Located approximately five miles northeast of Red Lodge, Montana, the 2,500± acre L-BO Creek Ranch revels in dramatic views of the Beartooth Mountains and Red Lodge Ski Resort. There are also distant views of the Crazies, Snowies, Pryors and Big Horn mountains. An ideal mix of irrigated hay land, dryland hay and grazing support approximately 150 animal units. Along with good water rights, several wells and stock reservoirs, Elbow Creek meanders through the ranch for nearly three miles. Water, productive farm land, and native range host a wide variety of wildlife including upland birds, elk and antelope in the fall, and mule and whitetail deer year-round. Modest but well-kept improvements include a small ranch-style home and ancillary outbuildings. In addition, there is a 2,400-ft. grass runway, airplane hangar and heated storage space. The L-BO Creek Ranch combines beauty, views and multiple recreational features with a significant agricultural operation just minutes from Red Lodge, Montana - the gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
The L-BO Creek Ranch is an opportunity to own a productive, but manageable operating ranch in an area with abundant recreation and easy access to Billings, Red Lodge and the Beartooth Mountains. This allows one to enjoy both the culture of Montana’s largest city and the amenities of an appealing Montana ski resort town.
The ranch lies on an undulating open bench just north of Red Lodge. This area is characterized by small productive cattle and hay ranches that take advantage of the extensive water resources for irrigation. This is one of the few areas of Montana where homesteads are productive enough to sustain a family, hence the many small ranches in the area that have survived over the years.
The greater region encompassing the property continues the same theme for ranches that have increasingly become recreational in nature due to the rich natural resources, aesthetic values and proximity to Billings and other attractive smaller communities in the immediate area. Red Lodge is considered one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park and is situated at the base of Montana’s highest mountain range known locally as the “Beartooths”. It also boasts its own very challenging ski area, and with its mining heritage, Red Lodge is often likened to Aspen, but on a much more modest scale. Traditional ranching remains strong as this is some of the most productive grass country in the state and even the more recreationally oriented owners find their land to be in strong demand from area ranchers.
The small town of Red Lodge is a big area draw and lies on the northern end of the Beartooth National Scenic Byway, which Charles Kuralt deemed to be the most scenic highway in North America. Downtown Red Lodge hosts a variety of services and includes quality dining, accommodations, galleries and other boutique establishments. Red Lodge Ski Area is also a mainstream attraction for winter enthusiasts. Cultural events extend all year with outdoor concerts, food events and festivals.
2,462± deeded acres
80± State of Montana leased acres
Total 2,542± acres
The primary residence is a 1991 mobile home set on a poured concrete full basement. Each floor is approximately 1,438± sq. ft. and the basement is partially finished. There is a total of 3 bedrooms and 1 bath along with a 2-car attached garage.
The barn which was built in 1917, the corrals and ancillary sheds are all in good condition and capable of handling cattle.
The hangar which is located away from the residence is approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and has a 40’ by 12’ Schweiss hangar door. It was built in 2002 and has a bunkroom and full-bath which is serviced by a 11 GPM well, septic and alarm security system. A pole barn was later built on to the hangar in 2004 and provides an additional 2,700± sq. ft. of covered storage which can be accessed by three overhead doors of varying sizes.
There are several old interesting homesteads on the ranch, one of which is an old schoolhouse that still has the original chalkboards.
Irrigation to the ranch’s hayfields is provided by shares of the Rock Creek and Clear Creek Ditch Company and the Pleasant Valley Canal Company as well as from the Jeffery Ditch, Allison Ditch and Robinson Ditches. Along with irrigation, there are a number of reservoirs and six wells on the ranch.
All minerals appurtenant to the ranch and owned by the Sellers will be transferred to Buyer at closing.
Annual property taxes are approximately $4,047.00
