Crail Ranch Buildings

Crail Ranch Buildings comprise two log cabins constructed with hand-worked techniques typical of early Montana settlement. The main residence has two stories with hand-fitted beam connections that show the marks of tools used in their assembly.

Augustus Frank Crail purchased multiple plots and school lands in 1902 to assemble a 960-acre combined operation. This combination of homesteads, school property, and railroad land reflected how ranches in the region were pieced together.

The location preserves memories of homesteading life through personal objects, photographs, and documents from the 1800s and early 1900s. These collections show how settlers lived and managed their farms in this region.

The structures are located on Spotted Elk Road in Big Sky and are accessible to visitors. Budget time to explore both buildings and walk between them on site.

Augustus Crail experimented with grain varieties and developed a strain called Crail Fife that was displayed at a major exposition in St. Louis. This breeding work was notable for a grain farmer in Montana at that time.

Location: Gallatin County

GPS coordinates: 45.26954,-111.29575

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47