Billings MLS#333791

This sophisticated, one-of-one +/- 278-acre retreat effortlessly unites inspiration, landscape, and history. Expansive windows and vaulted ceilings offer panoramic views within the spectacular log home, complete with a magnificent kitchen w/quartz countertops and custom cabinets.

This sought-after rural setting is minutes from Montana’s largest city, Billings. In addition to horse heaven, it offers a unique opportunity to farm (approx. 88 farmable acres) or raise livestock w/the upper reaches of the cache walls rising to 3,800ft providing protection. Lease the land for income and simply enjoy the peace and quiet Montana is known for.

History

According to sources, Martha Jane Canary, aka Calamity Jane, watered her horses at Canyon Creek before driving them up the adjacent plateau titled the Calamity Jane Horse Cache (as seen on USGS maps). At the Battle at Canyon Creek, a bloody showdown on the ranch, Chief Joseph and the Nez Pierce Indians locked horns with Colonel Sturgis and the U.S. Calvary. Though the Nez Piece prevailed in the battle, they lost over 400 horses, and this defeat ultimately prevented them from reaching the Canadian border and joining waiting Sioux Chief Sitting Bull. Following the battle, Calamity Jane acted as a nurse, ferrying wounded soldiers down the Yellowstone River and establishing herself as a local humanitarian, thus building the reputation that wherever there was a calamity, Jane would be there to help.

Just the Facts

  • 5,339 sq ft executive log home
  • 4-stall horse barn with tack and feed room
  • 4-pen outdoor horse facilities all on automatic water systems
  • Heated 4-port shop (East-bay is fully finished)
  • Pipe and Continuous fence riding arena
  • 5-10 miles from Billings West End
  • Less than 20 Miles to Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL)
  • +/- 2 miles of Canyon Creek
  • Deer, Antelope, Upland Birds and Waterfowl
  • +/- 278 Deeded Acres
  • +/- 88 acres of farmable meadows

Overview

Few properties bring it all together like this one in the Billings area. Pristine, turn-key improvements: 4-car garage w/oversized doors and heated shop, pristine 4-Stall Horse Barn w/Tack and Feed rooms, 4 Horse Pens w/water & Lean-To’s, brand new continuous fencing Outdoor Arena and fully fenced +- 278 acres of verdant riding fields. Whole property (including barns and shop) enjoys the benefit of surround sound Bluetooth systems. Dry land farming could be leased or continued by new owners. The property is situated at the confluence of the three forks of Canyon Creek which meanders for about 2 miles through the property. Once home to one of Calamity Jane’s horse cache’.

Location & Access
Location: Billings, MT

With a population around 110,000 people, Billings is Montana’s most populous city. Situated in southern Montana and shaped by the Yellowstone River. In the north, trails wind along the rimrocks, which are sandstone cliffs. Billings serves as the commerce hub for much of Montana.

The Canyon Creek Retreat is only minutes from Billings West End, the fastest growing part of the city. Far enough to grant unrestricted privacy, yet close enough to run into town for any and all needs that may be had. It makes for an ideal launch point for western exploration. Excellent skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, hunting, and horseback riding are only a stone’s throw from this property.

Access: Buffalo Trail Road

The Canyon Creek Retreat is accessed from the Buffalo Trail Road, an all-season paved county road. Laurel is 7 miles to the south and provides direct access to Interstate 90. Red Lodge, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park is approximately 60 miles to the south.

Both Laurel and Red Lodge have paved airstrips capable of handling small aircraft. Billings, is Montana’s largest commercial airport providing air service through United, Delta Allegiant, Cape Air, and Alaska Airlines.

Improvements
  • 5,339± sq. ft. main log home with 4 bed 3.5 bath built in 1987 completed with a basement, attic and attached garage. Addition and full remodel from 2015-2019.
  • 56 ft. x 42 ft. shop built in 2005
  • 40 ft. x 32 ft. barn built in 1987
  • (4) 9 ft. x 12 ft. outdoor horse stalls finished in 2005 with individual runs and automatic waters
  • An outdoor team roping arena that is 150 ft. x 200 ft. out of continuous fencing completed summer 2022
  • 8 ft. x 32 ft. dog run with chain link fence outdoor run attached.
General Operations

The Canyon Creek Retreat truly is a dream property for any owner/producer. The mild winters, reliable water sources, and productive grass allow for a successful operation.

The ranch has been in the Kaseman family for over 3 generations, and the property has been meticulously maintained with the utmost spirit of land stewardship in mind. Currently, the ranch is run as an equestrian/farming operation with yields on the dry land averaging 1-1/2 tons per cutting. There are multiple stock tanks and of course Canyon Creek for stock water which also has a live spring that acts as a reliable water source year-round. These two factors combined make sure that all livestock are watered even in the driest of years. Fence lines throughout the property have been well kept and are in good condition plus the uniqueness of the landscape also provides natural boundary lines with the impressive rimrocks and ridge lines of the Cache.  

Easily accessed from Buffalo Trail Road, which is a maintained county asphalt road, the ranch headquarters is home to the majority of improvements. Give us a call to find out how this property could be combined with some additional acreage to put together a one-of-a-kind dream ranch just minutes from the largest city in Montana.

Leases

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT: None 

STATE OF MONTANA: None

Disclaimer: All water rights and mineral rights owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing and all required filings with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will transfer the current water rights as they exist – with no warranty of future viability. Water rights in the State of Montana are subject to re-adjudication by the DNRC and may be determined by the court to be modified in validity, amount, priority, date, and place of use. All mineral rights owned by the Seller for the subject property will convey to the Buyer at closing.

Recreation
Hunting

Huntable species in Montana include black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison. There is also excellent hunting for upland birds and waterfowl in most of the state.

Montana’s wildlife is well managed, with excellent trophies of nearly every big-game species being taken in the state every year. Some of the largest bighorn sheep in the world come from Montana, especially the Missouri Breaks region; however, drawing odds are extremely low.

The retreat offers the potential for passing big game and birds along the creek. The additional available acreage could provide great opportunities to hunt trophy deer and antelope.

Fishing

From cold water to warm water, big prairie rivers to high mountain lakes and fly-fishing to trolling, Montana offers angling opportunities for all to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking solitude, fish for the supper table or the trophy of a lifetime, you can find it here.

Many of these opportunities can be attributed to the quality of the fisheries habitat in Montana. Still, there are numerous challenges facing Montana’s fisheries including climate change, habitat alteration and dewatering of streams. FWP is tasked with managing the state’s fishery resources and addressing these challenges.

Hiking

Billings and the rimrocks around town offer abundant hiking opportunities. Check out this link https://www.alltrails.com/us/montana/billings to see all 25 designated trails in the area. The retreat also has a wealth of game and stock trails that traverse the rims of the cache.

Outdoor

Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling are all less than an hour away. The resorts of Red Lodge, Bridger, and Big Sky are home to some of the best winter sports destinations Montana has to offer.

Conservation

The Canyon Creek Retreat does not have a conservation easement in place.

The current owners reported that they have been approached about turning the property into a bird preserve along the creek. Options abound for prospective owners to mold this property into one that meets their goals.

Downloadable Resources:

“They are professional, communicative, efficient and deliver thorough and comprehensive appraisals.”

Tina Hamm & Scott Moran | Hall and Hall
“From the moment they said hello to the day of closing on our property, they were highly professional and showed a great skill of knowledge and experience in their field. ”

E. H. Guptill | Client Testimony
“They embody the western value of doing a great job on time. I love their can do attitude.”

Charlie Powers | Powers Land Brokerage
“We were blown away. So clear, concise, just very pleasant. We just enjoyed showing them our property!”

C. Killebrew | Client Testimony
“The Johnson Brothers have brought a fresh energy and enthusiasm to an industry that is very difficult to get started in as young professionals.”

Andy Rahn | Montana Land Source
“They went above and beyond to provide a comprehensive appraisal needed in a short turn time.”

Darla Larson | Farm Credit of Western Arkansas
“With a history embedded deep in agriculture, the Johnson Brothers not only know agriculture, they know the market.”

Bethany Toews | Warren Land & Livestock
“We are thrilled to have found the Johnson Brothers to represent us. They earned our trust through honest professional advice, recommendations and support throughout the process. We always felt that they were looking out for our best interest and not just trying to make a sale.”

Hurley Family | Client Testimony