The valley of the White Tail Deer has always been a route and a resting place for man and animals. Nestled within the sheltered valley, Deer Lodge offered to gold seekers, ranchers, and settlers practical opportunities for good lives. The mountains still provide big game, waterfowl and upland birds for hunters. The Clark Fork, Little Blackfoot, Nevada Creek Reservoir and Blackfoot Rivers receive firm-fleshed trout from the cold feeder streams, tempting both fishermen and hikers. Old mining camps and ghost towns reflect the past outside of Deer Lodge.

Midway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, downtown Deer Lodge is far enough off the freeway for freedom from traffic noise and close enough for a one and a half minute return to I-90. Travelers who wish to stay overnight find fine accommodations in four motels. Various restaurants cater to a variety of tastes. National Forest campgrounds and public campgrounds welcome campers. All within two blocks is the Old Prison Museum Complex: Montana Auto, Frontier Montana, Powell County, Law Enforcement and Yesterday's Playthings. Territorial Days with Street Rod and Classic Car Show, parade, BBQ, Jaywalkers Jamboree provides two days of fun for all ages in June. A Tri-County Fair complete with parade, rodeo, and demolition derby is a mid-August event. In September the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo provides a two-day entertainment at the fairgrounds. As the county seat, Deer Lodge is the hub of Powell County that includes rural communities such as Avon, Helmville, Ovando and others. Guest ranches and outfitters will take you into the back country or float the scenic river. The Bob Marshall/Scapegoat Wilderness provides a picturesque setting for watching wildlife, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding and cross-country skiing. Deer Lodge's past and present meet to keep western hospitality alive and well.