Explore Big Timber

Big Timber sits where the Yellowstone and Boulder rivers meet. The city combines a long history of sheep and cattle ranching with cultural offerings and nearby natural attractions. When choosing a hotel for your trip, you can first decide whether to focus your stay more on local history and art or on outdoor activities and destinations.

History and Art

The Northern Pacific Railroad reached Big Timber in 1883. Montana’s first wool mill was established there in 1901. These two dates mark different milestones in local history: the arrival of the railroad and the processing of wool. The Crazy Mountain Museum focuses on the history of Sweet Grass County. The museum features a replica of a Norwegian stabbur and a miniature diorama showing Big Timber as it looked in 1907. The diorama complements the museum’s broad countywide focus with a specific depiction of the town in a particular year. The scope also differs: the railroad and wool mill mark specific milestones in Big Timber, while the museum focuses on the history of all of Sweet Grass County.

The nonprofit Two Rivers Gallery for fine art is located in historic downtown Big Timber. It displays local art, photography, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, and furniture. If you’d like to include local art in your trip as well as history, the gallery offers a different cultural focus from the museum.

Nature and Trails

The Crazy Mountains provide a backdrop for outdoor activities, photography, and scenic drives near Big Timber; the city is also a gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Nearby, Natural Bridge Falls is 27 miles south of Big Timber on Secondary 298. It has accessible paved paths and informational signs about geological processes. Since conditions and access can vary seasonally, check before your visit. The Green Mountain Trail begins at Natural Bridge in the Big Timber area. It is 5.5 miles long, moderately difficult, and moderately used; snow can limit access during some seasons.

Seasonal Offerings and Visitor Information

The Big Timber Farmers Market takes place weekly from mid-July through early September at Lions Club Park. It offers produce, crafts, and other products from the region and beyond. Since the market is seasonal, check the exact dates before your trip. A Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performance is also scheduled at Lions Club Park. Check the date, as seasonal performance schedules may change. The Big Timber Visitors Center provides information for road trips and local attractions; it is staffed seasonally.

For the broader travel overview: Sweet Grass.