Commerce Pilot Grant Paves the Way for Big Projects in Big Timber
Big Timber is turning vision into reality through the Montana Department of Commerce’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program. In 2025, Big Timber celebrated two significant accomplishments funded in part by this statewide initiative: an expansion at the Crazy Mountain Museum and groundbreaking on Sheepherders Square, a community gathering space in the heart of town.
By targeting investments to small towns like Big Timber, the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program improves tourism assets and strengthens local economies. Big Timber, close to Yellowstone National Park and situated about halfway between Bozeman and Billings, is the gateway to Sweet Grass County. Infrastructure Improvements will boost the town’s appeal for visitors attending the rodeo, Brewfest, summer farmers markets, and Fiberfest as well as a new event, Rock the Flock, at Sheepherder Square.
“Developing tourism in a sustainable and manageable manner boosts Montana’s rural and under-visited communities by diversifying local economies, fostering community pride and creating tourism destinations that represent the qualities that make our rural communities special,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
While many of Big Timber’s tourism development projects had already acquired some funding, the Commerce grant helped the community’s vision move forward with unity and purpose. “The Pilot funds kicked us over the edge to be able to start these projects,” said Jami Moody, a steering committee member for the grant.
The Crazy Mountain Museum addition includes a spacious classroom to accommodate its popular genealogy workshops, plus room for exhibits that preserve and interpret Sweet Grass County’s rich history, creating both a stronger tourism draw and a deeper sense of local pride.
Sheepherders Square, near the center of town on the former site of a high school, is envisioned as Big Timber’s “living room without walls,” with flexible gathering spaces for events, an amphitheater, art installations, a history wall and public restrooms shared with the adjacent Civic Center. Future additions include a synthetic ice-skating rink, a splash pad and firepit areas.
A network of trails connecting Big Timber’s attractions, improved wayfinding and marketing are all part of Big Timber’s master plan to draw in tourism dollars and enhance the quality of life for its residents. With new space, new energy and a continued commitment to preserving local heritage, Big Timber is showing how innovative partnerships between state programs and local organizations can build a more vibrant and resilient Montana tourism landscape in rural areas.
Commerce’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, launched in 2025, directs revenue from the state’s 4% Lodging Facility Use Tax toward projects that build sustainable, community-centered tourism. The program’s inception followed the passage of Senate Bill 409, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, which restructured how the bed tax is allocated.
Late last year, the Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program was renamed as the Montana Tourism Development Grant Program. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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