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Set along Sweet Grass Creek and backed by the Crazy Mountains, Melville is ranch country through and through. Settled by Norwegians in 1877, this tiny town is known for supplying sheep camps, hosting rodeo stock operations and holding on tightly to its heritage. Ask a local, and they’ll proudly tell you: Melville is “20 miles from anything.”
The town’s story holds strong. Back in the early 1900s, horse races, dances, and gambling made Melville a Saturday-night draw for folks across the region. But it wasn’t all rough-and-tumble. Melville is also home to the first Lutheran congregation in Montana, founded in 1914. The little white church still holds services today — and it’s worth a stop for the photo alone. You’ll also find remnants of early days, like the original schoolhouse — once the town’s church, too. Melville may be small, but it wears its history proudly.
Melville’s ranching legacy is anchored by the Cremer Stock Ranch, a name well-known in the rodeo world for supplying top stock to events across the West. The ranch’s fame grew even further when Gene Autry, the legendary “Singing Cowboy,” purchased a half interest in the operation. Today, visitors can learn more about Leo Cremer and the Cremer Ranch’s history at the Crazy Mountain Museum in Big Timber, which showcases artifacts like historic chaps and brands that pay tribute to this Montana legacy.
And with the Crazy Mountains just beyond town, it’s also a gateway to outdoor adventure. Hike the Big Timber Creek Trail, camp at Halfmoon Campground, or seek out alpine destinations like Twin Lakes, Blue Lake, Sweet Grass Creek, and Conical Peak.
Grab a seat at Cafe 191, a local favorite serving up grass-fed beef burgers, big breakfasts and cowboy coffee. Located right on Highway 191, the café is run by a fifth-generation ranching family and feels more like a ranch house kitchen than a restaurant.
Swing by the Melville Lutheran Church — not only one of the oldest churches in the state, but still in use today. It’s a peaceful, photogenic stop and a meaningful look into Montana’s early days.
Melville doesn't host large-scale festivals, but the café, church and surrounding ranches are known for seasonal events and small community gatherings. Ask around if you're passing through — you might catch a ranch rodeo or Sunday potluck.
