McCone County, Montana

Drive east across Montana, and you’ll eventually reach McCone County (and no, we’re not talking about McDonald’s). It sits in the eastern half of the state, surrounded by wide-open plains. This is classic ranch country.

Circle is the county seat. Yep, just like the shape. Winters can be brutal, while summers get scorching hot. But locals wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s the kind of place where you can still look up and see every star in the night sky.

You won’t find fancy restaurants or shopping malls here. What you will find are wide-open spaces and a sky that seems to stretch forever. The Missouri River forms the county’s southern border and offers some pretty sweet fishing spots.

CategoryDetails
County NameMcCone County
County SeatCircle
EtymologyNamed after state senator George McCone
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesCircle, Brockway, Vida
Interstates and HighwaysMT 13, MT 200
FIPS Code30-055
Total Area (Land and Water)2,683 square miles (Land: 2,643 sq mi, Water: 40 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Valley County (West), Roosevelt County (North), Richland County (Northeast), Dawson County (East), Prairie County (South), Garfield County (West)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MT)
StateMontana
Coordinates47.6586° N, 105.6959° W
Major LandmarksFort Peck Lake, McCone County Museum, Rock Creek State Park
PopulationApproximately 1,600
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