Circle is known as a farming and ranching community. Two distinct areas can guide your travel planning: local history and collections at the McCone County Museum, and landscapes and activities along the Big Sky Back Country Byway. This makes it possible to explore local history and nature in Circle from their own distinct perspectives.
Ranch history and the town’s development
The name Circle comes from the circular cattle brand of the Mabry Cattle Company. In 1884, the company established its headquarters, the Circle Ranch, on the Redwater River. The history of the present-day location is a separate chapter: Circle moved there in 1914, when the Great Northern platted the site as a townsite. The name’s origin and the move therefore explain two different aspects of the town’s history—the origin of its name and the later development of its present-day location.
This distinction is useful if you are interested in the community’s history: the ranch is connected to the origin of the name, while the 1914 platting concerns the present-day location. Together with Circle’s identity as a farming and ranching community, these connections provide a concrete framework for understanding the town’s history.
Regional history at the McCone County Museum
The McCone County Museum has 7,000 objects of historical interest from the region. It also displays more than 200 mounted birds and animals in natural settings. The museum grounds include a relocated old schoolhouse, a church, a homestead house, the old Northern Pacific Depot, and an old caboose. The collection ranges from nature displays and individual objects to historic buildings and railroad-related exhibits.
Collections and displays can change; individual buildings may also be altered or moved. There is also a Big Sky Back Country Byway information kiosk at the County Museum in Circle. If you plan to use it, check its current availability in advance.
The Big Sky Back Country Byway
Circle is on the Big Sky Back Country Byway. The route connects the Yellowstone River with the Missouri River and follows a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone Trail, also known as the R-Y Trail. It is about 105 miles long and runs along State Highways 253, 200, and 13; their surfaces are passable year-round. Road conditions and route designations can change, so check the latest information before you travel.
Recreational opportunities along the byway include scenic viewing, wildlife watching, hiking, rock hunting, and birdwatching. This differs from the town and collection history at the museum: here, the focus is on landscapes and outdoor activities. Access and applicable rules can change; check the conditions for the activities you plan to enjoy.
Annual events in Circle
Town & Country Appreciation Day is an annual festival featuring a community breakfast, parade, and farmers market. The Circle Arts, Crafts & Home Demonstration Show is also held annually. It features more than 40 vendors offering handmade goods, local art, home accessories, and gifts. The events have different focuses: Town & Country Appreciation Day features community activities and a farmers market, while the show highlights handmade products and art.
If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates and program in advance. Dates, program details, and vendor participation can change. This helps you plan your stay around the festival that interests you without conflating the two annual events.
For the broader travel overview: Mccone County.
