The Area of Bonanza Creek Country
Bonanza Creek and the Voldseth Ranch are located in South Central Montana in Meagher County (pronounced Mahr). Consisting of nearly 2400 square miles, the 2010 census reported less than 2000 residents in Meagher County. You’ll find lots of elbow room and wide open spaces out here.
Cattle and sheep ranching have been central to Montana’s history and 
development. Today, cattle ranching remains the number one industry in Meagher County, where cattle far out number people.
The landscape of the area is diverse, dramatic, and expansive – from large valleys and open country, to steep peaks, to rushing rivers, to heavily timbered mountain sides. Any visitor to this country can easily understand why Montana proudly carries the nickname “Big Sky Country.”
Seven mountain ranges are visible from the Bonanza Creek Ranch: Crazies, Castles, Big Belts, Little Belts, Snowies, Bridgers, and Absarokas.
Local wildlife is abundant in this unspoiled country and includes golden eagles, whitetail and mule deer, elk, antelope, bear, coyotes, fox, and cougars, as well as smaller chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, badgers and jack rabbits.
Some of the Colorful Ranch Towns in the Area Include:
Martinsdale: Now a sleepy ranch town, you can still see remnants of the once vibrant railroad stop on the now-abandoned transcontinental main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. The old station still stands, along with a jail cell and the old Stockman Bank. The Crazy Mountain Inn is open if you need a room. If you’re hungry try the Mint Bar for a good hamburger, or for the best steaks around, go to the Musselshell Steakhouse (call ahead for reservations). Martinsdale is most famous for being home to Charles M. Bair, one of the largest and most successful sheep ranchers in the United States, running over 300,000 head around the turn of the century. The Bair Family Museum is a “must-see.
Lennep: Originated as a railroad stop around 1908 with a depot, post office and half a dozen homes. By 1920, a school, church, and store had been added. Sadly, the store and post office closed in the 1950’s and the school in 2012. However, the church has stood the test of time and still has services the first and third Sundays of the month at 11:00. Everyone is welcome. You’ll drive through Lennep on your way up to Bonanza Creek.
Ringling: Also a former railroad stop and important shipping point for area cattle and crops, Ringling was named for John Ringling of the Ringling Brothers Circus family. The Ringlings once owned more than 100,000 acres in the area. The Ringling Bar is open and known as one of the best restaurants in Montana for a good steak or prime rib.
