Ryegate, the county seat, is on the western edge of the Custer Country tourism region. Nestled under the high rimrocks of the Musselshell River, the town is set in true central Montana cattle sheep ranch land. The State Recreation Area of Dead Man's Basin, a few miles west is well known for camping, fishing boating and swimming.
Ryegate was once part of the shore of a large lake, built at the base of rimrocks, which are three miles long. Marine fossils have been found, and prehistoric inscriptions can still be seen on exposed rocks.
The post office was established in 1908, Erwin E. Kemp ran it. Ryegate is the home of the first woman sheriff. The town received its name from inspirational rye field of Mr. Sims. .
Ryegate is located in central area of Montana, 63 miles northwest of Billings.
Ryegate, the county seat, is on the western edge of the Custer Country tourism region. Nestled under the high rimrocks of the Musselshell River, the town is set in true central Montana cattle sheep ranch land. The State Recreation Area of Dead Man's Basin, a few miles west is well known for camping, fishing boating and swimming.