Historic Crail Ranch
A preserved historic homestead in Big Sky’s Meadow Village that tells the story of the area’s earliest settlers and ranching heritage.
A preserved historic homestead in Big Sky’s Meadow Village that tells the story of the area’s earliest settlers and ranching heritage.
Off-leash
Under Voice Control
960
About
Historic Crail Ranch
Historic Crail Ranch is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Big Sky, Montana. Established in 1902 by homesteader Augustus Franklin Crail, the ranch offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest settlers and the agricultural roots of the Gallatin Valley.
For nearly fifty years, the Crail family worked this land, raising sheep, cattle, hay, and wheat across a ranch that eventually expanded to 960 acres. Today, the remaining historic log structures stand as tangible reminders of Big Sky’s early homesteading history.
Preserved through the efforts of the Historic Crail Ranch Conservators and the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO), the site now serves as the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum. Visitors can explore the historic buildings through guided tours or self-guided experiences, learning about the Crail family, early ranching life, and the transformation of the valley into the Big Sky community we know today.
Located in the open meadow of Meadow Village, the ranch remains an important link between Big Sky’s past and its future.
Dogs are permitted on surrounding trails but should remain under voice control and be respectful of historic structures and museum areas.
Community Programs
Historic Crail Ranch offers hands-on educational programs and living history experiences that bring Big Sky’s early homesteading story to life. Through interactive activities and storytelling, students and visitors gain a deeper understanding of the Homestead Era and the ranching history that helped shape Big Sky, Montana.
- Museum Scavenger Hunts exploring historic artifacts and buildings
- Hands-on Ranch Activities like butter churning, hay harvesting, quilting, and gardening
- Western Skills Experiences including roping and ranch brand design
- Old-Fashioned Games that show how children entertained themselves a century ago
- Living History Events featuring storytellers and historical reenactors from the American West
These experiential programs help connect the Big Sky community to the people, traditions, and land that shaped the region’s history.
Parking
Parking is available nearby in the Meadow Village area. Visitors may access the ranch via Spotted Elk Road and surrounding village parking areas.
Getting there
Historic Crail Ranch is located in Meadow Village in Big Sky, Montana.
From Highway 191, turn west onto Lone Mountain Trail (Highway 64) and travel approximately 1.9 miles to Meadow Village Center. Turn right onto Little Coyote Road, pass the Big Sky Chapel and nearby ponds, then turn left onto Spotted Elk Road. The Crail Ranch Homestead will be located on the left.
Reserve a Big Sky Park
Planning a birthday party, community gathering, or outdoor celebration in Big Sky? BSCO parks offer beautiful, accessible spaces for events of all sizes. Facilities include picnic pavilions, open fields, playground areas, and the community skate park, all located within Big Sky Community Park and available for reservation during park hours from sunrise to 10 PM.
