Reed Point – the Little Town that Time Forgot

Reed Point, Montana is a sleepy little town that leaves you feeling that you’ve stepped way back in time, as you walk its main street.  Once a booming town of homesteading sheep raisers from Norway, Sweden and Germany, drought soon convinced the new settlers that they were not given enough land (320 acre allotment) to make a living, and most began the migration farther west.

Now all that’s left is a few small businesses, some farmers and a friendly RV park.

We spent the night at the Old West RV Park.   The park is owned by a young couple who live on site.  He was very friendly and even came by later to see if I’d gotten online with the wireless successfully.

After dinner, we explored the town.  The homesteading began in 1891.  By 1912 Reed Point had a bridge over the Yellowstone, a railroad depot, post office, general store and a one-room log schoolhouse. Progress was on the move!  Once boasting 54 business, there are now only a half dozen or so. 

The Hotel is under renovation currently.  We looked through the antiques shop and glanced into the Saloon, still open for business.

  Two grain elevators stand near the railroad, one still in use (right).

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The sidewalks are still made of board.

We had to chuckle when we spotted the town Library.  It’s sign in the door reads “Open Wednesdays, 1-4” . 

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The only time this little town wakes up now is for it’s annual “Sheep Run”, an autumn festival that still pulls in over 2000 people each year.  I found this photo online:

Proceeds from the festival go to improving the town. In the past, the sheep drive has paid for a fire truck, refurbished the town library and supported children's educational programs.