Sunburst - Scenic View

Sunburst

The Top of the Golden Triangle

Quick Facts
Population
301
County
Toole County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
3,363 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Northern Rockies Medical Center (25.6 mi)
Zip Code
59842
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

✈️ Great Falls (GTF)
120 miles
~2h 14m drive
🛩️ Havre (HVR)
121 miles
~2h 15m drive
✈️ Kalispell (FCA)
137 miles
~2h 32m drive

Map & Nearby

Explore Sunburst on the interactive map with 3 nearby towns and 11 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 Sunburst

Outdoor Recreation Near Sunburst

Jump to map →
5.6/10
Good
15 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 Sunburst represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

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

No markers are matched to Sunburst 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 Sunburst. The view zooms to the markers for this community.

Open map zoomed to Sunburst

Events & Festivals in Sunburst

We do not have featured local listings for Sunburst 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 Sunburst

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 Sunburst

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Sunburst 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 Sunburst 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: Sunburst 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 Sunburst

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

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Shop Sunburst Gear

Shop Sunburst Gear

Sunburst Climate

Average Monthly Climate: Sunburst

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan32°F16°F0.6"1.3"
Feb25°F8°F1"2.7"
Mar37°F18°F0.7"1.9"
Apr50°F28°F0.7"1.3"
May61°F40°F2.4"1.1"
Jun71°F50°F2.5"0"
Jul79°F56°F0.5"0"
Aug79°F55°F1.1"0"
Sep69°F47°F1.1"0.8"
Oct51°F32°F1.3"2"
Nov38°F22°F1.3"2.7"
Dec30°F15°F0.8"1.9"
Housing & Economy

Housing & Cost of Living

$135,600
Median Home Value
$1,042/mo
Median Rent
$80,938
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value36th percentile
Rent59th percentile
Income69th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)1.7xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
176
Total Housing Units
25%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
7.7%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
74%
Labor Force Participation
192
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
21.4%
Government
18.2%
Retail
16.7%
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
🏫
Sunburst Public Schools
~60 students
Scenic Drives Near Sunburst

Scenic Drives Near Sunburst

Sunburst is located along or near a scenic corridor in Montana.

Sunburst in Rankings & Guides
Compare Sunburst with Another Town
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Explore Nearby Destinations

KevinCut BankShelby

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