Billings MLS# 340165

+/- 290 total acres (Final Acreage TBD, listing is subject to lot line adjustment). Located just outside of West End Billings and East of Laurel, MT. Hunt, Fish, and Farm. Prime Location! Gorgeous property with Yellowstone River frontage for endless recreation. Excellent irrigation for production.

This expansive estate offers an unparalleled blend of production, location, Yellowstone River frontage, recreation/hunting opportunities, and irrigation, making it a true gem in the heart of The Treasure State. Spanning over acres of fertile land, this property boasts excellent agricultural potential, making it perfect for farmers or ranchers seeking productive soil to cultivate crops or graze livestock. Situated along the picturesque Yellowstone River, this property grants you access to one of Montana’s most iconic waterways. The river frontage is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless recreational activities to indulge in with friends and family. 

History

Lying in the southeastern part of Montana, and bordered by the counties of Musselshell, Stillwater, Carbon, Bighorn and Rosebud, is Yellowstone County, which was created February 26, 1883 and which is one of the best developed sections, agriculturally, in the state. The county was named after the Yellowstone River, which enters the county in its southwestern corner and traverses its entire width in a northeasterly direction, forming the principal source of supply for the irrigation ditches which contribute materially to the development that has brought about the agricultural prestige of the county. The Yellowstone valley, in which much stock is fed each year during the winter period; is broad and level, while sandstone bluffs are a characteristic of its boundaries and above them begin rolling bench lands that extend for miles. In the southeastern part of the county rise the Pryor Mountains. Although Yellowstone is primarily an agricultural and stock-growing county, within its boundaries are to be found industries of a varied character which establish its title as an important business center of the great Midland Empire, these for the most part located at the county seat of Billings.

The location of the City of Billings in the center of the so-called Midland Empire, makes it the logical distributing point for practically 150 smaller communities. During the ’80s, Billings was a trading post; the latest United States Census figures, 2020, credit the city with a population of 117,116. Its growth has been the outcome of the needs of agriculture and commerce in a district as large as three-fourths of New England, and it forms the chief financial, commercial and manufacturing center for a radius of more than 200 miles. Its strategic location as a railroad center may be deduced when it is considered that the city is situated midway between the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Spokane, Washington, at the intersection of the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy lines, with railroads in seven different directions.

Just the Facts

  • Yellowstone River
  • Minimal Structural Improvements (Outlined below)
  • +/- 290.37 (TBD) Total Acres
  • +/- 153 Irrigated
  • Whitetail and Mule Deer and Upland Birds and Waterfowl
  • Taxes: TBD – Subject to Lot Line Adjustment and reassessment

Overview

Welcome to an exceptional property that resides between Laurel and Billings, MT, embodying the perfect fusion of productivity, strategic placement, direct Yellowstone River frontage, recreational havens, and efficient irrigation systems. This expansive estate spanning acres of fertile land is a testament to agricultural promise, making it an ideal haven for buyers seeking productive soil for cultivating crops or tending to livestock. Positioned along the stunning Yellowstone River, this property opens doors to unrivaled access to one of Montana’s most iconic water bodies. The river frontage creates an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering an array of recreational pursuits to enjoy with both companions and family.

Location & Access
Location: Billings, MT

Billings is the regional hub and the largest city in a 500-mile radius. This location has become the destination for commercial and retail development. Its proximity to a major entry point to the West End of Billings provides this property endless opportunities.

The town of Billings was established in 1882 and named after Fredrick H. Billings, president of the Northern Pacific Railway. The city was formed by the railroad as its western railhead for its further westward expansion. Initially, the new town had just three buildings. However, it had grown to more than 2,000 in only a couple of months. That inspired the nickname of Billings to be the Magic City of Montana since it appeared overnight just like magic.

During the early part of the twentieth century Billings developed into an energy center after oil fields were discovered in Wyoming and Montana. Then large coal and natural gas reserves were discovered to secure the city’s first rank in energy. Billings grew rapidly from the time it was founded until after World War II, and it became the region’s major cultural, medical, and financial center.

Access: Christensen Ln.

The Christensen Ln. Farm is accessed from a private drive starting at Christensen Ln. off of S Frontage Rd., an all-season paved road, just minutes from Billings West End.

Directions:

Take the South Frontage Rd west off of Zoo Drive. Turn South on Christensen Ln. Property lies at the end of this road.

Improvements
  • 6,360 sf Shop
  • Steel Hopper Bin
  • 200 linear foot feed bunk
  • Multiple wells for stock and domestic uses
General Operations

Perfect for individuals in search of a tranquil and serene lifestyle, this ranch located on the outskirts of Billings provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Yellowstone River landscapes. With a strategic placement that combines serene seclusion with convenient access to urban conveniences, this ranch offers an ideal ag/recreational experience.

Having been in the same family for generations, this property has been maintained in accordance with traditional ranching and farming values. At present, the property operates as a functional farm. Abundant stock water sources are available in conjunction with the Yellowstone River.

Nestled between the towns of Laurel, MT and Billings, MT, this property is perfectly positioned to align with the burgeoning growth of industry and metropolitan activities in both. The area is witnessing a surge in new construction, including single-family residences, multi-family dwellings, and a diverse range of commercial real estate developments. This property stands in the direct line of the city’s expansion, making it a focal point of the urban sprawl.

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.

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.

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 Christensen Ln. Farm does not have a conservation easement in place. Options abound for prospective owners to mold this property into one that meets their goals.

Downloadable Resources:

“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
“With a history embedded deep in agriculture, the Johnson Brothers not only know agriculture, they know the market.”

Bethany Toews | Warren Land & Livestock
“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
“They are professional, communicative, efficient and deliver thorough and comprehensive appraisals.”

Tina Hamm & Scott Moran | Hall and Hall
“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
“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