Communities

Your travel through Montana's incredible "hidden valley" begins here. Nestled between the Yellowstone River and I-90, Columbus, the county seat (Town of Columbus), is a full service community. With a population of nearly 2,000, Columbus offers a wide variety of recreational, business and social services. Four city parks offer swimming, tennis, basketball, horseshoes and baseball fields with walking/jogging tracks. Camp, fish or float the Yellowstone River at Itch-Kep-Pe Park. Take time to visit the Museum of the Beartooths for an understanding of area history. Exit the interstate at Columbus to start your trip to Yellowstone National Park via the beautiful Highway 78 to Red Lodge and the breathtaking Beartooth Pass.  read more...

Your trip through Stillwater County's "hidden valley" continues as you take the beautiful drive along Highway 78, south of Columbus, to Absarokee. The community has a swimming pool and a community park with tennis courts. Many recreational activities are available, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fishing and camping. The friendly people you'll meet will fill you in on the best places to wet your line or if you like, leave the planning and outfitting to the guides and fly shops in the area. Though the town of Absarokee has never incorporated, it has continued to grow and flourish over the years with the guidance and assistance of a strong force of volunteers.  read more...

Step into classic Big Sky Country as your journey through our "hidden valley" takes you to Fishtail. The area guest ranches offer everything you would expect - dramatic views, quiet and privacy. Local outfitters provide guided fishing trips and mountain adventure on horseback. If you're headed into the backcountry on your own, get everything you need in Fishtail, picnic at the Fishtail Family Park, or visit one of the restaurants in town. The small community of Dean, on the outskirts of Fishtail, hosts a variety of events all summer long. If you like off road adventure, rent an ATV at Dean, there are miles of trails and spectacular scenery waiting for you. You can also enjoy fine dining with panoramic views of the Beartooth Mountains.
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The community of Nye is located at the  upper end of our "hidden valley."  The area was cherished by the Crow Indians, long before white settlers arrived. Ranches dominate the valley with cattle and sheep populating the fields. The sparkling waters of the Stillwater River offer superb fishing. The spectacular mountains hold mineral treasures which attracted prospectors as early as the 1860's. The drive from Nye to Woodbine Campground and the Stillwater River Trailhead is one of the most scenic in Big Sky Country. Enjoy a short walk to the falls at Woodbine, hike into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, or take advantage of our local outfitters for an adventure-filled trip into the high country of the Beartooth Mountains.  read more...

Rural life is at the very heart of Rapelje and Molt. Locals wake up every morning to views of the Snowy Mountain Range to the north, the Crazy Mountain Range to the west and the Beartooth Mountain Range to the south. In this part of Stillwater County, where the wildlife outnumber people, the Hailstone and Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuges are unique recreational and sight-seeing opportunities. An extensive antelope hunting district draws hunters from across the state and country. If pie, coffee and conversation are the only recreation you are seeking, visit the Stockman Cafe, owned by the Rapelje community, whose pride is reflected   in the wholesome meals that are served there. Molt visitors can experience an old time country cafe.  read more...

The western-most Stillwater County community of Reed Point is likely one of the smallest towns along I-90 and the Yellowstone River. The picturesque setting gives it a feeling of serenity, peacefulness and quiet. Access to the Yellowstone River is at the Indian Fort Fishing Access north of town. With a boat ramp and campground, it's a haven for fishermen, river floaters or just a great spot for a leisurely swim. Reed Point is a stop on the annual Yellowstone River Boar Float and comes alive every year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend for their annual "Great Montana Sheep Drive.' Local guest ranches promise a Montana adventure vacation you won't forget!  read more...

Heading East on I-90 towards Billings, travelers can stop by Park City for food, fuel, service or picnic along the Yellowstone River. Catch a glimpse of small town life in another Stillwater County Community. Located along the Yellowstone River, Park City was originally known as Young's Point. The area was settled by homesteaders from Wisconsin who came by covered wagon. The settlers, eager to estblish their home here, planted elms and maples and chose the name Park City. Access to the Yellowstone River is southeast of town at the Sportsman Park access, also known as Buffalo Mirage. Park City is a Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery area.   read more...