Medicine Lake - Scenic View

Medicine Lake

The Prairie Oasis

Quick Facts
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
Current Weather
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Airport Distances

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

Map & Nearby

Explore Medicine Lake on the interactive map with 3 nearby towns and 5 highlighted recreation sites. Use the zoom controls or select a recreation item to focus it on the map.

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Outdoor Recreation Near Medicine Lake
History & Heritage

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.

Official historic markers tied to Medicine Lake in our statewide dataset. Expand the list to read inscriptions and follow links to full pages or deep reads where available. Browse Sheridan County on the map · History trails

No markers are matched to Medicine Lake in our dataset yet. Use the map below to explore nearby markers by county, or open the full explorer.

Historic markers map

Open the interactive map filtered to Medicine Lake. The view zooms to the markers for this community.

Open map zoomed to Medicine Lake

Events & Festivals in Medicine Lake

We do not have featured local listings for Medicine Lake yet.

Montana statewide events & festivals calendar

Browse the statewide calendar for festivals, fairs, rodeos, and concerts across Montana.

View all Montana events · Where to stay in Medicine Lake

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

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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Medicine Lake Climate

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 & Economy

Housing & Cost of Living

$130,760
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $95,000
$492/mo
Median Rent
$41,000
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value8th percentile
Rent3rd percentile
Income12th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)3.2xModerate
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 (May 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.
Schools
🏫
Medicine Lake Public Schools
~80 students
Medicine Lake in Rankings & Guides
Compare Medicine Lake with Another Town
View Medicine Lake in the site graph

Explore Nearby Destinations

FroidSheridanPlentywood

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