McGuire Spring Creek Ranch

Privacy, expansive Montana views, a meandering spring creek, and a trout-filled reservoir on over 3,843± deeded acres – this is McGuire Spring Creek Ranch.

Tucked inconspicuously in a secluded valley just 20 minutes north of White Sulphur Springs sits a very special ranch in a very special Montana location. The rolling hillsides of native pasture transition to draws, patches of timber, and springs all of which attract passing wildlife to the Ranch. Spring Creek meanders through the lush creek bottom meadows while views of high alpine peaks of the nearby Big Belt Mountains dominate the landscape. Spring Creek feeds Buckingham Reservoir, a private 10± acre fishing retreat teeming with feisty rainbows. The contiguous 3,843± deeded acres of the Ranch allow for numerous hunting opportunities or the ability to enjoy a small livestock operation utilizing the native pasture and the irrigation rights along the creek bottom. A modest existing ranch home and a small set of working corrals & outbuildings provide a base from which to retreat and design improvements tailored to the next fortunate owner’s taste.

McGuire Spring Creek Ranch, which has not been offered on the market in over 60 years, possesses the rare combination of having multiple recreational amenities, excellent water resources, and exceptional privacy – all within a short drive to the community and services of White Sulphur Springs, within 30 minutes of Showdown Ski Area and under 2 hours from Bozeman and Livingston. An exceptional Montana ranch ownership opportunity exists at McGuire Spring Creek Ranch.

“We always look forward to approaching the main gate and seeing that first zing of blue that exemplifies the mountain bluebird – spring has arrived on the Ranch!”

–

McGuire Family

McGuire Spring Creek Ranch is located an easy 12-mile drive north of downtown White Sulphur Springs via Highway 360 to Highway 259 and just north of Newlan Creek Reservoir. The Ranch may also be accessed via Highway 89 to Highway 259 Newlan Creek Road.

White Sulphur Springs preserves the desirable quality of small-town Montana while offering residents all the necessary amenities & services including the famous natural mineral hot springs. The larger communities of Livingston and Bozeman are just under 2 hours away. Recreational opportunities are abundant in summer and winter with downhill skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, and hunting being readily accessible.

The Ranch is easily accessed via several main highway routes and from nearby airports: Bozeman, MT – Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (2 hours) and the private airfield in White Sulphur Springs.

Recently upgraded, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at Gallatin Field in Belgrade (BZN) offers several full-service FBOs, including the Yellowstone Jet Center, and excellent commercial services through Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United Airlines. One of the busiest passenger airports in the Pacific Northwest, and the busiest in the state of Montana, BZN offers direct flights to 25 major airports around the nation including direct flights to the west coast, east coast, Texas, the southeast, and Florida.

Approximate distances to other cities and attractions are as follows:

Downtown White Sulphur Springs
Camp Baker on the Smith River
Showdown Ski Area
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Livingston, MT
Helena, MT
Bozeman, MT
Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport
Yellowstone National Park – N Entrance
Big Sky Resort

12 miles
27 miles
33 miles
78 miles
86 miles
89 miles
93 miles
101 miles
140 miles
144 miles

Deeded Acreage & Ranch Amenities

3,843± deeded acres
3.34± miles of McGuire Spring Creek
10.26± acres of Buckingham Reservoir
Mixed topography of the riparian area, open meadows, and timber with a mixture of pines, aspen & cottonwoods

McGuire Spring Creek Ranch sits in an exceptionally private valley yet with easy access to a maintained county gravel road – no other structures or neighbors are readily visible from the majority of the Ranch. Views extend to the horizon past the Ranch boundaries across the neighboring large ranches to the distant mountains. Mountains surround the Ranch from the Little Belts in the Lewis and Clark National Forest to the north of the Ranch to the Big Belts to the southwest – Baldy and the Twin Sisters peaks are easily seen from headquarters. The Ranch landscape is predominantly a rolling pasture with native grasses and sagebrush punctuated with draws, gullies, and pockets of timber. The varied topography gently slopes from the Ranch entry gate into the riparian creek bottom below via a well-maintained gravel road that leads to ranch headquarters. The riparian area is populated with willows and grasses which grow thick in the sub-irrigated meadows along the spring creek. Two DNRC irrigation rights allow for flood irrigation on the creek meadows. The land gains elevation to the north heading away from the headquarters area towards the Rabbit Creek drainage. Rabbit Creek flows seasonally and provides stock water on the upper acreage – enough to sustain 30 cow-calf pair for summer grazing.

The Ranch has historically been used as a spring calving area and for spring and summer grazing pasture. It is estimated by the seller that the Ranch could support approximately 100-120 head year-round.

Ranch Headquarters’ main improvement is a modest 1,700 square foot, 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch house originally built in 1880, which has been added on to over the years. A gas insert fireplace and electric baseboard are the principal heat sources for the home. A primary garage/shop (23’ x 31’) is situated next to the main house and several additional outbuildings and sheds are nearby at the working corrals including:

Corral Shed (18’ x 45’)
Loafing Shed (14’ x 24’)
Small Shop (20’ x 18’)
Calving Shed (60’ x 30’)

The small set of working corrals is in good condition and just a short distance to the southeast of the main house. The existing improvements could either be utilized as-is, or easily expanded depending on the desire of the next owner.

Recreational opportunities on the Ranch itself are numerous including hunting, fishing, and enjoyment of the wildlife that passes through the Ranch. Wildlife is naturally drawn to the Ranch and on the banks of Spring Creek, you can often see bears, elk, mule deer, antelope, coyote, and foxes. The reservoir and ranch topography attracts several species of birds including mountain bluebirds, hawks, ducks, geese, and osprey.

Approximately 1 mile to the east of headquarters, is Buckingham Reservoir. This reservoir, established in the 1930s by the Buckingham family, is approximately 10.26± acres, over 25 feet deep, and is fed by Spring Creek providing cold, clean water for the established fishery of Kamloops rainbows and the occasional brook trout with fish averaging 10″ to 20″ with some over 2 lbs. Kamloops is known for growing large quickly and being very fun and hard-fighting sport fish. This is the kind of lake where kids and adults can catch their first fish on a dry fly but the experienced fisherman will not be disappointed. When the fishing slows, take time to pick the gooseberries along the banks of the reservoir – they make a “mean” jelly according to the owners.

The hunting and fishing on the Ranch itself are of high quality and have historically been leased to local outfitters – this arrangement could be extended or adjusted depending on the plans of the next owner. The Ranch is located in Hunting District 416 for deer and elk. Additional information and hunting regulations can be found on the Montana Fish & Game website www.fwp.mt.gov.

Recreational options are abundant around White Sulphur Springs. Located in the heart of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, the area is characterized by flat glaciated planes, expansive river valleys, and mountain peaks brimming with forests. Whether you want to be active, relaxing or somewhere in between, the access to many forms of recreational opportunities is practically unlimited.

Downhill skiing at Showdown Ski Area, Montana’s oldest ski area is just a half-hour away in the Little Belt Mountains. Known for its all-natural snow and few crowds, the vertical drop is 1,400 feet and the runs offer skiing for many abilities. The lodge offers ski and snowboard equipment rental, dining, a coffee bar, and a lounge. The area also has excellent snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.

The Smith River, which originates in the Castle Mountains, flows southwest past White Sulphur Springs and ends as a tributary of the Missouri River. Known for its spectacular float trips and fishing, the Smith River State Park is only accessible via a permit due to its popularity. The float begins at nearby Camp Baker and continues for 59 miles through canyons and beautiful scenery to the takeout at Camp Eden.

Newlan Creek Reservoir is located just down the road from the Ranch providing a larger reservoir recreational experience. The 265-acre reservoir attracts anglers with rainbow and brook trout while boating enthusiasts utilize the reservoir for waterskiing and sailing.

The White Sulphur Hot Springs is conveniently located on Main Street in the heart of White Sulphur Springs. The hot springs boast three hot springs as well as a motel for guests traveling from out of town. The facility is open daily year-round and offers a 30-foot by the 35-foot outdoor pool, a 10-foot by 15-foot indoor hot pool as well as a new outdoor pool that maintains a temperature of approximately 103 degrees.

The local area has many hiking and biking trails for various abilities as well as campgrounds. A forest service office is situated in White Sulphur Springs and is equipped with maps of locations and current information.

The town offers a wide range of outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, and sports competitions to pass the time. One festival that has grown in recent years is the annual Red Ants Pants musical festival which usually occurs at the end of July and takes place in a pasture just outside of the city limits. Vendors and musicians come from far and near to perform and sell their goods. The non-profit foundation is dedicated to women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. Revenues are used to fund community grants and other local programs.

In the pre-European settlement era, the location known today as White Sulphur Springs was well-used by Native American Indians and referred to as the Valley of Peace. Crow Chief Plenty Coups recalled pilgrimages by warriors to the medicinal mud baths. The area was sought after as a place of peace, rest, and healing. The nearby Smith River was said to be used as a passage route or travel corridor by early settlers.

The name went from Trinity Springs to Brewers Springs. James Scott Brewer laid claim to the thermal springs while passing through the Carroll Trail in stagecoaches when he realized it was a perfect place to rest, calling the name of the stop Brewers Springs. When Major R.C. Walkers purchased half of the interest, the location became a business endeavor. After the pool was developed, a bathhouse, cabins, and a stable followed. The destination was frequented by adventurous travelers and the men stationed at Camp Baker, a U.S. Army outpost. Later the name was changed to White Sulphur Springs to describe the white deposits that are left by the hot water that bubbles in the area.

The beautiful location of White Sulphur Springs, nestled in between the Little Belt Mountains, Big Belt Mountains, and the Castle Mountains was a vibrant place for agriculture, ranching, farming, and mining. Prospectors found the surrounding mountains rich in lead, copper, silver, gold, and other valuable minerals. It was not long until the area became a central trading spot. As mining took center stage, the financial progressions resulted in the county seat being moved from Diamond City to White Sulphur Springs by a general election.

The city of White Sulphur Springs remains a focal point of the county continuing with its agricultural roots to this day.

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, McGuire Spring Creek Ranch owns two irrigation water rights and three stock rights. For additional information regarding the water rights, please contact listing agent Stephen Leibinger at 406.451.1188.

All water rights in Montana are subject to eventual re-adjudication by the Montana Water Court and, as a result of that process, may be changed as to the validity, amount, priority date, place of use, and other such changes as the Court determines. This water district is currently under the Preliminary-Temporary Decree as classified by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The Seller has made all of the filings currently required and will transfer the water rights as they currently stand with no warranty of future viability. All water rights appurtenant to and for the benefit of the Ranch will be conveyed to the Buyer at the closing of a sale.

Northwestern Energy provides power via overhead lines that enter the property from the southwest.
Triangle Communications provides landline phones and fiber internet. For additional internet and television options, buyers may want to investigate satellite providers.
Cellular coverage provided by Verizon is minimal throughout the Ranch but can be accessed via Wi-Fi at headquarters and the corrals.
The propane tank is owned and can be filled by providers in the area.
Stock water is provided by a combination of surface water, springs & reservoirs.

The real estate taxes for 2022 were approximately $3,779.18.

The Seller will convey with the Ranch 100% of whatever mineral, oil, gas, geo-thermal, hydro-carbon, and gravel rights it actually owns, subject to reservations by previous owners. The Seller makes no representation as to the quantity or quality of any mineral or other subsurface rights appurtenant to the Ranch.

The Sellers hereby make known that there may be variations between the deeded property lines and the location of the existing fence boundary lines on McGuire Spring Creek Ranch. The Sellers make no warranties with regard to the location of the fence lines in relationship to the deeded property lines, nor do the Sellers make any warranties or representations with regard to the specific acreage within the fenced property lines.

The Sellers are selling McGuire Spring Creek Ranch in its “as is-where is” condition which includes the location of the fences as they now exist. Boundaries shown on any accompanying maps are approximate. The maps are not to scale and are for visual aid only. The accuracy of the maps and information portrayed thereon is not guaranteed nor warranted.

The elevation gain on the Ranch is little over 1,000 feet, with the highest point around 6,000 feet above sea level on the northern boundary of the Ranch and the lowest around 4,980 feet on the southwest portion along the Spring Creek. The improvements sit at about 5,187 feet.

The average annual precipitation is approximately 13″ inches with the majority falling in May and June. Located in the USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, the average growing season of the area is approximately 86 days. The last frost of the year is typically early to mid-June and the first frost tends to be in early September.

Average high temperatures in June, July, and August range from 71° to 81° Fahrenheit. In December, January and February average high temperatures are between 33° and 37°.

Summer average minimum temperatures range from 43° to 48°. Winter average minimum temperatures are typically between 12° and 15°. There is plenty of sunshine with an average of 185 sunny days throughout the year.

McGuire Spring Creek Ranch is the classic end-of-the-road ranch that feels like it is the most private ranch in Montana yet is only 12 miles from White Sulphur Springs and still under 2 hours from Bozeman. Comprised of over 3,843± contiguous deeded acres, the Ranch lends itself to multiple options for the next owner, be it sporting and recreational pursuits, ranching, or executive retreat. The Ranch benefits from the extensive water resources of Spring Creek, Buckingham Reservoir, several springs, and Rabbit Creek while the varied terrain provides cover for wildlife. Many ranches claim to be the perfect ranch in the “last best place”, but McGuire Spring Creek Ranch delivers that rare combination of privacy, space, live water, wildlife, and location.

“At the Ranch, you are completely removed from city light pollution, and standing out in front of the house gazing upward on a dark, clear evening can certainly change your perspective on things.”

–

McGuire Family

OFFERING PRICE & CONDITIONS OF SALE

McGuire Spring Creek Ranch, as Previously Described Herein, is offered at $9,950,000.00. The Conditions of Sale Are as Follows:

All offers to purchase, or letters of intent must be in writing and accompanied by earnest money made payable to the escrow account of Sky Peak Title & Escrow, LLC., White Sulphur Springs;
Earnest money deposits will be placed in escrow with Sky Peak Title & Escrow, LLC., White Sulphur Springs, which will then place the funds with local banks at nominal rates of interest accruing to the benefit of the Buyer until Closing, should the appropriate paperwork be completed;
All Prospective Buyers must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Listing Agent the financial capability to purchase the Ranch prior to scheduling a personal tour of the Ranch;
The Sellers will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Title to the real property will be conveyed by a limited warranty deed;
All of the appurtenant water rights controlled by the Ranch will be transferred to the Buyer at Closing, and all of the mineral rights which the Sellers actually own will be conveyed to the Buyer at Closing;
Buyers’ Brokers are welcome and invited to contact Stephen Leibinger with Swan Land Company for additional information and to set up a private Ranch tour;
Any additional documentation provided to Prospective Buyers and their Agents related to and expanding upon the information contained in this offering brochure will be subject to terms of a Confidentiality Agreement to be signed by the Prospective Buyer and their Agents prior to the delivery of such documentation.

The Sellers reserve the right to effect a tax-deferred exchange for other real property in accordance with provisions in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Buyer will not be required to incur any additional expenses nor to step into the chain of title on any property which the Seller may acquire.

This entire Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Sellers. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, hunting districts and regulations, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Sellers or Swan Land Company. Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.

TERMS OF INSPECTION

A 48-hour notice is requested to make proper arrangements for an inspection of McGuire Spring Creek Ranch.

Swan Land Company has been authorized by the Seller to act as their Exclusive Real Estate Broker on the sale of McGuire Spring Creek Ranch. Since 2002, we have focused on the brokerage of significant ranches, farms, and recreational properties throughout the Rocky Mountain West.

This Offering is based on information believed to be correct; however, it is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, and change or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein has been provided by the Sellers or obtained from other sources deemed reliable. The Agent does not, however, guarantee accuracy and recommends that any Prospective Buyer conduct an independent investigation.

Narrated Video Tour

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Stephen Leibinger

406.451.1188 | [email protected]

With deep family roots in Montana’s ranching history, I inherited a natural affinity for the state’s exceptional lifestyle and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. After graduating with honors from the University of Wyoming, I pursued my love of fly-fishing and ultimately settled in Bozeman where I founded a successful fly-fishing guiding and outfitting business. My extensive ...

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