Montana recreational property for sale, Conrad, MT country homes, Toole County ranches for sale and MT farms with income for sale are just a few of the lifestyle properties sold by United Country Real Estate | 1st Choice Realty.
Industry and Economy
Toole County, Montana was established in 1914 and named after the first governor of Montana, J. Ross Toole. Shelby, the county seat, began as a railroad community and soon branched out into agriculture and industry when oil was discovered in the 1930s. Some oil and gas are still being produced. Pondera County (pronounced ponder-ray) was established in 1919 and its county seat is Conrad. It also began as a railroad town, but now its economy is primarily driven by agriculture. This whole area is part of what is known as the Golden Triangle because of all the wheat grown. Barley, hay, pulse crops and canola are also raised, and cattle ranching and wind farms are also a part of the region’s heritage.
Amtrak serves the region and Shelby is also home to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Rail Intermodal Terminal. Both counties have medical centers, extended care centers, and K-12 schools. Tourism also plays a part in the economy of the region. The Montana outdoors are nothing short of incredible. Glacier National Park, Lake Francis, Tiber Reservoir, Carousel Rest Area, Sweet Grass Hills, Showdown Ski Resort, Marias River State Park Wildlife Management Area and Eureka Reservoir are among the many attractions drawing visitors from across the region.
Area Activities and Recreation
Lake Elwell, the Marias River, and Lake Francis provide opportunities for fishing and boating. Just west of Dupuyer visitors will find great hiking access into the Rocky Mountain Front. Swift Reservoir and Swift Dam near Dupuyer sit at the base of the Rocky Mountains, fed by Birch Creek. Hike along the Roadrunner Recreation Trail and through the area's natural sandstone formations. Once area grain crops are harvested the remaining “stubble” provides good forage and cover for upland game birds (pheasant, Hungarian partridges, grouse). Bird hunters praise the area for excellent hunting.
Deer and antelope also provide excellent hunting opportunities, both on the plains, and in the Sweet Grass Hills. The Marias Museum of History and Art has collections including artifacts from Native American culture, gold mining, homesteading, and agriculture. The Transportation Museum in Conrad chronicles the history of the railroad in the area. Play golf at the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club or the Pondera Golf Club.
Climate
The weather in Shelby and Conrad includes four season with long, severe winters and dry and hot summers. Within an arid climate, it’s not unusual to experience heat lightning, hail and even snow in July. Being located just off the Rocky Mountain Front, wind is also a constant in the area. During the coldest time of the year low temperatures are near 0, while the summer averages highs in the mid-80s.
UCRE | 1st Choice Realty is your key to all things real estate. Our team of local experts combined with United Country's national exposure will help you live the lifestyle you have always dreamed about.