena; ghost tours are by reservation and require participants to be 15+ (under 18 with a parent).

• 📍 Deer Lodge
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 1106 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24