Education Program
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site commemorates America's frontier cattle industry and the West's ranching heritage. This unique unit of the National Park System is one of America's most intact ranches from the open range era. For educators, it offers many possibilities for teaching history, social studies, and other subject areas. The following services, geared to an array of grades, are designed to augment classroom instruction and on-site class visits.

For more information or to schedule any of the following services, contact the Chief of Interpretation, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, P.O. Box 790, Deer Lodge MT 59722, or call 406-846-2070.
Traveling Trunk The traveling trunk is intended for 5th to 8th grades learning Montana and western U.S. history, focusing on cattlemen, cowboys, and cattle drives, and can be modified to serve younger pupils. The trunk contains period photographs, reproduction clothing, a videotape on Grant-Kohrs Ranch, books, and a teacher's guide with grade-specific activities. It may be checked out for two weeks at no charge, except for shipping to its next destination via UPS or parcel post.
History, Naturally! Developed for K-12 under a grant from the National Parks Foundation, this program combines a teacher's guide and video for class use with a selection of on-site activities. The guide includes sections on cowboy history and myth with curriculum-based activities and games, and sections relevant to riparian biology for classes visiting the Cottonwood Creek Nature Trail at Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS. An interdisciplinary approach combines history and biology, and is accompanied by a videotape introducing students to the ranch and the opportunities awaiting them.
Discovery Packs Used for on-site visits separately or in conjunction with the History, Naturally! program, Discovery Packs may be checked out at the visitor center by individuals, families, and groups. The packs contain binoculars and other "tools," plus observation and activity cards to enhance a walk along Cottonwood Creek Nature Trail. Call or inquire at the Visitor Center for more information or to check out the packs.
Ranger-led Programs National Park Service rangers offer on-site guided tours, blacksmithing or chuckwagon cooking demonstrations, livestock interpretation, nature walks, and more. While most educational groups visit in late April, May, and early June, activities are available year-round as staffing permits. Group visits are best scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance to make special arrangements.
Off-Site Programs Within a limited geographic area, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS staff present programs to schools and other educational groups. Off-site presentations are more available during the fall and winter seasons, as staffing permits.
Related Institutions Though not affiliated with Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS, the following institutions provide educational services as well as visitor facilities, and are recommended to those interested in the heritage of the cowboy and cattleman in the western U.S. and Canada.
  • Autry Museum of Western Heritage,
    4700 Western Heritage Way,
    Los Angeles CA 90027-1462
    213-667-2000.
  • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site,
    P.O. Box 168,
    Longview, Alberta, Canada TOL 10H
    800-568-4996 (Seasonal).
  • C.M. Russell Museum,
    400 13 Street North,
    Great Falls MT 59401
    406-727-8787.
  • George Ranch Historical Park,
    Rt. 1, Box 577,
    Richmond TX 77469
    281-343-0218.
  • Montana Historical Society,
    225 North Roberts,
    Helena MT 59620
    406-444-2694.
  • National Cowboy Hall of Fame,
    1700 NE 63rd Street,
    Oklahoma City OK 73111
    405-478-2250.
  • The Western Heritage Centre,
    Box 1477,
    Cochrane, Alberta, Canada TOL 0W0
    403-932-3514.

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