The Bair Family Legacy: Montana’s Last Sheep King and His Lasting Gift

Just down the road from the Crazy Mountain Inn sits one of Montana’s best-kept secrets: the Bair Family Museum, once the family home of Charles M. Bair—a man whose rise to ranching royalty is the stuff of frontier legend.

Charles Bair came to Montana in the 1880s and made his fortune not in gold, but wool. He ran one of the largest and most successful sheep operations in the entire country, right here in Meagher County. At its peak, the Bair Ranch stretched across hundreds of thousands of acres, its wool shipped far and wide, carried by the same rail lines that brought new life to Martinsdale.

But the story didn’t end with the livestock.

Charles’s daughters, Marguerite and Alberta, inherited not only the estate but their father’s appreciation for culture, travel, and Montana’s beauty. They filled their home with artwork, antiques, and treasures from across Europe and the American West—transforming a working ranch house into something closer to a country estate.

Today, the Bair Family Museum preserves that legacy. Visitors can tour the beautifully maintained home, explore exhibits on ranching life and local history, and take in a remarkable collection of Western art and Native American artifacts. You’ll find works by Charles M. Russell, Thomas Moran, and Joseph Henry Sharp among its rooms—and stories tucked into every corner.

The grounds themselves are worth a wander. From the quiet courtyard to the airy gallery space, the museum offers a peaceful counterpoint to the wild landscapes around it.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just passing through, the Bair Museum is a must-see stop in Martinsdale—a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Montana’s most influential families, and a reminder that even in the middle of nowhere, greatness can take root.

For location, visiting hours, and more information, visit the Bair Museum’s website.