Big Timber Makes Big Strides
Big Timber was one of the original Pilot Community Tourism Grant recipients (now called the Montana Tourism Development Grant Program). Their overarching plan outlined projects that would benefit the whole community, support sustainable tourism and enhance residents' quality of life. Specific projects include:
- Improving downtown signage and business improvements
- Creating the Big Timber Trails Network
- Developing a Sheepherder Square Foundation
- Developing the Crazy Mountain Museum
A tremendous amount of work has gone into these goals, with additional improvement and development projects happening alongside!
Sheepherder Square is nearing completion of its first phase, with a beautiful community space featuring a covered bandstand, splash park, astroturf for low maintenance and landscaping that provides a windbreak. The first trail segment of the Big Timber Trails Network has begun, with a short segment on the Old Boulder Road connecting Boulder Park to the edge of the golf course. Crazy Mountain Museum has also completed its addition, allowing it to display exhibits it previously didn’t have room for.
In addition to the grant, the community partnered with the Montana Mainstreet Program to develop new murals; the town has implemented new branding with associated signage, and several private businesses are expanding. Two Rivers Arts Center and Gallery, home to the work of high-caliber artists such as photographer Barbara Van Cleve, now has an outdoor community space, along with a community art room to accommodate public art classes. Dandelion Creek, a delightful boutique next to the Grand Hotel, offers Montana-made goods, coffee, tea, flowers and a lovely courtyard. Finally, the Sweet Grass Tavern has opened its tavern doors (formerly the Thirsty Turtle), with a restaurant following soon. If you’re looking for a meeting space, The Level, located in the Doric Masonic Lodge #53 building, is a lovely space-with state-of-the-art AV, a catering kitchen and ample room for gatherings of up to 80 people.
If you haven’t been through in a while, there are plenty of reasons to make the trip!