Custer County, Montana is located in the south-central part of the state, on the east side of the Rocky Mountains. It has a population of approximately 10,000 people. Custer County was established in 1877 and was named for General George Armstrong Custer. The county seat is Miles City, which is also the largest city and serves as an important hub for trade and transportation in the region.
According to sportingology.com, the area around Custer County has a long history of ranching and farming, with many ranches still operating today. Visitors to Custer County can explore its wide open spaces including grasslands, rolling hills, mountains, forests, and rivers. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing are popular in the area. There are also several national parks nearby that offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing such as Yellowstone National Park or Glacier National Park.
Famous people from Custer County include former United States Senator Lee Metcalf who served from 1953-1961; actor Gary Cooper who lived on his family’s ranch near Miles City; and writer Ivan Doig who wrote several books about life in Montana during his time living in Miles City. Other notable attractions include Fort Keogh Museum which is dedicated to preserving the history of local military units; Bair Museum which houses Native American artifacts; and Range Riders Museum which focuses on local frontier history.
Climate and weather in Custer County, Montana
According to liuxers.com, Custer County, Montana enjoys a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters. The county lies in the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains, receiving only about 10 inches of precipitation annually. Temperatures in summer can reach up to 90°F during the day, with lows around 50°F at night. Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures dropping to around 10°F at night and highs in the upper 20s during the day. Snowfall is usually limited to a few weeks each winter, with total snow accumulation rarely exceeding 12 inches for the season.
In addition to its cold winters, Custer County can also experience strong winds throughout much of the year due to its location in an open plain at the base of the Rocky Mountains. These winds can be particularly strong during spring storms, when gusts up to 60 mph have been recorded. Thunderstorms are also common in Custer County during spring and summer months, bringing brief but heavy downpours of rain or hail.
Custer County enjoys a pleasant climate that makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping throughout much of the year. The mild summers provide plenty of opportunity for enjoying a variety of recreational activities while winter months offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Transportation in Custer County, Montana
Custer County, Montana is served by an extensive network of highways and roads. Interstate 94 runs east-west through the county, connecting Miles City, the county seat, with other cities in Montana and North Dakota. US Highway 12 runs from north to south through the county and connects with US Highway 212 at the northern border. Several state routes also cross through Custer County, including State Route 59 which connects Miles City to Broadus in the south and State Route 789 which runs from west to east across the northern part of the county.
Public transportation options in Custer County are limited but do exist. The Miles City Transit System provides bus service throughout Miles City and surrounding areas Monday through Saturday. The bus connects several downtown stops with residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and other major destinations in town. There are also a few private companies that offer taxi service throughout Custer County for those who need door-to-door transportation.
For travelers looking to get out of town by air or rail, there are several options available nearby. Billings Logan International Airport is located about two hours away from Miles City and provides flights to many major cities across the United States as well as international destinations such as Mexico City and Toronto. The Amtrak Empire Builder line also passes through Billings on its way between Chicago and Seattle/Portland with stops available in other nearby towns such as Glendive or Forsyth.
Cities and towns in Custer County, Montana
According to COUNTRYAAH, Custer County, Montana is home to several cities and towns. The county seat of Miles City is the largest city in the area with a population of approximately 8,500 people. Miles City is a bustling community with plenty of activities to enjoy including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation such as fishing and camping. Other cities in Custer County include Broadus with a population of about 1,000 people and Jordan with around 800 people.
The smaller towns throughout Custer County offer an array of unique experiences. Forsyth is a charming town located on the Yellowstone River and is known for its historic buildings and friendly atmosphere. Other communities include Baker with its lively downtown area full of shops and restaurants; Terry which was once an important railroad hub; Ismay which has been featured in several movies; Birney which offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities; Lame Deer which is home to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Rosebud which has a rich history as a coal mining town; Colstrip which houses one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the country; Plevna whose main street features numerous antique stores; and Broadview where visitors can enjoy views of the Little Powder River Valley from high atop Bald Butte.
Custer County also boasts many small unincorporated communities such as Ingomar, Hammond, Pompey’s Pillar, Kinsey, Otter Creek, Alzada, Boyes Hot Springs, Volborg, Ekalaka, and Hysham that each have their own unique character that makes them special places to visit or call home.