Medicine Lake - Scenic View

Medicine Lake

The Prairie Oasis

Population
213
County
Sheridan County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
1,959 ft
Top Industry
Transportation
Nearest Hospital
Sheridan Memorial Hospital (18.9 mi)
Zip Code
59247
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
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Nearest Major Airports

🛩️ Sidney (SDY)
68 miles
~1h 23m drive
🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
68 miles
~1h 23m drive
🛩️ Glendive (GDV)
114 miles
~2h 9m drive

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD (Source: U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

History & Heritage

The quiet town of Medicine Lake represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Medicine Lake is closely tied to the pioneering spirit of early Montana. Founded during the homesteading or railroad eras, the town grew as a central hub for the surrounding farmers and ranchers who worked the expansive plains and river valleys. Today, it retains its deep agricultural heritage and stands as a testament to the resilience of rural Montana communities.

Top Things to Do in Medicine Lake

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Medicine Lake serves as a fantastic, quiet basecamp for exploring the vast public lands, rivers, and mountain ranges that define this region of Montana.
  • Experience Local Culture: Visit the local businesses, cafes, and historic sites in town to experience the genuine, welcoming hospitality of a classic Montana ranching community.
  • Hunting and Fishing: The surrounding agricultural fields, prairies, and waterways provide excellent, uncrowded opportunities for seasonal hunting and fishing.

Local Industry & Economy

The economy of Medicine Lake is primarily driven by agriculture. The vast expanses of land surrounding the town are dedicated to cattle ranching and dryland farming (primarily wheat, barley, and hay). Small, locally-owned businesses provide essential services and goods to the community, while the local school district often serves as one of the primary civic anchors and employers in town.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

  • Getting There: Medicine Lake is accessible via Montana's network of scenic state highways and local county roads, offering a beautiful drive no matter which direction you approach from.
  • Nearby Destinations:
    • Regional Hubs: Larger neighboring cities offer comprehensive dining, shopping, and commercial airports.
    • State Parks and Public Lands: Visitors can easily take day trips to nearby state parks, national forests, or wildlife refuges.

Where to Stay in Medicine Lake

Because Medicine Lake is a smaller, residential community, traditional commercial lodging can be limited.

  • Local Motels: There may be small, independent motels in or near town offering basic accommodations for highway travelers and hunters.
  • Nearby Cities: Many visitors choose to stay in larger regional hubs a short drive away, utilizing Medicine Lake as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.
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Average Monthly Climate: Medicine Lake

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan27°F10°F0.5"1.1"
Feb24°F4°F0.6"1.6"
Mar39°F18°F0.5"1.2"
Apr50°F28°F1.4"2.4"
May66°F42°F2"0.1"
Jun78°F55°F2.5"0"
Jul83°F61°F1.5"0"
Aug82°F60°F1.1"0"
Sep73°F51°F1.9"0"
Oct52°F35°F1.2"1.3"
Nov38°F22°F0.8"1.5"
Dec28°F11°F0.7"1.8"

Housing & Cost of Living

$115,632
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $95,000
$492/mo
Median Rent
$41,000
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value7th percentile
Rent3rd percentile
Income12th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)2.8xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
143
Total Housing Units
23.1%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
71.6%
Labor Force Participation
117
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Transportation
20.5%
Education & Healthcare
19.7%
Agriculture & Mining
16.2%
Home values from Zillow ZHVI (Jan 2026). Income, vacancy,, employment, industry, from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Data may not reflect current conditions. Check Zillow for the latest market data.
🏫
Medicine Lake Public Schools
~80 students

Outdoor Recreation Near Medicine Lake

5.5/10
Good
21 sites within 50 mi
5 categories
🏞️61🏛️72🦅5
Must-See Highlights
🏞️
Homestead Lake
Lakes8 mi
🦅
Medicine Lake NWR
Wildlife0 mi
🦅
Medicine Lake Wilderness
Wildlife5 mi
🦅
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife6 mi
🏛️
Sheridan County Agriculture Museum and Civic Center
Museums19 mi
🏛️
Sheridan County Museum
Museums19 mi
Brush Lake State Park Campground
Campgrounds20 mi
Plentywood Golf Club
Golf20 mi
🏛️
Culbertson Museum
Museums24 mi
🏞️
McIlwain Lake
Lakes26 mi

Distances are straight-line estimates. Driving distances may be longer. Data: OpenStreetMap contributors & editorial research.

Medicine Lake in Our Rankings & Guides

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