
See how they once brought in hay with horses and this "beaver slide" at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site/Kurt Repanshek
Interested in life in the Old West of the later 1800s? Plan a stop at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Montana this summer.
The ranch, near Deer Lodge, is at the heart of what once was a 10-million acre livestock operation that stretched across four states and into two Canadian provinces. Of course, today's national historic site is just a tiny slice of that empire, covering just 1,618 acres. But you can still get a feel for how things were done a century ago.
On July 26 they'll be having a cattle branding at the ranch. Montana ranchers still brand their cattle as required by law. Along with branding this year's calf crop, the park staff will present fun family activities throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Then, on July 27, and against on August 7, 23 and 21 you'll be able to see how they bring in the hay crop with horses. This haying demonstration will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on those dates.
Both events are free.