If you’re yearning for wide-open spaces and a retreat from the hustle and bustle, Eastern Montana offers some of the most secluded towns that perfectly embody peace and solitude. I’ve always been drawn to this part of the state, where the vast prairie meets endless skies, and time seems to slow down.
These hidden gems are scattered across the rugged landscape, offering unique experiences that you won’t find in more populated areas. From tiny unincorporated communities to quiet settlements, each town has its own charm that captivates anyone looking to truly get away from it all.
Join me as I count down ten of Eastern Montana’s most secluded towns, each offering a slice of tranquility under the Big Sky.
10. Angela: A Remote Haven Under the Big Sky
Angela is a tiny unincorporated community with an estimated population of fewer than 50 people. I find its solitude deeply refreshing, as the town is surrounded by miles of unspoiled prairie that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There’s not much in terms of commercial attractions, but outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and experiencing the raw beauty of Montana’s landscape.
The area is primarily supported by ranching, with cattle grazing on the open ranges. What makes Angela truly secluded is its minimal development and the vast distances between neighbors, offering a peaceful retreat from modern life’s distractions.
Where is Angela?
Located in Rosebud County, Angela sits about 25 miles north of Miles City, but it feels much more isolated due to the sparse population and expansive surroundings. The town’s remoteness is accentuated by long stretches of highway with little to no services along the way.
To get there, I usually take Highway 59, embracing the quiet drive through rolling hills and open skies. Angela’s seclusion is a significant part of its charm, providing a genuine escape into Montana’s tranquil prairie.
9. Mildred: Serenity in the Heart of Nowhere
Mildred is another unincorporated community that captures the essence of peaceful living with a population hovering around a few dozen residents. The town doesn’t boast tourist attractions, but its simplicity is what draws me in.
It’s a place where you can sit on a porch and listen to the wind rustling through the grasslands without interruption. Agriculture, especially wheat farming and ranching, forms the backbone of the local economy.
Mildred’s seclusion arises from its location amid vast fields and the absence of urban development, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude.
Where is Mildred?
Situated in Prairie County, Mildred lies along Highway 12, about 40 miles east of Miles City. The isolation is palpable as you travel the open road with few other cars in sight.
Getting there involves traversing gently rolling terrain that seems to go on indefinitely, reinforcing the town’s remote feel. I love the journey itself, as it offers a chance to disconnect and appreciate the untouched landscape that defines Eastern Montana.
8. Hathaway: Hidden Among Rolling Fields
With a modest population, Hathaway is a small community where life moves at a leisurely pace. There’s a quiet post office and a scattering of homes, but not much else in terms of amenities, which I find quite charming.
The area is predominantly agricultural, with wheat fields and cattle ranches dotting the countryside. Hathaway’s seclusion is due to its distance from larger towns and the expansive farmland that surrounds it, providing a serene environment away from crowded spaces.
Where is Hathaway?
Hathaway is located in Rosebud County along Interstate 94, approximately 20 miles west of Miles City. Despite its proximity to the interstate, the town remains isolated due to the vast stretches of rural land and minimal services available.
Accessing Hathaway usually means a peaceful drive through the countryside, which I always enjoy for its calming effect. The isolation here feels comforting, offering a respite from the noise of city life.
7. Enid: Seclusion Under Montana’s Big Sky
Enid is a tiny settlement with a sparse population, offering an authentic experience of Montana’s quiet prairie life. There’s not much commercial activity, but the endless horizons and the sound of the wind create a peaceful atmosphere that I find incredibly soothing.
The economy is primarily based on farming and ranching, with vast tracts of land dedicated to agriculture. Enid’s seclusion stems from its remote location and the sheer expanse of undeveloped land surrounding it.
Where is Enid?
Nestled in Richland County, Enid is positioned northwest of Glendive and is accessed via country roads that weave through the agricultural landscape. Its isolation is heightened by the limited infrastructure and the considerable distance from major highways.
I often take the less-traveled routes to get there, embracing the journey through open spaces that reinforce the sense of solitude. Enid truly feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle.
6. Vida: A Slice of Peace in the Prairie
Vida is a small unincorporated community with a population of just a few dozen people. The town offers an authentic rural Montana experience, with vast open spaces perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.
I enjoy visiting the local general store, which serves as a hub for the tight-knit community. Agriculture drives the local economy, focusing on grain farming and cattle ranching.
Vida’s secluded nature is due to its remote location and the simplicity of life that defines the area.
Where is Vida?
Located in McCone County, Vida sits along Montana Highway 13, about 37 miles north of Circle. The town’s remoteness is accentuated by the expansive stretches of prairie and the minimal traffic on the roads. Getting to Vida involves a peaceful drive through the heart of Eastern Montana’s agricultural land.
I find that the journey itself, through the wide-open spaces, is a significant part of the allure, emphasizing the town’s tranquil seclusion.
5. Flowing Wells: Where Time Stands Still
Flowing Wells is not widely known, even among Montanans, which adds to its appeal for me. With an extremely small population, it offers a quiet escape where the demands of modern life feel distant.
The area is characterized by its natural springs and serene landscapes, making it ideal for those who appreciate solitude and nature. Ranching is the primary industry here, with residents tending to livestock across the rolling plains.
Its seclusion is enhanced by the lack of commercial development and the vast distances between homesteads.
Where is Flowing Wells?
Situated in Garfield County, Flowing Wells is located northeast of Jordan, and getting there requires navigating rural roads that underscore the town’s isolation. The journey involves traversing expansive prairies with little to no cell service, which I find contributes to the feeling of truly disconnecting.
The remoteness of Flowing Wells is a defining feature, offering an authentic experience of Montana’s untouched landscapes.
4. Brusett: Embracing the True Montana Spirit
Brusett is a small, unincorporated community with a handful of residents who embody the rugged, independent spirit of Montana. The town doesn’t offer tourist attractions, but the surrounding area is perfect for outdoor activities like hunting and exploring untouched wilderness.
I appreciate how the community is centered around ranching and agriculture, maintaining a way of life that has persisted for generations. Brusett’s seclusion is due to its remote location and the vast stretches of open land that separate it from neighboring towns.
Where is Brusett?
Located in Garfield County, Brusett lies northeast of Jordan and is accessible via unpaved county roads. The journey to Brusett takes you through some of the most remote parts of Eastern Montana, which I find both peaceful and invigorating.
The lack of paved roads and minimal signage reinforces the town’s isolated nature, making it a true getaway for those seeking solitude under the expansive sky.
3. Brockway: A Peaceful Retreat Off the Beaten Path
Brockway is a quiet community with a population of around 100 people. It’s known for its annual Brockway Dairy Day Rodeo, a highlight that brings together residents from surrounding areas. I enjoy the sense of community here, despite its small size.
The town is surrounded by agricultural land, with farming and ranching being the mainstay of the local economy. Brockway’s seclusion comes from its location away from major highways and cities, offering a peaceful retreat amid rolling plains.
Where is Brockway?
Brockway is situated in McCone County at the junction of Montana Highways 200 and 253, northwest of Circle. While the highways provide access, the area remains sparsely populated, emphasizing its secluded feel.
I often take the scenic route to Brockway, enjoying the uninterrupted views of the prairie. The town’s isolation is part of its charm, providing a serene environment far removed from the noise of urban life.
2. Sand Springs: Serenity in the Eastern Wilderness
Sand Springs is a small community with an estimated population of less than 100. The town offers a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by expansive rangelands and open skies that I find incredibly peaceful. Outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation are popular due to the abundant natural beauty.
The local economy revolves around ranching, with residents deeply connected to the land. Sand Springs’ seclusion is heightened by its sparse population and distance from larger towns.
Where is Sand Springs?
Located in Garfield County along Highway 200, Sand Springs is about 50 miles west of Jordan. The drive to Sand Springs takes you through some of Montana’s most pristine landscapes, reinforcing the sense of isolation.
Accessing the town involves traversing long stretches of highway with minimal traffic, which I particularly enjoy for the solitude it provides. The remoteness of Sand Springs offers a genuine escape into nature’s tranquility.
1. Mosby: The Hidden Gem Amid Montana’s Prairie
Mosby is an unincorporated community with a population of fewer than 100 residents. Nestled in the vast prairie, it offers a serene environment that I find perfect for unwinding. The town doesn’t have tourist attractions, but its proximity to the Little Snowy Mountains provides opportunities for hiking and exploring.
The primary industry is ranching, with local families tending to the land for generations. Mosby’s seclusion comes from its remote location and the expansive landscapes that surround it, offering a true escape from the modern world.
Where is Mosby?
Mosby is situated in Garfield County along Highway 200, east of Lewistown. The town’s secluded nature is emphasized by the long distances to neighboring communities and the vast stretches of open road required to reach it.
I often find the journey to Mosby to be a time of reflection, as the scenery encourages a slower pace. The isolation here is profound, making it an ideal haven for those looking to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of Eastern Montana.
These ten secluded towns in Eastern Montana offer a rare opportunity to experience life away from the crowds, where the landscape is vast and the communities are welcoming in their own quiet way. I’ve always treasured my visits to these places, finding solace in the simplicity and grandeur of the prairie.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or simply want to explore a different pace of life, these hidden gems under Montana’s Big Sky are worth the journey.
