Wheatland County: Railroad History, Rodeo, and River

Harlowton sits on the banks of the Musselshell River, east of the Crazy Mountains. Railroad buildings, a remarkable model railroad collection, rodeo traditions, and trails give Wheatland County tangible points of interest for a trip. Choose the focus that suits your stay, from culture and river access to outdoor activities.

Railroad History and Distinctive Buildings

The Upper Musselshell Museum is housed in the Marshall Building, a two-story sandstone building dating to 1908. The museum displays the Pedersen Collection, considered the largest collection of Milwaukee Road HO-scale models in the United States. Another exhibit reaches far back into Earth’s history: the museum displays Avaceratops Lammersi, discovered north of Shawmut and considered the first specimen of its kind.

The Harlowton Milwaukee Depot Museum also tells the story of the railroad. The building was constructed in 1908 as a “Standard Class A Passenger Station” and used by the Milwaukee Road. In the center of Harlowton, an E57B electric locomotive also pays tribute to the region’s electric railroad history. The rodeo arena in Chief Joseph Park was built as early as 1910. In town, you can encounter different chapters of its architectural and transportation history, from the sandstone museum to the locomotive.

Trails, Water, and Outdoor Activities

Harlowton’s scenic Smoking Boomer Trail starts at the restored Milwaukee Depot. Golf enthusiasts can visit the public Jawbone Creek Golf Course: The links-style course has nine holes and two sets of tees, making an 18-hole round possible. It is considered the only golf course in the world to include a cemetery. Visitor conditions may change; check them before your round.

Swimming is also an option during the summer months: The City of Harlowton operates a public community swimming pool with lap swimming, open swim, and swimming lessons. Since it is seasonal, check current opening dates before your trip.

There are several different places to access fishing. Harlowton Fishing Access Site is a five-acre site on the Musselshell River outside Harlowton, next to St. Josephs City Park. Selkirk Fishing Access Site, a state fishing access site on the same river, is nearby. Deadman's Basin Fishing Access Site has a boat ramp. These sites differ in location and amenities, so check conditions before visiting if you have a particular access point in mind.

Prairie, Wind Energy, and Getting Around

The Judith Gap Wind Energy Center was built in 2005 between Harlowton and Judith Gap. Its 90 towers rise 262 feet above the prairie. The main access is between mile markers 10 and 11; check access conditions before driving there. For road directions, Harlowton is at the intersection of U.S. Highways 12 and 191.

Rodeo and Local Character

Harlowton’s annual rodeo takes place every year. If you want to plan your trip around it, confirm the specific event dates before you leave. For a different perspective on the town, visit Gally's Brewing Co., a brewery with a taproom in historic Harlowton. It offers craft beers and food.

The Wider Regional Context

Judith Gap also has a geographic story behind its name: It refers to the gap between the Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Belt Mountains. Judith Gap also has a geographic story behind its name: It refers to the gap between the Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Belt Mountains.

Find a Vacation Rental That Fits Your Plans

When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to first sort out what you want to shape your stay: the museum and railroad buildings, rodeo, trails, golf, or river access. This helps you identify your different interests without combining them into a single itinerary. Choose accommodation based on a location that suits the places you plan to visit, and keep seasonal offerings such as the community swimming pool and rodeo in mind, along with their respective dates.

Discover more destinations: Harlowton, Sheridan County, Stillwater County, Sanders, Gallatin, Madison County, Treasure County, Jefferson County.

For the broader travel overview: Montana.