Poplar - Scenic View

Poplar

The Fort Peck Reservation Town

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Quick Facts
Population
635
County
Roosevelt County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
1,995 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Poplar Community Hospital (in town)
Zip Code
59255
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

🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
21 miles
~35m drive
🛩️ Sidney (SDY)
65 miles
~1h 20m drive
🛩️ Glasgow (GGW)
79 miles
~1h 33m drive
Browse recreation

Map & Nearby

Explore Poplar on the interactive map with 3 nearby towns and 3 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 Poplar

Outdoor Recreation Near Poplar

Jump to map →
5.1/10
Good
10 sites within 30 mi
6 categories

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

History & Heritage

History & Heritage

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

The history of Poplar 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 Poplar in our statewide dataset. Expand the list to read inscriptions and follow links to full pages or deep reads where available. Browse Roosevelt County on the map · History trails

Historic markers in Poplar (2)tap to expand
Fort Peck Indian Reservation

Fort Peck Indian Reservation is the home of two tribes, the Assiniboines, whose forefathers were living in this vicinity when Lewis and Clark came up the Missouri in 1805, and the Dakota (Sioux) descendants of the "hostiles" who fiercely resisted the white invasion of their homelands. Some of the Dakotas took part in the Minnesota uprising of 1862 and moved west when the Army tried to round them up. Others took part in Custer's demise at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. The Assiniboines, also of Dakota descent, split from the Yanktonai band in the early 1600s and migrated west. They shared the vast Blackfeet hunting territory set aside by the Treaty of 1855 from which Fort Peck Reservation was created in 1886 when 17,500,000 acres were ceded to the government. Part of the tribe resides on the Fort Belknap Reservation, 160 miles west of here.

Named for Campbell Kennedy Peck, Fort Peck was originally a fur trading post established near the mouth of the Milk River by Able Farwell of the Durfee and Peck Co. in 1866-67. In 1873, the Bureau of Indian Affairs began using part of the post as Fort Peck Indian Agency.

Flooded out by an ice jam on the Missouri in 1877, the agency was moved to the present site at the mouth of the Poplar River. The earlier site now rests under the waters behind Fort Peck.

Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.

Native AmericanSettlements
Our War Heroes

Roll of Honor Indian Soldiers Who Died in Military Service

Abbott, Sgt. Donald

Ackerman, Pvt. Ray

Archdale, S/Sgt. Percy J.

Bauer, T/Sgt. Frederick (2)

Bow, Pvt. Henry

Connor, Pvt. Fred

Crazy Bull, Pvt. Nathan (2)

Dupree, Capt. Duncan

First Eagle, Pvt. Elson L.

Lambert, Jr., Pvt. U.S.M.C., John

Masters, T/Sgt. Alva G.

Spindler, Jr., S/Sgt. Frank

Yellow Robe, Pfc. Alvin

White, Alec

Erected 1947 by

Ft. Peck National Guard Mothers

Isabelle Hollow, Pres.

Inez Thompson, V. Pres.

Annie T. Red Fox, Treas.

Josephine Gray Hawk, Sec.

Ogle, Lillian

Crowe, Sara

Erected 1947 by Fort Peck National Guard Mothers.

Historic markers map

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

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Events & Festivals in Poplar

We do not have featured local listings for Poplar 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 Poplar

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 Poplar

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Poplar 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 Poplar 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: Poplar 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 Poplar

Because Poplar 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 Poplar as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.
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Poplar Climate

Average Monthly Climate: Poplar

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan29°F12°F0.5"1"
Feb25°F6°F0.7"1.8"
Mar39°F18°F0.5"1.1"
Apr51°F29°F1.4"2.3"
May66°F43°F2.1"0.3"
Jun78°F56°F2.3"0"
Jul85°F61°F1.3"0"
Aug83°F60°F0.9"0"
Sep73°F51°F2"0"
Oct53°F35°F1.4"1.4"
Nov39°F22°F0.8"1.4"
Dec29°F12°F0.7"1.7"
Housing & Economy

Housing & Cost of Living

$91,700
Median Home Value
$680/mo
Median Rent
$45,104
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value17th percentile
Rent15th percentile
Income17th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)2xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
334
Total Housing Units
36.2%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
7.5%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
39.3%
Labor Force Participation
184
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
58.2%
Government
18.5%
Professional Services
6.5%
Income, home values,, 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
🏫
Poplar Public Schools
~500 students
Grad Rate
58%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.
Poplar in Rankings & Guides
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Explore Nearby Destinations

Wolf PointCulbertsonRichey

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