Cities and Towns in Musselshell County, Montana
Founded in February 11, 1911, Musselshell County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Musselshell County was formed from Fergus County, Meagher County, and Yellowstone County. The city of Roundup is the county seat. With FIPS code of 65, Musselshell County has a population of 4,896 and area of 1,867 square miles (4,836 km²).
List of all cities in Musselshell County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Delphia, MT | 59073 | 406 |
| Klein, MT | 59072 | 406 |
| Melstone, MT | 59054 | 406 |
| Musselshell, MT | 59059 | 406 |
| Roundup, MT | 59072 | 406 |
| 59073 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Musselshell County, Montana
Roundup
Location and History
Roundup is the county seat of Musselshell County, located in central Montana, approximately 55 miles north of Billings. The town was established in 1908 and was named for the cattle roundups that took place in the area during the early days of ranching. Roundup’s development is closely tied to the arrival of the railroad and the growth of the cattle industry in the region. The town quickly became a key service and trading center for local ranchers, farmers, and railroad workers. In the early 20th century, Roundup flourished due to the expansion of agriculture, especially wheat and barley farming, and the development of the coal and oil industries. Roundup continued to grow through the mid-20th century as a center of commerce and transportation. Today, the town remains a small, rural community with a population that fluctuates due to its reliance on agriculture, energy industries, and tourism. Roundup is also known for its close proximity to natural attractions such as the Musselshell River, which runs through the town, and the nearby Big Snowy Mountains.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,869
- Zip Codes: 59072
- Latitude: 46.4546° N
- Longitude: 108.5415° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Roundup is served by the Roundup School District, which includes Roundup High School, Roundup Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a solid educational program with opportunities for students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts. Roundup is home to a number of historical landmarks, reflecting its rich history in ranching and railroad development. The Musselshell County Museum is a key landmark in the town, offering exhibits on the region’s history, including displays on Native American culture, early settlers, ranching, and the railroad. One of Roundup’s most notable natural landmarks is the Musselshell River, which provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. The Big Snowy Mountains also offer hiking, wildlife watching, and camping, making the area popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Roundup is also known for its Musselshell County Fair, which includes rodeos, agricultural displays, and community events. These landmarks and events help round out the town’s historical and recreational offerings, attracting visitors year-round.
Melstone
Location and History
Melstone is a small town located about 30 miles southeast of Roundup, nestled along the Musselshell River. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad stop and service center for local ranchers and farmers. It was incorporated in 1911 and was named after the nearby Melstone Creek, which was a significant feature in the area. Like many towns in Montana, Melstone’s development was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad, which brought commerce, goods, and settlers to the region. The town served as a base for local agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle ranching. In the mid-20th century, the growth of the oil and coal industries in the region helped support the local economy. Although Melstone has seen a decline in population in recent years, it remains a quiet agricultural community with a rural charm. The town’s location along the Musselshell River provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, and it is well-positioned for those interested in exploring the surrounding landscape, including nearby ranches, farmlands, and open plains.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 151
- Zip Codes: 59054
- Latitude: 46.5745° N
- Longitude: 108.2262° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Melstone is served by the Melstone School District, which includes Melstone High School and Melstone Elementary School. The school district is small but provides quality education and is an essential part of the community, offering sports programs and activities that encourage student participation. Despite its small size, Melstone is known for its tight-knit community and rural character. The Musselshell River is a significant landmark, offering fishing, boating, and camping opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The Melstone Historical Museum features exhibits that document the town’s history, including its role in the railroad boom and its agricultural roots. The town is surrounded by open fields and rolling hills, providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Melstone Park is another local landmark, serving as a gathering space for local events and recreation. The town is also close to the Musselshell Valley, a region rich in both natural beauty and ranching heritage, making it a popular location for those interested in Montana’s rural lifestyle and outdoor activities.
Other Communities in Musselshell County
Besides Roundup and Melstone, Musselshell County is home to other smaller communities, including Irwin, Custer, and Musselshell. Irwin is a tiny unincorporated community located along the Musselshell River, and it is primarily known for its proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including fishing and hunting grounds. Custer, located to the south of Roundup, is another small town, historically linked to ranching and agriculture, and it serves as a quiet rural retreat. Musselshell, which lies along the Musselshell River, is an even smaller, unincorporated community that is mainly agricultural. These towns, while small, contribute to Musselshell County’s rural economy, with agriculture, ranching, and energy production being key elements of the region. The communities of Musselshell County are largely defined by their historic ties to the railroad, farming, and natural resources, as well as their proximity to some of the state’s most scenic and recreationally rich areas.
