Cities and Towns in Sheridan County, Montana
Founded in March 24, 1913, Sheridan County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Sheridan County was formed from Valley County. The city of Plentywood is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Sheridan County has a population of 3,527 and area of 1,677 square miles (4,343 km²).
List of all cities in Sheridan County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Antelope, MT | 59211 | 406 |
| Dagmar, MT | 59219 | 406 |
| Homestead, MT | 59242 | 406 |
| Medicine Lake, MT | 59247 | 406 |
| Outlook, MT | 59252 | 406 |
| Plentywood, MT | 59254 | 406 |
| Raymond, MT | 59256 | 406 |
| Redstone, MT | 59257 | 406 |
| Reserve, MT | 59258 | 406 |
| Westby, MT | 59275 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sheridan County, Montana
Plentywood
Location and History
Plentywood, the county seat of Sheridan County, is located in the northeastern corner of Montana, close to the Canadian border. The town was established in the early 1900s during the region’s agricultural expansion. It grew rapidly in the early 20th century as farmers settled in the area, drawn by the fertile land of the Milk River Valley. Plentywood’s name originates from a local landmark, Plentywood Creek, which was named by the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Native American tribes for the abundance of game in the area. The town became an important agricultural hub for the surrounding farms, which produced wheat, barley, and other crops, as well as cattle and sheep. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s helped facilitate the transportation of goods, and Plentywood developed as a key trading center. As time passed, the economy diversified, but agriculture remained at the core of the town’s identity. Today, Plentywood is a small, vibrant community that continues to rely heavily on agriculture and ranching, though tourism and services have become important parts of the local economy as well. The town’s location along major highways makes it a key stop for travelers passing through northeastern Montana.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.47 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,731
- Zip Codes: 59254
- Latitude: 48.7861° N
- Longitude: 104.5324° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plentywood is served by the Plentywood School District, which includes Plentywood High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The district offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics for students, including sports, music, and FFA (Future Farmers of America) programs. The school’s emphasis on agricultural education reflects the area’s rural roots. Notable landmarks in the town include the Sheridan County Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the area’s role in local governance, and the historic Plentywood Depot, which once served as a vital hub for the railroad. The nearby Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking, offering stunning views of the prairie landscape and attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Plentywood’s historic downtown area retains much of its early 20th-century charm, with preserved buildings and local shops. The town hosts a variety of community events, including agricultural fairs, rodeos, and local festivals, which highlight its agricultural heritage and the spirit of rural Montana.
Outlook
Location and History
Outlook is a small, unincorporated town located about 15 miles southwest of Plentywood. Founded in the early 1900s, Outlook was originally established as a settlement for farmers who were drawn to the area’s fertile soil. The town’s growth was tied to agriculture, particularly wheat farming, and it quickly became a key community for local ranchers and farmers. Outlook was named after the expansive views of the surrounding countryside, which offer dramatic vistas of the surrounding prairie. In its early years, the town had a more bustling atmosphere, with a post office, school, and several businesses. However, as farming practices modernized and the population shifted to larger cities, Outlook saw a decline in its population and services. Today, Outlook remains a small, rural community with a handful of residences and farms, but it continues to celebrate its agricultural heritage. The town’s peaceful rural setting, combined with the vast open prairies, makes it a peaceful place for those seeking the quiet, wide-open spaces typical of northeastern Montana.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 40
- Zip Codes: 59252
- Latitude: 48.7858° N
- Longitude: 104.4917° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Outlook does not have a formal school district, with local children attending school in the nearby town of Plentywood. The school system in Plentywood is the primary educational provider for residents in Outlook. As for landmarks, Outlook’s rural charm is its defining feature, and the town itself is sparsely populated with only a few notable structures. Outlook is primarily known for its expansive agricultural lands, which provide a glimpse into Montana’s rural economy. There are several farms and ranches in the area, where residents continue to practice the same traditions of crop cultivation and livestock farming that first brought settlers to the region. Outlook is a quiet town with little commercial activity but serves as a reminder of the many small farming communities that were once spread across northeastern Montana. It offers an authentic taste of rural life and is a peaceful, picturesque stop for those exploring the vast prairies of the region.
Westby
Location and History
Westby is a small, rural community located in the northeastern corner of Sheridan County, just south of the Canadian border. Founded in the early 20th century, Westby was established by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants who were drawn to the region for its agricultural opportunities. The town was originally a hub for farming and ranching, with settlers growing wheat, barley, and other crops. The town was named after Westby, Norway, reflecting the strong Scandinavian influence on its early population. Westby flourished in the early 1900s, thanks to the arrival of the railroad, which helped bring goods to market and facilitated the transportation of crops and livestock. As time passed, Westby’s population remained small, but its agricultural roots continued to define the town’s identity. Today, Westby is a quiet rural community, known for its hardworking residents and its agricultural economy. The town is located in the heart of Montana’s wheat-producing region and continues to thrive thanks to farming and ranching. Its proximity to the Canadian border gives Westby a unique cross-border influence, and the town still celebrates its Scandinavian heritage through local festivals and events.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.45 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 168
- Zip Codes: 59275
- Latitude: 48.7353° N
- Longitude: 104.3432° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Westby is served by the Westby School District, which includes Westby High School and a few elementary school grades. The district offers a solid educational program focused on academic achievement, sports, and extracurricular activities. The town also maintains a small community center that hosts events, meetings, and social gatherings. One of Westby’s most significant landmarks is the Westby Lutheran Church, which stands as a testament to the town’s Norwegian heritage. The church hosts annual events such as community picnics and holiday services, which draw residents together. The surrounding prairies are dotted with family farms, and the region’s natural beauty is often explored through local hunting, fishing, and birdwatching activities. Westby’s rural location offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and its proximity to the Canadian border adds a unique cross-border dimension to its cultural life. Westby continues to be a tight-knit community, where neighbors know one another and celebrate their agricultural roots.
Other Communities in Sheridan County
Sheridan County, while largely rural, is home to several other small towns and unincorporated communities. Places like Medicine Lake, Reserve, and Antelope contribute to the agricultural economy and are often hubs for farming and ranching. These small communities, though far less populated than Plentywood, remain integral to the county’s identity and are known for their quiet lifestyles and connection to the land. The town of Medicine Lake, in particular, is known for its nearby wildlife refuge, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts. Many of these rural communities are part of the fabric that makes up northeastern Montana, with residents often relying on farming, ranching, and local businesses for their livelihoods. They provide a glimpse into a way of life that remains strong in this part of the state, offering wide open spaces, peace, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
