Historic Sites
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Site
Historic Crail Ranch: Established as a homestead by Augustus Franklin Crail starting in 1902, and occupied by Crail family members for nearly 50 years, the Historic Crail Ranch remains as a tangible reminder of the life of the earliest settlers in the Big Sky area. Now the Historic Crail Ranch hosts events, exhibits, surveys, and scrapbooks. Visit crailranch.org for more information.
Natural Bridge State Monument: At this monument, located near Big Timber, the Boulder River disappears underground, creating a natural bridge, then reappears as roaring falls in the Boulder River canyon. Hiking trails and interpretive signs explain how this geologic wonder occurred. The Main Boulder Ranger Station, a few miles past the bridge, is one of the oldest in the United States and is now an interpretive center. Visit fs.usda.gov for more information.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Site: Encompassing 1,600 acres, over 80 historic structures, many historic artifacts, and walking trails, there is something for everybody to do at the ranch. Stop at the visitor center to pick up a park brochure, sign up for guided tours, and find out what other programs are being offered. Visit nps.gov/grko for more information.
Big Hole National Battlefield: On August 9, 1877 gun shots shattered a chilly dawn on a sleeping camp of Nez Perce. By the time the smoke cleared on August 10, almost 90 Nez Perce were dead along with 31 soldiers and volunteers. Big Hole National Battlefield was created to honor all who were there. Located in Wisdom, MT, the Big Hole battlefield remains as it was when the battle unfolded; tepee poles erected by the park service mark the site of a Nez Perce village and serve as haunting reminders of what transpired here. Ranger-led programs take place daily in summer; group tours can be arranged with advance request. The park stays open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on a groomed trail through the battlefield's sites. Visit nps.gov/biho for more information.
Parker Homestead Park: This homestead, built around the turn of the 19th century, was a state park until 2010. The sod-roof cabin is one of the last homesteads still standing, located along the Jefferson River just southwest of Three Forks. The homestead is representative of the thousands of simple frontier homes that provided shelter for hopeful pioneers who settled Montana. This small park is on one acre of land at an elevation of 4,806 feet. There is a golf course and museum located nearby in Three Forks. Vehicle size is limited to passenger car only. This site is undeveloped, unsigned, and there are no fees to enter this day use-only area. Visit travelmt.com for more information.
