The Cherry Springs Ranch is located in the productive and scenic Clarks Fork River Valley. Located seven miles southeast of Bridger, Montana, 27 miles from Red Lodge Mountain, a family friendly ski resort, and 57 miles southwest of Billings, Montana. Comprised of approximately 5,852± deeded acres, of which 110± acres are irrigated. Aside from the irrigated base and the 1,160± acres of BLM and 640± acres of state leased ground, the remaining acreage is highlighted by two major drainages that run through the ranch, namely the North and South Forks of Cherry Creek. The strong native grasses and the well-timbered draws provide great habitat for an assortment of wildlife.
A beautiful main residence with exceptional views anchors the expansive ranch, which also includes an equestrian barn, horse runs, and an arena, all supplementing the ranch’s working aspect. A second home and a livestock facility provide the additional resources need to sustain an ongoing well-balanced farm and ranch operation.
The Cherry Springs Ranch is an impeccably improved grass ranch with views of the Beartooth Mountains. The ranch consists of 5,852± acres, of which 110± acres are irrigated, and the balance is in native grass and timbered draws. In addition, there is approximately 1,160 acres of BLM lease and 640 acres of state lease, which adjoins two non-contiguous deeded tracts creating one well-blocked unit. The ranch is well-watered with small creeks, two wells, one of which is an Artesian, and many springs. The ranch is highlighted by a tastefully designed 4,100± square foot ranch house, a six-stall horse barn, and a 150’ X 300’ outdoor arena. Further west of the ranch is a second home, a functional set of ranch buildings, and corrals. The property is set up well for recreation, cattle, and horses.
The Cherry Springs Ranch represents an opportunity to own a productive cattle/horse ranch with productive pivot ground for balanced feed. The ranch has abundant recreation and easy access to both the city of Billings and the Beartooth Mountains. This allows one to easily enjoy the culture of Montana’s largest city and the recreational opportunities of the mountains, along with the resort amenities of Red Lodge. This opportunity comes with an attractive and very comfortable home and horse facilities in arguably Montana’s most desirable climate.
The Cherry Springs Ranch is located seven miles south of Bridger, Montana, on Highway 310. Bridger is approximately forty-five miles southwest of Billings. Delta, Alaska, United, and Allegiant airlines serve Montana’s second largest airport from their hubs in Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and Denver, providing several flights each day. A full range of services, markets, and supplies are available at several communities, including Bridger itself and Red Lodge, the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park only twenty-six miles away.
The Cherry Springs Ranch is located in the Clarks Fork River valley fifty-seven miles southwest of Billings, Montana’s largest city. This valley is known for its mild climate and fertile soil. In addition to the typical hay and grain crops, the farmers in the valley raise beans, with a facility in Bridger, as well as sugar beets. The beets are harvested in the fall, stockpiled in the valley, and then hauled to the processing facility in Billings throughout the winter months. The agricultural activity in the area has given rise to several small towns that supply the basic staples for the area. Most residents make the trip to Billings for major purchases, professional services, and medical care, for which it has a well-deserved reputation. In addition to its reputation as the distribution center for Montana and northern Wyoming, Billings has become a major cultural center with the Yellowstone Arts Center, the Alberta Bair Theatre, and the newly renovated Metra Park Event Center. Commerce, culture and an ever-growing medical community have all combined in recent years to make Billings the hub of activity for the Northern Mountain Region. Although the Clarks Fork Valley is a well-regarded farming community, it enjoys close proximity to the Beartooth Mountains and the destination resort town of Red Lodge. The expanding Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort is only a short thirty-minute drive from the ranch.
Nestled in the rain shadow of the Beartooth Mountains, the ranch and surrounding area enjoy their own micro-climate, often referred to as the “banana belt”. Typical annual moisture is less than 12 inches with humidity in the 20 to 40 percent range. The average low temperature in January is 4 degrees and the average high is 35 degrees. The area is considered one of the driest areas in Montana, which means that irrigated farming with dependable water rights is rarely interrupted by bad weather. Residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine and clear skies per year.
The primary residence consists of a lovely contemporary home which contains four bedrooms and five baths. The main floor has a living room, formal dining room, and kitchen with large windows offering abundant natural light and pastoral views framed by the Beartooth Mountains. A large master bedroom, second bedroom, a well-designed kitchen, large laundry room, and wraparound porch round out the comfortable main floor living area.
The horse barn located at the main headquarters has six stalls with shared automatic waterers, wash bay, tack room, and hay loft.
The second house is a three bedroom, three bath, 1,288± square foot home on a full basement. This home would serve as a manager’s house if needed.
The ranch has 15 water rights from two wells, Bridger Creek, groundwater sources, and springs. Available in our Due Diligence Package.
All mineral rights owned by Seller will be transferred at closing.
Property taxes are estimated at $7,400 based upon past years.
Cherry Springs Ranch has excellent wildlife resources, primarily due to abundant water, ample and good natural cover. Mule deer are the primary big game animal with potential for trophy quality bucks. Antelope, whitetail deer, and elk can also be found on the ranch, although the elk tend to be nomadic and not considered resident.
The upland bird numbers are good with sharptail grouse populating the hills with the native grasses and the pheasants using the riparian creek bottom for cover, forage, and nesting. Innumerable songbirds, raptors, and fur-bearing animals make their home on the ranch as well.
The Cherry Springs Ranch has been leased to a local operator for several years. The operator leases both the pasture and the irrigated pivot for $68,000 per year. The owners who reside on the ranch live in the main house and maintain full use of the horse barn and facilities to train and ride performance horses.
