Cities and Towns in Golden Valley County, Montana
Founded in October 4, 1920, Golden Valley County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Golden Valley County was formed from Musselshell County and Sweet Grass County. The city of Ryegate is the county seat. With FIPS code of 37, Golden Valley County has a population of 831 and area of 1,175 square miles (3,043 km²).
List of all cities in Golden Valley County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belmont, MT | 59046 | 406 |
| Cushman, MT | 59046 | 406 |
| Lavina, MT | 59046 | 406 |
| Ryegate, MT | 59074 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Golden Valley County, Montana
Ryegate
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.45 sq mi
- Population: 230 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59074
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3861° N, 108.5083° W
Location and History
Ryegate is a small town located in the heart of Golden Valley County, Montana, positioned on the eastern side of the state. The town was established in the late 19th century as a railroad stop along the Northern Pacific Railway, which played a significant role in its development. Ryegate was named after a popular railroad engineer of the time, and the town quickly became a key center for agriculture, particularly wheat farming. During the early 20th century, Ryegate was an important trading hub for the region’s farming and ranching communities. While the town’s population has never been large, it has served as a vital service center for the surrounding rural areas. Over time, as transportation and farming technology advanced, the town’s role as a trade and transport hub diminished, but it remains a quiet and charming community. Today, Ryegate has a rural, close-knit feel, with a focus on local agriculture, especially wheat farming and livestock, while still maintaining its ties to the railroad heritage that once powered its growth.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ryegate is served by the Ryegate School District, which includes Ryegate High School, elementary schools, and a community library. Although it is a small town, Ryegate offers educational services and community spaces for local residents. The town is also home to the Golden Valley County Museum, which preserves the history of the area, particularly the development of agriculture and transportation. A key landmark in Ryegate is the historic Northern Pacific Depot, which reflects the town’s railroad heritage. Surrounding Ryegate, the expansive farmlands provide opportunities for outdoor activities like birdwatching, hiking, and photography, particularly along the nearby Musselshell River. Ryegate is also near the Lake Basin, an area popular with anglers and campers. The Golden Valley County Fairgrounds is an important venue for local events, including the county fair, rodeo, and festivals, which celebrate the agricultural history of the region.
Billingsley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.36 sq mi
- Population: 45 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59060
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.2373° N, 108.4145° W
Location and History
Billingsley is a small, unincorporated community in Golden Valley County, located along the Musselshell River. The area was first settled in the late 19th century, with early settlers attracted to the fertile land for farming and ranching. Billingsley grew slowly over the years, remaining a quiet rural community with little development. The town’s name is derived from a local settler, and the area became known for its farming, particularly wheat and barley. Although much of Billingsley’s land has remained agricultural, the town’s proximity to the river has allowed for some development, particularly in relation to irrigation and crop production. Today, Billingsley is a tiny settlement with only a few buildings and homes, and much of the surrounding land is dedicated to agriculture. It retains the charm of an old West farming community, where residents value their rural lifestyle and farming heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Billingsley does not have its own schools or public services, and residents typically travel to nearby Ryegate for education, healthcare, and shopping. Billingsley’s primary landmarks are its agricultural landscape and the Musselshell River, which is a key part of the area’s irrigation system. The river also provides fishing and recreational opportunities for locals. The surrounding area is known for its wide open spaces, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife observation, and photography, especially along the riverbanks and surrounding farms. Billingsley is also near several small ranches and farms, which are integral to the community’s economy. While it lacks large-scale landmarks, the quiet rural setting and agricultural heritage provide a unique charm to this small Montana town.
Sand Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.42 sq mi
- Population: 20 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59077
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3108° N, 108.7737° W
Location and History
Sand Springs is an extremely small town in Golden Valley County, Montana, situated along the banks of the Musselshell River. Like many towns in the region, it was established in the late 1800s with the arrival of the railroad and the development of local agricultural settlements. Sand Springs’ name comes from the naturally occurring springs in the area, which provided an important water source for early settlers and livestock. Originally a farming and ranching community, Sand Springs remained a small outpost, with most residents focused on the cultivation of wheat and the care of livestock. Over the years, the town has seen a significant decline in population, and today it is largely a quiet rural community, with only a handful of people remaining. Despite its size, Sand Springs has played a role in the agricultural development of Golden Valley County and continues to be a quiet corner of the county with a strong historical connection to the early pioneers of the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Sand Springs does not have any schools, and children attend schools in nearby Ryegate or other towns in Golden Valley County. The area is home to a number of family farms and ranches, many of which remain active. Sand Springs’ primary landmark is its natural springs, which were historically crucial to early settlers and still provide an interesting geological feature for the few residents and visitors. The Musselshell River, which runs close to the town, is another notable feature, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing and wildlife observation. The surrounding farmland offers expansive views of the Montana prairie, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and photography. While Sand Springs lacks larger landmarks, its tranquil rural setting and historical significance contribute to its role in the greater community of Golden Valley County.
Lavina
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.60 sq mi
- Population: 170 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59046
- Latitude and Longitude: 46.3169° N, 108.5097° W
Location and History
Lavina is a small town located in the western part of Golden Valley County. It was established in the early 1900s, following the arrival of the railroad, which made the area more accessible for settlers. Named after a local homesteader’s wife, Lavina grew as a farming and ranching community, benefiting from the fertile land surrounding the Musselshell River. Over the years, Lavina developed into a small service center for the surrounding agricultural communities, offering basic services such as a post office, general store, and schools. While its population has remained small, the town has maintained its rural character and continues to serve as a center for agriculture and livestock production in the region. The arrival of modern farming technologies has impacted Lavina’s economic landscape, but the town remains a staple of Golden Valley County’s rural life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lavina is served by the Lavina School District, which includes Lavina High School, elementary schools, and a community library. The town also features a few local businesses that cater to the needs of residents, including a post office, a local diner, and a general store. The town’s most notable landmark is the Musselshell River, which provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the surrounding prairie and farmland, which showcase the area’s agricultural history. Lavina is known for hosting the annual Golden Valley County Fair, a popular local event that celebrates the area’s farming and ranching culture. The town is also located near the Golden Valley County Museum in Ryegate, which offers insights into the region’s history, including exhibits on early homesteaders, Native American history, and the development of agriculture in the county.
