Circle: Local History, Museum and Big Sky Back Country Byway

Circle brings together its own local history, a museum focused on the region and the Big Sky Back Country Byway. These offer different points of focus for planning your trip: you can explore the community’s history, learn about the collections and buildings of the McCone County Museum, or consider the route and its activities. Circle is known as a farming and ranching community; the byway adds a view of the surrounding area and historic travel routes to this local character.

Local History of Circle

Circle moved to its present location in 1914, when the Great Northern surveyed it as a townsite. The story behind its name involves the circular cattle brand of the Mabry Cattle Company. In 1884, the company established its headquarters, the Circle Ranch, on the Redwater River. These details shed light on different aspects of the community’s history: its move to the present location and the origin of its name, which is connected to a cattle brand.

The references to ranching and cattle raising fit Circle’s character as a farming and ranching community. If you’re interested in the town’s development, you can connect these stories with the exhibits and buildings of the local museum. This offers a way to explore history not just through individual dates, but also through the different topics represented in the community.

McCone County Museum

The McCone County Museum houses 7,000 objects of historical interest from the region. It also displays more than 200 taxidermied birds and animals in natural settings. The collection and animal displays offer different points of interest: the former reflect the collection’s historical focus, while the latter depict birds and animals. Collections and displays may change over time.

The museum grounds include a relocated old schoolhouse, a church, a homestead dwelling, the old Northern Pacific depot and an old caboose. The different buildings add a look at a range of building types and uses to a museum visit. There is also an information kiosk for the Big Sky Back Country Byway at the County Museum in Circle. The museum and kiosk are two separate points of interest for anyone interested in regional history and the route.

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 also follows part of the historic Regina-Yellowstone Trail, or R-Y Trail. The byway therefore brings together a present-day road route and a connection to a historic trail. It is about 105 miles long and follows State Highways 253, 200 and 13. These roads are described as having surfaces that are passable year-round; conditions along the route may change. Check current road conditions when planning a drive.

Activities listed along the byway include scenic viewing, wildlife viewing, hiking, rockhounding and birdwatching. The options range from taking in the landscape to observing nature and getting outdoors. Which ones are most relevant to your trip depends on whether you mainly want to see the route or plan time for individual activities along the way. Access and regulations may change; check the conditions for your planned activity in advance.

Events Throughout the Year

Town & Country Appreciation Day is held annually in Circle. The celebration includes a community breakfast, a parade and a farmers market. The Circle Arts, Crafts & Home Demonstration Show is also an annual event. More than 40 vendors offer handmade goods, local art, home accessories and gifts. The two events have different focuses: Appreciation Day features community gatherings, a parade and a market, while the show highlights arts, crafts and merchandise.

Event dates and programs may change, so it’s a good idea to check both when planning your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Circle, its local history, museum, byway and events offer different points of interest for your stay. You can tailor your search to the aspects of Circle you’d like to include in your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Mccone County.