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Western
Hospitality Montana Style
Sweet Grass County is a beautiful area for vacationing with
many different types of outdoor recreation. Mountains are nearby
for hiking, camping and hunting. The
Yellowstone River and Boulder River offer excellent fly fishing,
rafting,
wildlife observation and much more...
Our Rodeo, Sweet Grass
Fest, and County Fair are fun for the whole family. On a stroll down our main street, you will find friendly
people and inviting shops filled with everything a person needs
for their stay in Sweet Grass County. Montana Made gifts,
western jeans, hardware, health foods, restaurants, and sports
supplies are all within walking distance. Several stores have
kept the old look from days gone by. Visit Gusts of Big Timber
with its 12-foot ceilings and displays of vintage clothing.
Visit The Grand Hotel it
 is a registered historical building complete
with fine dining, Victorian guest rooms, and a western bar. Enjoy small town pleasures such as a
1930s soda fountain, antique shops, or just a shady bench to
watch the world go by.
Take a short drive North
to Melville to see Montana's first Lutheran Church nestled at
the foot of the Crazy Mountains. Explore our Norwegian
heritage, and the history of Sweet Grass County at the Crazy
Mountain Museum. There is something for everyone in Sweet Grass
County.
Local Area Things To
Do & See.....
Natural
Bridge & Falls
A 30-minute drive south of Big Timber brings you to Natural
Bridge Falls. The paved paths start at the parking lot and
meander along the Boulder River. There are several viewing
points with signs telling about the area, falls and wildlife. In
the spring there are actually three separate falls. Later in the
year the river flows underground to reveal the limestone
bedrock. Toilet facilities and picnic tables are available. A
well maintained dirt trail leads to a scenic point directly
across from the falls. For a day hike, continue on to the Green
Mountain trail. The terrain will change from grassland to heavy
timber. Look for limber pine, lodge pole pine, Douglas fir and
wildflowers galore. Deer, bear, elk and small animals may be
seen along the way. Please respect private property by staying
on the trails. For everyone's enjoyment and safety please
monitor pets and children near cliffs. There is handicap access.
Half-moon
Park
North of town, follow Big Timber Creek into the fabled Crazy
Mountains. Half-moon Park Campground is equipped with vault
toilets, picnic area, water and parking area for day hikes. Then
fish, picnic, lay in the sun, splash in the crystal clear water
or hike clean out of the county!! Big Timber Falls (also known
as Half-moon Falls) is an easy 1/2 mile walk from the
campground. Blue Lake (good fishin') is 5 1/2 miles father up
the trail. Pack a lunch and enjoy our mountains.
Crazy
Mountain Museum
The Crazy Mountain Museum is the place to go to discover the
rich history of the Sweet Grass area. It has permanent displays
of a one room school house, a Norwegian Stabbur and artifacts,
and a model of Big Timber in 1907. Other seasonal exhibits
include Cremer Rodeo exhibit, sheep and wool, Pioneer Memorial
Gallery, and the Crazy Mountains. The museum can be found at
Exit 367 on Cemetery Road. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day
from 1 - 4:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays. There is no charge
and we gladly accept donations.
Prairie
Dog Town State Park
Located off Interstate 90 at exit 377 is a town inhabited by
the notorious prairie dog. Loved and hated by westerners, these
perky, burrowing creatures can be seen from Spring to Fall and
on warm days in the winter. The Town is easily accessible with
informational signs and a picnic area. Get out, walk through the
town, and take pictures.
Yellowstone
Fish Hatchery
The fish hatchery is a short stroll from down town Big
Timber. A biologist is usually on hand to explain the life cycle
of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. The fish can be seen at all
stages, from tiny fingerlings to mature breeding stock. Enjoy a
tour of the facility and watch the larger trout in the outside
pools. Children and adults alike will enjoy this Montana State
Fish Hatchery. Please call 932-4434 for more information.
Hiking
and Fishing
The Gallatin National Forest surrounds Sweet Grass County.
There are numerous public campgrounds and maintained trails
available. You can enjoy a day hike or pack in for a week!
South of Big Timber is the spectacular Boulder Valley. Travel
on State Highway 298 to the Forest Service road which will take
you to natural and man-made wonders. Up the road from the
Natural Bridge is the Lions Head. It is a rock outcropping that
can be seen on the way to Box Canyon-- the trail head and the
end of the road. Indian Caves with pictographs are an easy hike
from the Main Boulder Ranger Station. About an hour hike beyond
Box Canyon is the abandoned mining town of Independence. The
remains of cabins the gold seekers built can be seen nestled in
a breathtaking mountain valley. Independence can be reached with
a 4x4 vehicle, but it is recommended you check with the local
Forest Service before attempting the drive. The road is very
narrow and not maintained.
The East Boulder and West Boulder Rivers flow into the Main
Boulder 10 to 15 miles south of Big Timber. All three rivers are
pristine mountain streams with excellent fishing and lying in
the sun opportunities. There are public fishing accesses and
National Forest access to each.
The Yellowstone River flows east past Big Timber. It also
offers excellent fishing, along with boating and general fun in
the sun. There are public accesses along the river where campers
can stay free for up to 10 days.
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