The Sweet Grass Hills are the last of something.
This is the part of Montana that doesnt announce itself.
The towns hereWhitlash, Oilmont, Sunburstare more suggestions than destinations.
Heidi Besen / Shutterstock.com
A grain elevator, a post office, a church that may or may not still hold Sunday service.
You pass through and wonder if its stubbornness or reverence that keeps these places from dissolving into the prairie.
The roads are long, empty, stretching like drawn-out sentences with no real punctuation.
The hills, sacred to the Blackfeet, watch over everything, unmoved.
Some people come here to escape.
Either way, the silence swallows you whole.
Where is Brady?
Located in Pondera County, Brady sits along Interstate 15 between Conrad and Great Falls.
The primary industry is agriculture, particularly wheat farming, which has shaped the towns character.
Ethridges seclusion is accentuated by its small population and the vast prairies that surround it.
Where is Ethridge?
Situated in Glacier County, Ethridge lies along U.S. Route 2 between Cut Bank and Shelby.
Its location on the open plains contributes to its isolated feel, with the nearest larger towns miles away.
Ethridges proximity to the Sweet Grass Hills provides a stunning backdrop, enhancing its appeal as a peaceful retreat.
The town offers a quiet lifestyle, surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Montana.
Where is Oilmont?
Located in Toole County, Oilmont is nestled near the Canadian border, east of Interstate 15.
The town is off the beaten path, accessible by rural roads that enhance its feeling of remoteness.
Galata: A Peaceful Hamlet on the Prairie
Galata is a small unincorporated community with approximately 60 residents.
This peaceful hamlet offers a serene environment amid the vast Montana prairie.
Agriculture is the primary industry, with local farms contributing to the towns economy.
Galatas seclusion is enhanced by its remote location and the expansive landscapes that surround it.
Where is Galata?
Situated in Toole County along U.S. Route 2, Galata lies east of Shelby.
The towns remote setting is characterized by the endless plains and big skies typical of Montanas northern regions.
Access to Galata is via a quiet highway that sees little traffic, reinforcing the sense of isolation.
The unspoiled natural surroundings make it a tranquil destination for those looking to escape the pressures of city life.
While larger than some of its neighboring towns, Shelby maintains a tranquil atmosphere.
It serves as a hub for history enthusiasts, featuring sites like the Marias Museum of History and Art.
Outdoor activities include exploring nearby parks and the Sweet Grass Hills.
The economy centers on agriculture, oil, and transportation services.
Shelbys seclusion comes from its location amidst vast open spaces and its distance from larger urban areas.
Where is Shelby?
Shelby is located at the junction of Interstate 15 and U.S. Route 2 in Toole County.
Positioned near the Canadian border, its a gateway to the Sweet Grass Hills and the surrounding prairies.
Chester: Serenity on the High Plains
Chester is a small town with a population of about 850 people.
Nestled in the heart of the high plains, it offers a serene setting ideal for nature lovers.
Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing at nearby lakes, bird watching, and exploring open hiking trails.
The local economy is driven by agriculture, with wheat farming playing a significant role.
Chesters seclusion is a product of its remote location and the vast, uninterrupted prairie that surrounds it.
Where is Chester?
Located in Liberty County along U.S. Route 2, Chester is east of Galata and west of Havre.
The towns isolated feel is enhanced by the wide-open spaces and the absence of large cities nearby.
Accessing Chester involves a journey through rolling plains and under expansive skies, contributing to its tranquil ambiance.
Sweet Grass: Gateway to the Hills
Sweet Grass is a small unincorporated community with approximately 60 residents.
Serving as a border crossing into Canada, it offers a unique blend of American and Canadian cultures.
Visitors can explore local shops that cater to cross-border travelers and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills.
The economy revolves around customs services and small businesses.
Where is Sweet Grass?
Positioned in Toole County right on the Montana-Alberta border, Sweet Grass is accessible via Interstate 15.
The towns remote location at the edge of the United States contributes to its isolated feel.
The surrounding landscape is characterized by the rolling Sweet Grass Hills and expansive prairies.
Kevin: Hidden Oasis in Northern Montana
Kevin is a small town with a population of around 150 residents.
It offers a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views of the Sweet Grass Hills.
Activities include exploring local trails, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the quietude of rural life.
Kevins seclusion is emphasized by its sparse population and the vast natural landscapes that envelop it.
Where is Kevin?
Located in Toole County, Kevin lies east of Interstate 15, north of Shelby.
Its secluded nature stems from its off-the-main-road location, accessible via secondary highways that see minimal traffic.
The towns economy is primarily based on agriculture and some oil production.
Where is Sunburst?
Situated in Toole County just west of the Sweet Grass Hills, Sunburst is accessible via Interstate 15.
The town is close to the Canadian border, adding to its remote allure.
The surrounding landscape features gentle hills and open fields, with the Sweet Grass Hills offering a picturesque backdrop.
Reaching Sunburst involves a drive through northern Montanas serene countryside, enhancing the feeling of seclusion upon arrival.
Nestled near the Sweet Grass Hills, it offers unmatched tranquility and seclusion.
There are no major industries, emphasizing its status as a retreat from modern distractions.
Whitlashs seclusion is profound due to its tiny population and the vast wilderness that surrounds it.
Where is Whitlash?
Located in Liberty County, Whitlash is perched near the Canadian border east of the Sweet Grass Hills.
The town is accessible by unpaved county roads, enhancing its remote feel.
The journey to Whitlash involves traveling through expansive prairie and rugged terrain, often without encountering other vehicles.
