Cities and Towns in Powell County, Montana
Founded in January 31, 1901, Powell County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Powell County was formed from Deer Lodge County. The city of Deer Lodge is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Powell County has a population of 6,999 and area of 2,326 square miles (6,024 km²).
List of all cities in Powell County, MT alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Avon, MT | 59713 | 406 |
Deer Lodge, MT | 59722 | 406 |
Elliston, MT | 59728 | 406 |
Galen, MT | 59722 | 406 |
Garrison, MT | 59731 | 406 |
Gold Creek, MT | 59733 | 406 |
Helmville, MT | 59843 | 406 |
Ovando, MT | 59854 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Powell County, Montana
Deer Lodge
Location and History
Deer Lodge, the county seat of Powell County, is situated in the western part of Montana, nestled in the Deer Lodge Valley between the Flint Creek Range and the Garnet Mountains. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and became one of Montana’s earliest settlements. Originally known as the “Deer Lodge City” due to its location along the Deer Lodge River, the town grew quickly as a mining, agricultural, and transportation hub. During the gold rush, Deer Lodge became a center for trade, and its location along the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 1800s helped it expand even further. The town’s economy was bolstered by silver mining and agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle. In the 20th century, Deer Lodge evolved from a mining town into a more diversified community with agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. It remains one of the more historic towns in Montana, with many of its buildings reflecting its 19th-century heritage. Deer Lodge is also home to the Montana State Prison, which operated from 1871 to 1979, and has since become a popular museum showcasing the state’s penal history.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.26 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 3,227
- Zip Codes: 59722
- Latitude: 46.3865° N
- Longitude: 112.7151° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Deer Lodge is served by the Deer Lodge School District, which includes Deer Lodge High School, Powell County Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and music. Deer Lodge has several notable landmarks, including the Montana State Prison Museum, which gives visitors a fascinating look at the history of the prison system in the state. The Old Prison is one of the town’s most famous historical sites and offers guided tours that include exhibits on the prison’s architecture, infamous inmates, and its role in Montana’s history. Another significant site is the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, a preserved ranch that tells the story of Montana’s cattle ranching history. The nearby Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making Deer Lodge a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The town’s historic downtown area features charming Victorian-style buildings and local shops, giving it a distinct old-west feel that attracts tourists interested in history and outdoor activities.
Garrison
Location and History
Garrison is a small, unincorporated community located along Interstate 90 in Powell County. The town was established as a railroad settlement in the late 19th century, with its primary function being a stopover point for travelers and freight along the Northern Pacific Railway. Garrison was named after the military post of Fort Garrison, which was established during the Indian Wars in the 1860s, though the fort itself was abandoned in 1867. The town flourished in the early 1900s due to its strategic location along the railroad and its proximity to agricultural lands. Though much smaller today, Garrison retains a rural character and is primarily a residential area, with many of its residents involved in farming and ranching. Garrison’s location near the foothills of the Flint Creek Range also makes it an appealing location for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle while still being within driving distance of larger towns like Deer Lodge and Missoula.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.14 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 118
- Zip Codes: 59731
- Latitude: 46.2734° N
- Longitude: 113.3893° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garrison is part of the Deer Lodge School District, and students attend schools in Deer Lodge. Because of its small size, there are no specific schools in Garrison itself, but the community is served by the educational resources of the larger Deer Lodge area. The town’s location near the Clark Fork River and its scenic surroundings provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Garrison is also located near the Flint Creek Range, which offers some of the best outdoor recreational activities in the region, including camping and off-roading. While Garrison does not have many distinct landmarks, its history as a railroad town and proximity to the ghost town of Granite—once a booming silver mining town—add an element of intrigue for visitors. Garrison remains a quiet and peaceful town, retaining much of the charm and history of its early days as a railroad stop.
Elliston
Location and History
Elliston, a small town located in the southwestern corner of Powell County, is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Established as a railroad town in the 1880s, Elliston initially grew as a strategic stop along the Northern Pacific Railway. The town was named after Elliston M. Hopkins, a railroad official involved in the development of the region. In its early years, Elliston became a hub for mining and agriculture. As mining in the area waned, Elliston’s economy shifted to agriculture, particularly wheat and barley farming, which remains important today. The town is also known for its proximity to the Helena National Forest and several nearby recreational sites, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Over time, Elliston has become a quiet residential community with a rural charm, and it now serves as a bedroom community for those working in nearby towns such as Helena and Deer Lodge.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.27 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 167
- Zip Codes: 59728
- Latitude: 46.4745° N
- Longitude: 112.9049° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elliston is part of the Powell County School District and serves as a small, rural community with educational opportunities available in nearby Deer Lodge. The Elliston School offers a tight-knit learning environment for students in elementary and middle school grades. While the town is small, it has access to a number of nearby recreational landmarks, such as the Helena National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, and the nearby Greenhorn Mountains provide outdoor enthusiasts with access to off-road trails. Though Elliston is a quiet town with limited commercial services, its scenic location, and its proximity to larger towns like Helena, make it a desirable place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle close to nature. The town’s proximity to Helena also allows for access to more urban amenities and services.
Other Communities in Powell County
In addition to Deer Lodge, Garrison, and Elliston, Powell County also includes several smaller unincorporated communities, such as Gold Creek and Warm Springs. Gold Creek, located to the south of Deer Lodge, was historically a mining town, and though it remains small, its location near the Continental Divide provides a peaceful and scenic rural retreat. Warm Springs, located between Deer Lodge and Anaconda, is known for its natural hot springs and the Warm Springs State Hospital, which has played a significant role in mental health care in Montana. These smaller communities offer a quiet, rural lifestyle and remain integral to the county’s history and economy, largely tied to agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Despite their size, each community holds a distinct place in the cultural and historical fabric of Powell County.