
Montana Tiny Towns: A Quick Visit to Grass Range
Grass Range is a tiny community near the geographical center of Montana. Its population lingers at around 110 residents, per census data, and if you blink twice as you pass through, you might miss this quaint town on the outskirts of Hwy 87.
Trending: Coke Releasing New Flavor That's Been Around Since Early 1900s
I've driven through Grass Range numerous times, perhaps on our way to Lewistown, Fort Peck, or the Hi-Line. Occasionally, we might stop to stretch our legs, take a bathroom break, or grab a quick snack at the gas station, but usually, we zoom right by.
Last week, we made plans to meet my stepdaughter and her fiancee in Grass Range to deliver a spotted gecko that we acquired for her here in Billings. They live in Havre, and Grass Range is somewhat of a "halfway" point.
We met them at the Ole' Mercantile, one of two gas stations in Grass Range. After handing off the gecko and chatting for a little bit, they took off for their return trip to Havre, and we spent a few minutes poking around the town.

The Ole' Mercantile in Grass Range is a fun store.
From the exterior, it looks like an unassuming gas station/convenience store. However, once you step inside, this shop is full of unique merchandise. It's part hardware store, part department store, a little bit of a grocery store, and one heck of a gift shop.
Grass Range doesn't offer much in the line of retail, and it became apparent after wandering around the store for a moment that the Ole' Mercantile is essentially the main shopping center in Grass Range.
Most folk probably head to Lewistown (or make the 90-minute trip to Billings) for more extensive shopping, but for necessities in Grass Range the Ole' Merc seems to be the spot.
We drove around the town for a little bit, hoping to stumble across something - anything - interesting, and didn't find much. Somehow we missed the Post Office, which has been operating in Grass Range since the 1880s.
A prominent feature in Grass Range, MT, is the old wooden grain elevator and its associated buildings. I could imagine the hustle and bustle that surely surrounded the property during its heyday.
Would I go out of my way to visit Grass Range?
Probably not. Like many small, eastern Montana communities, it seems to be hanging on by a thread. However, the Ole' Mercantile is worth a visit next time you're passing through.
10 Heart-Shaped Foods Your Favorite Chain Restaurants Are Serving For Valentine's Day
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
SNIFF: 17 Smells That 1980s Kids Will Instantly Recognize
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
More From 103.7 The Hawk





