The Family has operated Yellowstone City Guest Ranch for 20+ Years on this 80 acre property boardered by almost endless public land on two sides. The property is especially suited for affordable family/large group lodging and recreation activities in the area. This rustic property is located near many local attractions, and close enough to easily visit Yellowstone yet far enough away to get out of the crowds.

History of Emigrant Gulch, Curry's Gulch, and Emigrant Creek, Montana

Gold Discovery and Early Settlement

Nestled in Montana’s Absaroka Mountains, Emigrant Gulch is an area of stunning natural beauty, rich in history. Gold was discovered here in 1863 by prospector Thomas Curry, drawing miners into what became known as Curry’s Gulch. In 1864, a gold rush led hundreds of miners into the region, establishing Yellowstone City near the mouth of Emigrant Gulch. This rough settlement of log cabins endured brutal winters, supply shortages, and conflicts with Indigenous tribes. Though mining yielded only moderate success, it played a crucial role in Montana’s early development.

Yellowstone City was also one of the first non-Indigenous settlements near what would become Yellowstone National Park. As early expeditions ventured into the Yellowstone region in the late 1860s and early 1870s, miners and trappers from Yellowstone City provided valuable insights into the area's geothermal features, wildlife, and rugged landscape. Some of these early settlers played a role in guiding explorers advocating for the protection of the park, which was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world.

Development of Old Chico and Emigrant

Following the decline of Yellowstone City, mining shifted to Old Chico, five miles southeast of present-day Emigrant. By the late 1870s, Old Chico was a bustling mining town with gold, silver, and copper operations. The steep terrain and harsh winters made mining treacherous, requiring substantial infrastructure like stamp mills and smelters. Despite these challenges, Old Chico thrived into the 1880s, housing a school, post office, saloons, and hotels. As richer deposits were found elsewhere, large-scale mining declined by the early 1900s, though remnants of the town still stand today.

Emigrant, originally a railroad stop in the late 19th century, became a key supply hub for miners and local agriculture. While the railroad faded, the town adapted by catering to regional tourism. Today, it serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the scenic Paradise Valley, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreation.

Modern Conservation Efforts

Recognizing Emigrant Gulch’s ecological value, conservation efforts have worked to protect the land. In 2016, a mining moratorium was placed on 30,000 acres in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This temporary ban was extended to 20 years in 2018 and permanently solidified in 2019 when President Donald Trump signed the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, preserving the region’s public lands from new mining claims.

Today, Emigrant Gulch remains a testament to Montana’s rugged mining past and enduring natural beauty. Its pristine wilderness, historic sites, and abundant wildlife draw visitors seeking both adventure and a connection to the state’s rich heritage.

B-47 Ridge: An Act of Congress

Produced by Art Taft and Kurt Baltrusch, this moving video chronicles the 60-year journey to honor four airmen lost in a 1962 training accident on Montana's Emigrant Peak, highlighting a community's enduring commitment to memory. Local resident Bryan Wells played an instrumental role in this effort, collaborating with officials to pass legislation for the site's official designation and install a 560-pound granite memorial to provide closure for families. The documentary features emotional accounts from surviving family members, some visiting the rugged, high-altitude site for the first time, while outlining the technical legacy of the B-47 "Stratojet". The film emphasizes the transition of a desolate, long-neglected crash site into a recognized place of honor, marking a significant act of remembrance. For more on the story of the B-47 Ridge memorial, visit the Great Falls History Museum or watch the video on YouTube, link below.

Watch the "B-47 Ridge: An Act of Congress" on YouTube