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As the gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Big Timber, Montana is a small mountain town ready to impress you with its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Old West character. Located just 60 miles east of Bozeman and 80 miles west of Billings, Big Timber is easily accessible off I-90 and highway 191.
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Big Timber got its name in 1806 from a railroad official who read the journals of William Clark. In his writings, Clark mentioned the giant cottonwood trees that grew near the area called "Rivers Across." The name stuck and Big Timber grew to be a thriving sheep ranching community. At one point, Big Timber exported more wool than any other city in the United States. Today, Big Timber is a successful agricultural community.
Prairie land borders Big Timber to the north and east sides, while the west and south are dominated by majestic mountains. Granite Peak, the highest peak in Montana at 12,799 feet, is a part of the Absaroka Mountain Range. The Boulder Mountains to the south, and the Crazy Mountains just north of Big Timber, offer spectacular hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. Blue ribbon trout fishing attracts anglers from all over the country.
There is much debate over how the distinctive Crazy Mountains got their name. One theory suggests that the Native Americans called the mountains "Mad Mountains" for their steep grade, rugged peaks, and howling winds. Another theory takes a geological approach and points out that these peaks are made of younger, upthrusted lava, and thus look different and "crazy" compared to the surrounding rock. Still another theory tells of a woman who went mad and took refuge in the mountains.
However the mountains surrounding Big Timer got their names, everyone agrees on their breathtaking contribution to the scenery. Popular motion pictures such as A River Runs Through it, and the Horse Whisperer were filmed in this area.
Downtown Big Timber offers shops peddling everything Montana made gifts, groceries, clothing, and hardware. Many shops have kept their original look, giving visitors the authentic feel of the Old West. Some old-time local merchants have been there for over 50 years. If that isn't enough to whisk you away to the Wild West days, a trip to Big Timber's old-fashion soda fountain or antique shops will do the trick.
To learn more about the history of Big Timber and the surrounding Sweet Grass County, visit the Crazy Mountain Museum. Here you'll find an authentic, one-room school house exhibit, complete with original blackboards. A miniature model of the original town of Big Timber in 1807 is also on display.
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