Area Information

Shelby has claimed the title of transportation center and crossroads of northern Montana since 1891, when newly laid tracks of the Great Northern Railroad crossed those of Turkey Track. The sound economy of modern Shelby can be traced to the railroad, the discovery of oil, cattle ranches and the eventual success of dryland wheat farming.

Montana is still the land of "cowboys and Indians," Gary Cooper, Charlie Russell and all the traditions of the Old West. Toole County experiences 4 distinct seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from 11 degrees above zero in January to 70 degrees in July. The annual average rainfall is 11.3 inches and snowfall 16 inches. The average growing season is 110 days. Shelby has an excellent school system dedicated to a solid academic program. Included are elementary programs for the gifted, a college prep program, adult education and classes via TELECOM from the College of Great Falls. Area attractions include the intriguing Marias Museum of History and Art with some 10,000 articles on display, including many dinosaur specimens. The big event of the year is the 4-county Marias Fair, which features horse racing, horse shows, a carnival, rodeo, commercial and 4-H Club exhibits, and all kinds of other open-class exhibits. You’ll also enjoy Crazy Daze, the Cross Country Model T Association's 500-mile endurance run, various golf tournaments, the Coast to Coast Bicycle Classic. Tributes to neighboring Canada include Canadian Days and Canadian Victorian Days, the big 4th of July Community Picnic, Pet and Doll Parade, Art on the Highline, Horseshoe Tournament, Moonlight Madness, Christmas Kick-off and Festival of Lights. One of the entertainment events of the year is the North American Indian Days Celebration on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation west of Shelby. Area health facilities include Marias Medical Center, Marias Care Center, Marias Healthcare and Marias Heritage Assisted Living Center. There are abundant deer and elk in the Sweet Grass Hills plus a great variety of fish and wildlife around Shelby. You’ll also find grizzly and black bears, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, big horn sheep and antelope. Some of the Northwest's finest bow hunting is here! Fishing includes trout, Arctic grayling, kokanee salmon, sturgeon, paddlefish, northern and walleye pike, channel cat, burbot, perch and sauger. Local lakes and streams, as well as those draining from Glacier National Park and Lewis and Clark National Forest provide ample opportunities. Ducks and geese migrate along 2 major flyways in this area with numerous pheasants, partridge and grouse. Here on the prairie, close to the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide, we offer many opportunities for outdoor excitement and adventure. Near Shelby are unusual formations called the Jerusalem Rocks and part of the old Whoop-Up Trail. For skiing, the Rocky Mountain High Ski Area offers 25 runs. You can also check out the state’s primary staging area for snow geese at Freezeout Lake, the area’s only buffalo jump, Teepee Rings, ghost towns and much more.

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