Quick Facts
- Population: ~832 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
- County: Richland County
- Elevation: 1,913 ft (583 m)
- Known For: Being the easternmost town in Montana, straddling the North Dakota border, agriculture (sugar beets), and the historic Fairview Bridge.
History & Heritage
Fairview is a unique agricultural town with a geographic quirk: it sits directly on the border between Montana and North Dakota. In fact, the state line runs straight down Interstate Avenue (also known as State Street). The town was settled in the early 1900s at the confluence of the mighty Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. The incredibly fertile river bottom lands, combined with the development of the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project, transformed the area into an agricultural powerhouse. Fairview quickly earned the nickname "the sugar beet capital of both Montana and North Dakota." Today, the town maintains a resilient agricultural identity, though its economy has also been profoundly influenced by the oil booms of the nearby Bakken formation.
Top Things to Do in Fairview
- Walk the Historic Fairview Bridge: This massive, 1,146-foot-long vertical lift bridge was built in 1913 to span the Yellowstone River. Originally designed for both rail and automobile traffic, it is now open only to pedestrians. Walking the bridge leads to the impressive Cartwright Tunnel, offering a fantastic historical excursion.
- Stand in Two States at Once: Visit Interstate Avenue/State Street and take a photo standing with one foot in Montana and the other in North Dakota.
- Fish the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers: Fairview's location near the confluence of these two legendary rivers provides excellent access to fishing and boating. Nearby public access sites, like the Diamond Willow Fishing Access Site, are popular for catching walleye and prehistoric paddlefish.
- Agricultural Sightseeing: The massive sugar beet harvests in the fall are a spectacle of local industry, with massive trucks and equipment moving millions of tons of beets.
Local Industry & Economy
Fairview's economy is driven by two massive regional industries: agriculture and energy. The irrigated valley floor produces massive quantities of sugar beets, as well as alfalfa and grains. However, because Fairview is located in the heart of the Williston Basin, the local economy is highly sensitive to the oil and natural gas industry (the Bakken oil boom). This dual economy provides a high median household income for the region, with many residents working in agricultural services, oilfield services, transportation, and construction.
Getting There & Nearby Destinations
- Getting There: Fairview is located in far eastern Montana along Montana Highway 200. It is situated just 12 miles northeast of Sidney, MT, and right next to East Fairview, North Dakota.
- Nearby Destinations:
- Sidney, Montana: The major commercial hub of the region, located just a few minutes south, offering extensive dining, shopping, and lodging.
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site: Located about 15 miles north near the confluence of the rivers, this reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post is a must-visit for history buffs.
- Williston, North Dakota: A major regional city and airport located about 45 minutes to the northeast.
Where to Stay in Fairview
While Fairview itself is small, it supports the regional agricultural and oilfield workforce:
- Local Motels & RV Parks: The town has a few small motels and several RV parks designed to accommodate seasonal workers, hunters, and travelers.
- Sidney (12 miles Southwest): The vast majority of visitors and business travelers stay in nearby Sidney, which offers a wide selection of major hotel chains (like the Best Western Golden Prairie Inn & Suites), dining options (including local breweries like 1035 Brewing), and comprehensive amenities.