As the summer descends on Montana’s iconic hills and mountains, there’s a new and welcoming feeling as the fall slowly arrives in the region. You can feel the temperatures dropping and the ranching community preparing for another winter season. But there’s not much that outweighs this time here. Between the fall colors, unbeatable fly-fishing, and crisp morning breeze, you’ll find yourself loving Montana even more.
If you are in the market for a recreational or a working ranch, this is the perfect time to visit the state. Our team at UC Ranch Properties has some of the most unique real estate properties listed across the region. We selected a few properties to feature this month as their exclusivity is beautifully highlighted by the changing tree colors and the unexpected calmness of the often rugged terrain.
Here are the top ranches to purchase in Montana in the fall of 2025.
The Big Sky Ranch in Malta, Montana
$3,500,000 | 11,367 ACRES
Malta, Montana
This 11,367-acre property is surrounded by the Nelson Reservoir and Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge, making it a rare gateway to an extraordinary way of living on one of Montana’s largest lakes.
Big Sky Ranch, acquired in 2012 as an investment, has operated as a successful cattle ranch ever since, generating consistent positive cash flow. The property blends the beauty of Montana’s scenery with the practical benefits of a well-maintained, profitable cattle operation.
Big Sky Ranch gives the new owner a chance to build a legacy — whether you want to continue to develop it for cattle ranching or keep it for your own recreational use. The majestic parcel is poised for you to leave a lasting imprint to craft your story that will be told for generations to come.
The Windancer Ranch in Custer, Montana
$26,500,000 | 13,453 ACRES
Custer, Montana
The Windancer is located in The Bull Mountains and features a beautiful 2,288 square foot log home. The 13,453-acre property overlooks Buffalo Creek, providing unmatched early morning views of the resident Elk, Mule Deer, and Antelope herds. Populations of elk exceeding 300 head are common on the ranch, and unlike other areas of The Bulls the elk are not seasonal; they call this ranch home year-round.
The Windancer is a self-sustaining cattle operation with a profitable bottom line. It is one of the best watered ranches in this area, with a spring-fed reservoir and multiple wells and water lines.
The property has 3 different housing options, including the main log home and two smaller homes. The hunting cabin, called the Elk camp, is located in Section 10, just on the south side of the Buffalo Creek.
Don’t miss an opportunity to tour this property this fall.
Norman Mavencamp Ranch in Saco, MT
$2,054,000 | 2,636 ACRES
Saco, Montana
For nearly 25 years, this property’s long-term tenant and late owner shared a partnership built on trust, respect, and careful stewardship. The owner, a Saco native, understood the challenges of ranching and valued not only the land but the person caring for it. That trust proved well-placed—the tenant, who still operates the ranch today, has managed it with the same pride and attention as an owner, preserving grass, fences, and overall condition through decades of thoughtful use.
Now offered for the first time in a generation, this 2,637± acre property lies just 8.5 miles north of Saco. With 1,500± acres of improved pasture recently released from CRP and 1,100± acres of native grass, it’s primed for immediate use, supporting an estimated 200–250 cow/calf pairs over a six-month season with further water development. Fenced into two pastures and accessible from multiple roads, the property offers a straightforward, low-overhead grazing unit ideal for expansion, investment, or first-time ownership.
