Top Water Springs

Top Water Springs is located along the Yellowstone River near Springdale, MT, approximately 21 miles east of Livingston. The town of Big Timber lies approximately 15 miles to the east. The Yellowstone River flows from Yellowstone National Park near the park’s north entrance at Gardiner, MT, which is approximately 75 miles from the ranch.

The thriving cultural, retail, and service center of Bozeman, MT is located approximately 47 miles to the west. Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, which is Montana’s busiest airport, is approximately 60 miles from the ranch. Livingston offers a paved 5,701-foot airstrip at 4,659 feet in elevation that accommodates most jets with instrument approaches, as well as fuel and hangar rentals. 

The tiny community of Springdale was a railroad station and stopping place for passengers traveling to Hunter’s Hot Springs. Its population was 42 as of the 2010 census. 

Livingston has a population of approximately 7,800 residents and is a 15 to 20-minute drive from the ranch. Livingston offers a full complement of services including galleries, restaurants, specialty shops, bookstores, and of course world-renowned fly-fishing shops such as Dan Bailey’s, George Anderson’s, Yellowstone Angler, and Sweetwater. Over the years Livingston has attracted artists, actors, and wealthy individuals from the worlds of business and finance. This trend has given the town a more sophisticated ambiance which combines nicely with the many strong Montana ranching families that live a more traditional, agriculturally-based lifestyle.

Big Timber is a little under a 15-minute drive from the ranch and is located at the confluence of the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers. Big Timber is a full-service agricultural community of under 2,000 residents. The Grand Hotel & Restaurant is a central attraction for locals and visitors who enjoy the fine dining.

The town of Bozeman is the cultural, economic, retail, and transportation hub of southwest Montana. The Bozeman area has built a reputation as one of the most desirable communities in which to live in the U.S. It combines a vibrant downtown with a strong business community, an agricultural center, and Montana State University all set in a beautiful expansive mountain valley that offers virtually every recreational amenity that one could ask for in an inland location. It has attracted residents from all over the world creating a diverse population. Bozeman is a jumping-off point for skiers (both alpine and Nordic), anglers, hikers, climbers, explorers, big game hunters, floaters, kayakers, and Yellowstone National Park visitors to name just a few. It has all the benefits of a resort community and university town.

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport became the busiest airport in Montana in 2013. The airport continues to grow and provides residence nonstop access to many of the major airports in the U.S. including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Denver, as well as Seattle and other west coast airports.

The owner’s residence was constructed in 2015 by SBC Construction. Reed Smith architecture designed the “Crazy Mountain Cabin” (https://reidsmitharchitects.com/#!crazy-mountain-cabin) with an emphasis for fly fishing. It’s a rustic retreat with simple, modern appointments, and a haven for fishermen. The back porch faces the river and the sounds of the nearby river riffle are captured on the porch and by the upstairs master bedroom windows, which are also river-facing. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms efficiently utilize the home’s 1,946± square feet. Large windows in the living area overlook the Yellowstone River and the Crazy Mountains in the backdrop. The rustic exterior blends beautifully into the natural landscape. One may leave the house with waders on, fly rod in-hand, and the Yellowstone River is only a few steps away.

A mineral search has not been conducted, so the ownership and status of the mineral rights on the ranch is unknown. The mineral rights owned by the seller will transfer to the new owner.

Annual taxes on Top Water Springs are approximately $2,260.00.

Top Water Springs contains all the wildlife that is typical in a riparian, river setting in southwest Montana. Waterfowl are particularly attracted to the spring-fed wetland on the property. Ducks nest among the cattails in the summer, and in the fall migratory birds add to the population and provide excellent hunting opportunities. The perimeter of the wetland and heavy cover along the creek banks provides excellent pheasant habitat if someone chose to implement a stocking program. Whitetail deer are common, as are a variety of eagles, ospreys, and other raptors.

One simple wildlife enhancement idea would be to plant grain in the sub-irrigated hay meadow. Barley or other grains would be very attractive to waterfowl and other upland birds.

The neighbor currently oversees the management and care of the property in exchange for limited cattle grazing and cutting a portion of the sub-irrigated meadows for hay. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, providing simplicity and ease of ownership for the landowner. Fences are maintained, weeds are sprayed, and the grass is managed. The owners are free to enjoy the property when they are there, which means more time fishing and relaxing with family and friends.