Cities and Towns in Stillwater County, Montana
Founded in March 24, 1913, Stillwater County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Stillwater County was formed from Carbon County, Sweet Grass County, and Yellowstone County. The city of Columbus is the county seat. With FIPS code of 95, Stillwater County has a population of 9,044 and area of 1,795 square miles (4,649 km²).
List of all cities in Stillwater County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Absarokee, MT | 59001 | 406 |
| Beehive, MT | 59061 | 406 |
| Columbus, MT | 59019 | 406 |
| Fishtail, MT | 59028 | 406 |
| Nye, MT | 59061 | 406 |
| Park City, MT | 59063 | 406 |
| Rapelje, MT | 59067 | 406 |
| Reed Point, MT | 59069 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stillwater County, Montana
Columbus
Location and History
Columbus, the county seat of Stillwater County, is located in south-central Montana, nestled along the Yellowstone River and surrounded by the Beartooth Mountains to the south and the Crazy Mountains to the north. The town was founded in 1884, named in honor of Christopher Columbus. It grew rapidly during the late 19th century as a result of the expansion of the railroad, which made it a key transportation hub for the agricultural products of the surrounding valley. In its early years, Columbus thrived as a ranching and farming center, with wheat, barley, and livestock being the primary commodities. The town continued to grow as it became a major stop along the Northern Pacific Railway, and later, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Over the years, Columbus has maintained a strong agricultural economy but has also developed a small tourism industry, owing to its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Beartooth Highway, which leads into Yellowstone National Park. The town is known for its small-town charm, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene, with several galleries and festivals that highlight its community spirit.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.09 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 2,000
- Zip Codes: 59019
- Latitude: 45.6307° N
- Longitude: 109.2484° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Columbus is served by the Columbus School District, which includes Columbus High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The district offers a strong academic program along with various extracurricular activities, including athletics, drama, and music. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Stillwater County Courthouse, a historic building that reflects the town’s role as the county seat. The Columbus Depot, an old railroad station, is another significant landmark, representing the town’s history as a transportation hub. Additionally, the Stillwater Mining Company’s operations in the area are important to the local economy. Columbus is also a gateway to outdoor recreation in the nearby Beartooth Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The Yellowstone River is another key feature, providing fishing and rafting opportunities. Nearby, the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness offer stunning views and recreational activities, making Columbus an ideal location for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor adventures.
Absarokee
Location and History
Absarokee, a small town in central Stillwater County, is located along the Stillwater River in a scenic valley surrounded by the Beartooth Mountains to the south. Originally founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, Absarokee was named after the Absaroka Indian Tribe, a Sioux subtribe. The town grew around the railroad as an agricultural hub, primarily supporting ranching, farming, and timber industries. The construction of the railway provided a crucial transportation link for the shipment of local crops, livestock, and timber, making Absarokee a key regional center. Over time, the population grew as settlers from various backgrounds, including European immigrants and Native American tribes, moved to the area to farm or work in the timber industry. The town remained small but steady through the mid-20th century, with agriculture still being the backbone of the local economy. Today, Absarokee maintains a rural charm and serves as a quiet residential community. The area is known for its scenic beauty, access to outdoor recreation, and strong sense of local community.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.46 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,100
- Zip Codes: 59001
- Latitude: 45.4836° N
- Longitude: 109.3887° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Absarokee is served by the Absarokee School District, which includes Absarokee High School, a middle school, and several elementary schools. The district focuses on small class sizes and strong community involvement, offering students a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and 4-H clubs. One of Absarokee’s most notable landmarks is the Absarokee Museum, which preserves the history of the town and surrounding area, including exhibits on Native American history, local agriculture, and the railroad. The Stillwater River, which flows through the town, is another major feature, attracting anglers and kayakers with its pristine waters and abundant trout. The nearby Beartooth Mountains provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making Absarokee an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is also near the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which offers additional recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and boating. Absarokee’s combination of natural beauty and historical charm makes it a hidden gem for those exploring the region.
Park City
Location and History
Park City is located in the western part of Stillwater County, approximately 12 miles east of Columbus. The town was founded in the late 1800s, during a time when the region was seeing significant development due to the arrival of the railroad. Park City was named for the nearby Yellowstone River, which provided an abundance of fish and wildlife, as well as fertile land for farming. Early settlers in Park City were primarily engaged in farming and ranching, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in the community’s economy. Park City is also notable for its coal mining history, as nearby mines provided jobs to many local residents in the early 20th century. However, as the mining industry began to decline, the town transitioned more toward an agricultural and residential community. Today, Park City is known for its close-knit community, family-friendly atmosphere, and access to outdoor recreational opportunities in the nearby Absaroka Mountains.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.53 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,100
- Zip Codes: 59063
- Latitude: 45.7483° N
- Longitude: 108.4556° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Park City is served by the Park City School District, which includes Park City High School, a middle school, and elementary schools. The school district offers a variety of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and music programs, with a focus on community involvement. Park City’s most notable landmarks include the historic Park City Depot, a former railroad station that now serves as a local gathering place. The Stillwater County Fairgrounds are another prominent feature, hosting events such as the county fair and local rodeos. The town’s proximity to the Absaroka Mountains and the Yellowstone River make it an ideal location for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping. The nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, including hunting and wildlife viewing. Additionally, Park City’s charming downtown area is home to several local businesses, restaurants, and shops, making it a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike.
Other Communities in Stillwater County
Stillwater County is a primarily rural area, and while Columbus is the only larger city, several smaller communities also dot the landscape. Towns like Roberts, Wilsall, and Fishtail contribute to the county’s rural economy and serve as small agricultural hubs. The population in these communities is typically small, but they all share a connection to the land, with many residents involved in farming, ranching, and outdoor tourism. These towns also serve as gateways to some of Montana’s most scenic landscapes, including the Beartooth Mountains and the Yellowstone River, both of which are popular for outdoor recreation. Whether for hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the wide-open spaces, these communities offer a quiet, rural lifestyle within easy reach of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.