Big Horn County is located in the south-central region of Montana, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. It is bordered by Yellowstone National Park to the west, Musselshell County to the east, Carbon County to the south and Rosebud County to the north. See Countryaah – Counties in Montana. The county is named after Big Horn Mountain which is located at its center. Big Horn Mountain provides some of the most spectacular views in Montana with its jagged peaks and rugged terrain. The highest point in Big Horn County, Granite Peak, rises to an elevation of 12,807 feet above sea level and can be seen from many miles away. Big Horn Lake lies at its base and serves as a popular recreational destination for camping, fishing and boating activities. Additionally, multiple state parks are located within Big Horn County such as Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument which offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding. Furthermore, there are numerous rivers that run through Big Horn County including Bighorn River, Little Bighorn River, Clarks Fork River and Powder River providing ample opportunities for rafting or kayaking adventures.
Demographics of Big Horn County, Montana
Big Horn County, Montana is home to a population of 13,414 as of 2019. The county has a total area of 5,015 square miles with a population density of 2.7 people per square mile. The median age in Big Horn County is 44.5 years old, with the majority of residents being between the ages of 45 and 64. The racial makeup of Big Horn County is 91.3% White, 5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.2% from other races and 1.9% from two or more races. Additionally, there are 2.4% Hispanic/Latino individuals living in Big Horn County according to the 2010 census data.
The median household income in Big Horn County is $47,120 with 17% of the population living below the poverty line according to U.S Census Bureau data from 2018-2019. The unemployment rate stands at 3%, lower than the national average and higher than that of Montana as a whole (2%). Furthermore, most jobs in Big Horn County are related to agriculture or ranching including crop production and livestock farming as well as tourism due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and other attractions such as Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
Education in Big Horn County is provided by the Big Horn County School District, which consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school with a total enrollment of 1,850 students as of 2019. The district also includes two alternative education programs and one online learning program. Additionally, there are two private schools in the county. The nearest college or university is Northwest College located in Powell, Wyoming which offers several associate’s degree programs and certificate courses.
Overall, Big Horn County serves as a beautiful and diverse place to live with many opportunities for recreation and employment. It is home to both rural and urban communities providing a unique mix of culture, history and natural beauty that can be enjoyed by all who visit or live here.
Places of Interest in Big Horn County, Montana
Big Horn County, Montana is an area of stunning natural beauty, offering many places of interest to explore. For those who love the outdoors, the county is home to a variety of parks and recreation areas. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area features over 70 miles of shoreline along the Bighorn River and offers camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The area also boasts numerous wildlife species including bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Nearby Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 and includes a visitor center with interpretive displays about the battle as well as walking trails that traverse the historic site.
For those looking for more urban attractions, Big Horn County has plenty to offer. The county seat of Hardin is home to many local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and museums. The Big Horn County Museum is housed in a historic hotel building that was built in 1910 and showcases artifacts from early settlers in the area as well as Native American history. Additionally, Hardin hosts an annual powwow which celebrates local Native American culture through traditional dancing and singing performances.
The nearby town of Lovell also provides plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy including golfing at Lovell Golf Course or taking a scenic drive along Ucross Road which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, Lovell boasts many outdoor activities such as birdwatching at Big Horn Lake or fishing on Big Horn River which are both popular among locals and visitors alike.
Finally, no visit to Big Horn County would be complete without a trip to Yellowstone National Park which is located just south of the county border on Wyoming’s side. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking trails through geysers and hot springs or viewing wildlife like bison or grizzly bears in their natural habitat. It’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit this beautiful region each year.
Notable People of Big Horn County, Montana
Big Horn County, Montana has been home to many notable people throughout its history. The area has produced several well-known athletes such as professional bull rider Lane Frost and Olympic freestyle skier Jeret “Speedy” Peterson. Additionally, the county is home to several notable musicians including country music artist Chris LeDoux, who grew up in the area and wrote many songs about his experiences there.
The county is also known for being the birthplace of actor Jeff Bridges. Bridges was born in Big Horn County in 1949 and has since gone on to star in numerous movies and television shows throughout his career. He is most well-known for his roles in The Big Lebowski (1998), True Grit (2010), Crazy Heart (2009) and Starman (1984).
Big Horn County has also been home to a number of renowned authors over the years including Max Evans, who wrote The Rounders (1965) as well as other novels based on life in the west. Other authors from the county include Ivan Doig, whose works focused on life in rural Montana during the mid-20th century, and Rick Bass, a naturalist writer whose works explore human relationships with nature.
In addition to these figures from popular culture, Big Horn County has had a long history of influential political figures. Notable politicians from the area include James Buell, who served as a United States Senator from Montana from 1921 to 1933; Charles W. Johnson Jr., who served as a member of Congress representing Montana’s 1st congressional district; and Thomas A. Walsh, who served as United States Senator from Montana from 1913 until his death in 1933.
Overall, Big Horn County is home to an impressive array of notable people across various fields ranging from entertainment to politics. From professional athletes to celebrated authors and politicians, this region of Montana has certainly made its mark on history.