Cities and Towns in McCone County, Montana
Founded in February 20, 1919, McCone County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, McCone County was formed from Dawson County and Richland County. The city of Circle is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, McCone County has a population of 1,718 and area of 2,643 square miles (6,845 km²).
List of all cities in McCone County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brockway, MT | 59214 | 406 |
| Circle, MT | 59215 | 406 |
| Vida, MT | 59274 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in McCone County, Montana
Circle
Location and History
Circle, the county seat of McCone County, is located in the northeastern part of Montana, nestled along the Musselshell River. The town’s history dates back to the late 19th century, and it was originally founded as a railroad town when the Great Northern Railway extended its tracks through the area in 1901. Its early economy was centered around agriculture, with farmers and ranchers utilizing the rich land for crop production and cattle grazing. Circle grew rapidly with the establishment of the railroad, attracting settlers from all over the country. Over the years, the town continued to thrive, with its economy remaining focused on farming, ranching, and oil production. Today, Circle is a small but important center for the surrounding agricultural community. While much of its population has remained steady, it still serves as a hub for trade and services, providing goods and services for the local ranchers and farmers. The town is also known for its proximity to major highways and as a stop for travelers crossing northern Montana.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 600
- Zip Codes: 59215
- Latitude: 47.3792° N
- Longitude: 105.2639° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Circle is served by the Circle Public Schools, which includes Circle High School and Circle Middle School. These schools are the heart of the community, providing a wide range of educational opportunities for local children. The schools also serve as centers for extracurricular activities, including sports teams, band, and drama clubs, helping to unite the community. Circle’s historical landmarks include the McCone County Courthouse, which serves as a reminder of the county’s governance since its establishment. The Musselshell River, which runs through the town, is a popular spot for fishing and recreational boating. The McCone County Museum is another significant landmark, showcasing the county’s history, including Native American artifacts, agricultural displays, and the early days of settlement in the region. Nearby, Yellowstone National Park is within driving distance, making Circle a convenient location for visitors traveling to the park. The town also hosts the annual Circle Rodeo, which draws crowds from all over the region, further celebrating the town’s ranching and agricultural heritage.
Vida
Location and History
Vida is a small, rural town located in the northeastern corner of McCone County, about 22 miles west of Circle. The town was established around the same time as Circle, with settlers drawn to the fertile lands for farming and cattle ranching. Its early economy was based on agriculture, with homesteaders arriving in the area in the early 1900s to stake claims on the rich soil. Vida was an important stop for the railroad, although its growth was never as significant as nearby Circle. Today, Vida remains a quiet agricultural community that serves the surrounding ranches and farms. The town is named after Vida Brabham, the daughter of an early settler. Over time, the area developed a reputation for its wheat farming, and the nearby Musselshell River played an important role in the town’s early economy by providing water for irrigation and livestock. Though Vida has seen its population decline in recent decades, it remains an important part of McCone County’s agricultural landscape.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 120
- Zip Codes: 59274
- Latitude: 47.4630° N
- Longitude: 105.4225° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vida is part of the McCone County School District, and the town is served by the Vida School, a small K-8 school that provides education for the children of this rural community. While Vida does not have a high school, students typically attend school in Circle after completing their middle school years. The town does not have a large number of commercial landmarks, but it remains important due to its proximity to agricultural lands. The Musselshell River continues to be an important feature of Vida, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The nearby Yellowstone River is another natural feature that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Vida’s rural atmosphere makes it an attractive location for those interested in the tranquility of Montana’s countryside. The Vida Church stands as a key landmark, offering religious services and community gatherings. Vida’s close-knit community hosts local events such as potlucks and holiday celebrations, which help preserve its rural charm and maintain the town’s cultural traditions.
Lambert
Location and History
Lambert is a small unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of McCone County, near the junction of U.S. Highway 200 and Montana State Highway 24. Lambert developed during the early 1900s when the Northern Pacific Railway extended its tracks through the area. Much like other towns in McCone County, Lambert’s economy was originally based on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching. The town’s proximity to major railroads allowed it to grow in its early years, providing services to nearby farms and ranches. Today, Lambert is a quiet rural community with a small population, yet it retains a strong agricultural focus. It serves as a convenient location for nearby farmers and ranchers to access goods and services, as well as a stop for travelers on U.S. Highway 200. While it has never developed into a large town, Lambert’s agricultural history remains central to its identity, and it continues to be a hub for local farming and ranching families.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 60
- Zip Codes: 59243
- Latitude: 47.3454° N
- Longitude: 105.5471° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lambert is served by the McCone County School District, with the nearest public school located in Circle, where students attend the Circle High School and Circle Elementary School. Lambert itself has few landmarks, but its location along U.S. Highway 200 makes it a convenient stop for travelers in the region. The Musselshell River is a nearby landmark, providing recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. While Lambert does not have a significant number of public buildings or structures, its history is intertwined with the development of McCone County and the larger agricultural community. The area surrounding Lambert is rich in farmland and ranchland, offering views of Montana’s vast, open landscapes. The town hosts seasonal events like harvest festivals, which celebrate the agricultural traditions of the area. Nearby, the Yellowstone River provides additional outdoor opportunities and scenic vistas, making Lambert an attractive spot for those who appreciate rural life and natural beauty.
