Richland County can be found deep in the mountains of northeastern Montana. It is the state’s 20th most populous county with a population of 10,803 people. Established in 1914, it is home to several small towns and cities including Sidney, Fairview, Savage, and Lambert.
Open landscapes, breathtaking natural beauty, and a diverse economy are what Richland is famous for. Richland County’s long-term citizens take pride in their community. They carry warmth, dedication, and a strong desire to make the most of what they have. As the founders of long ago carved out their positions in history, this vision has been passed down through generations.
Montana’s only county with two major rivers running through it, Richland County is embraced by the powerful Missouri River to the north and the free-flowing Yellowstone River in the southeast. The 2,084 square miles of land and inland water that make up the County are in the rich Lower Yellowstone Valley, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
One of the main economic drivers in the county is agriculture, which includes dryland and irrigated crops. As a result, the county is home to several agricultural processing and handling practices.
The county’s seat, Sidney, has a total estimated population of 6,173, making it the state’s 19th largest city. Sidney is a popular shopping destination for people from across the state, but it especially draws visitors from western North Dakota.
Richland County’s role as the region’s major commercial hub is bolstered by Sidney’s world-class medical facilities. The Mon-Dak Heritage Center and Art Gallery in Sidney is counted among the greatest small-town museums just west of the mighty Mississippi.
Visit the Richland County Government website.
County Towns
Adjacent Counties
Special Events
- June – Cattlemen’s Ball in Sidney
- June – Bakken Barrel Daze in Sidney
- June – Pioneer Days in Scobey
- Aug – Richland County Fair & Rodeo in Sidney
- Aug – Sidney Jaycees Annual Derby in Sidney
- Sept – Sidney Chamber Bakken Brew Fest in Sidney
- Sept – Bakken Beat Down in Sidney
- Dec – Sidney Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve Celebration in Sidney
Main Attractions
Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town
Just west of Scobey is the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town – a collection of 35 structures depicting shops and dwellings from the turn of the century. Its goal is to gather, preserve, and present all aspects of Daniels County’s history.
The Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town are noted for its ‘Dirty Shame Show’ that takes place during Pioneer Days on the last full weekend in June. This variety performance is well-known around the country, and even abroad, and it has entertained numerous notable dignitaries. Most of the funding for this museum comes from the locals and volunteers.
MonDak Heritage Center
Intending to educate, inspire, and engage the tourists coming to Montana, the MonDak Heritage Center is the finest museum in Eastern Montana. It features history and art exhibits in several galleries and a historical “Main Street” town full of local stories and recollections.
The museum also offers art courses and youth programs; a gift store with items from local artists, authors, and jewelers; a research library with historical and genealogy information; and much more!
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Fort Union, located about twenty miles northeast of Sidney, is an excellent destination for history buffs and nature lovers. Construction on the post began in October 1828, and it quickly became a focal point for the Northern Rocky Mountain Fur Trade.
Around 1830, the fort and other American Fur Company forts in the area were sending thousands of beaver skins, deer skins, and buffalo hides to St. Louis each year. Historians deem Fort Union as the Missouri River’s largest and most impressive trading post.