Cities and Towns in Sweet Grass County, Montana
Founded in March 5, 1895, Sweet Grass County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Sweet Grass County was formed from Meagher County, Park County, and Yellowstone County. The city of Big Timber is the county seat. With FIPS code of 97, Sweet Grass County has a population of 3,723 and area of 1,855 square miles (4,804 km²).
List of all cities in Sweet Grass County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Big Timber, MT | 59011 | 406 |
| Greycliff, MT | 59033 | 406 |
| McLeod, MT | 59052 | 406 |
| Melville, MT | 59055 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sweet Grass County, Montana
Big Timber
Location and History
Big Timber is the county seat of Sweet Grass County, located in south-central Montana along the Boulder River, nestled at the foot of the Crazy Mountains. The town was founded in 1883 and was named for the large cottonwood trees (referred to as “big timber”) found along the river, which provided early settlers with a valuable resource for building and heating. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1883 greatly boosted Big Timber’s development, allowing it to become a key transportation and trade center in the region. Early settlers in Big Timber were primarily engaged in cattle ranching, farming, and timber harvesting. The surrounding area’s abundant natural resources also supported industries like mining and later, tourism, as people sought to explore the nearby wilderness and the stunning Crazy Mountains. Over the years, Big Timber has maintained a strong agricultural economy, particularly in cattle and hay production, but its proximity to Yellowstone National Park has made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.06 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,650
- Zip Codes: 59011
- Latitude: 45.8334° N
- Longitude: Brookshire 8.9183° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Big Timber is served by the Big Timber Public Schools District, which includes Big Timber High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The district is known for providing a high level of education, with a focus on community engagement and extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts. The town’s most prominent landmark is the historic Big Timber Depot, which is a former railroad station now used for community events and gatherings. Other significant landmarks include the Sweet Grass County Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history, from Native American culture to early pioneer life. The nearby Crazy Mountains, an iconic mountain range, provide abundant recreational opportunities such as hiking, hunting, and camping. The Boulder River, known for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing, is another popular destination for anglers and outdoor lovers. The town also has a well-maintained park system, including the popular Lions Club Park, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails, making it a central gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.
Melville
Location and History
Melville is a small, rural community located about 30 miles west of Big Timber, nestled between the Crazy Mountains and the foothills of the Absaroka Range. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a railroad settlement, originally serving as a small stopover for trains traveling through Sweet Grass County. The name “Melville” was given to the town after Melville, a railroad executive. During the early 20th century, Melville was primarily a cattle-ranching community, with nearby ranches supplying beef to local markets and beyond. Over the years, the town’s population remained small, and the development of more efficient transportation routes led to a decline in its importance as a railroad hub. However, Melville continues to be a tight-knit community, with many of its residents still involved in agriculture and ranching. The town’s proximity to the Crazy Mountains has made it a destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, hunting, and camping, and the nearby rivers provide opportunities for fishing.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 20
- Zip Codes: 59055
- Latitude: 45.7032° N
- Longitude: 110.8190° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a small rural community, Melville does not have its own school system. Children in the area typically attend schools in nearby Big Timber. The town’s landmarks are few but include the Melville Church, a historic structure that represents the town’s early settler roots and serves as a gathering place for the local community. Melville is surrounded by wide-open landscapes and ranches, with vast agricultural land devoted to cattle ranching and hay production. The nearby Crazy Mountains are a major attraction for those seeking outdoor adventures, including camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Boulder River, located to the north of Melville, is also a popular spot for fishing, particularly for trout. Despite its small size, Melville remains an important part of Sweet Grass County’s agricultural community and offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility of Montana’s rural countryside.
Grey Cliff
Location and History
Grey Cliff is a small unincorporated community located about 13 miles south of Big Timber, situated along the Yellowstone River. The town was established in the late 1800s as a railroad and agricultural settlement, with the Northern Pacific Railway providing access to markets for local farmers. The area surrounding Grey Cliff was originally settled by homesteaders who grew crops like wheat and barley and raised cattle. The town’s early economy was closely tied to the railroad, which allowed agricultural goods to be shipped more efficiently across the region. Although the population of Grey Cliff has remained small over the years, the town has always served as a quiet, agricultural community. Today, Grey Cliff is home to a few families, primarily involved in ranching and farming. The town is known for its proximity to the scenic Yellowstone River, which provides excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 30
- Zip Codes: 59039
- Latitude: 45.7531° N
- Longitude: 110.6580° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grey Cliff is part of the Big Timber Public Schools District, so children from the community attend school in Big Timber. The local area is primarily rural, and most of the town’s landmarks are related to its agricultural heritage. Grey Cliff’s most prominent landmark is the Grey Cliff Church, which has been serving the local community for generations. The town’s proximity to the Yellowstone River offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The nearby Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka Range also provide a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and hunting. Despite its small size, Grey Cliff is a peaceful rural community with a rich agricultural heritage, and its natural surroundings offer numerous outdoor recreational options.
Other Communities in Sweet Grass County
Sweet Grass County, while home to Big Timber and a few smaller communities, is largely rural, with its economy centered on agriculture, ranching, and tourism. The towns of Rapelje and Springdale also contribute to the county’s agricultural industry, though they remain small, unincorporated communities with populations in the low hundreds. The county’s scenic beauty, particularly the Crazy Mountains and Yellowstone River, attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Many of Sweet Grass County’s smaller communities are focused on supporting agricultural enterprises and preserving the region’s rural lifestyle. With its mixture of history, natural beauty, and tight-knit communities, Sweet Grass County remains a tranquil place to live and visit.
