10 Things You Didn’t Know about Montana’s Highest Town

How much do you know about Cooke City, MT?

Montana's Highest Town - ranked one of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in America in 2012 - is gearing up for another busy tourist season. To clarify, we're talking about the highest-elevation community in Montana, not the town that consumes the most cannabis (that would be Billings, based on state sales data). Cooke City is the highest town in Montana, with an elevation of 7,651 feet according to signage.

Cooke City is a Montana favorite.

Visiting the high-altitude community is one of my family's favorite summertime adventures in Montana, as it's an easy day trip for those in the Billings area. We usually do the Beartooth Highway/Chief Joseph loop stopping at many of the pullouts to enjoy the views, snap some photos, feed the chipmunks, and maybe toss a worm in one of the cool mountain lakes or steams along the way, arriving in Cooke City around lunchtime.

The Alpine Motel of Cooke City recently re-shared one of its most popular posts ever on Facebook. The post is a lengthy list of what visitors can (and cannot) expect when they visit the charming town, either on their way to Yellowstone National Park or as a destination. Here are some of the best highlights from the post.

1. Cooke City has no air conditioners in shops and hotels.

Perhaps you'll find an A/C unit in a rental cabin or private residence, but you won't find one in any of Cooke City's hotels, restaurants, or shops. Air conditioning isn't necessary. With summertime highs averaging around 70 and overnight lows in July often dipping into the 40s, residents rely on fans and an open window for cooling purposes.

2. There is no cell phone service in Cooke City.

"Can you hear me now?" Not in Cooke City, because no matter what provider you use, there is no cell service. Wifi is spotty too, so if you're looking for a place to disconnect, Cooke City is a great option.

3. There is no local law enforcement in Cooke City.

With less than 100 residents living year-round in Cooke City, it would be tough to have the budget or staff for a city police department. You probably won't see anyone from the Park County Sheriff's Office either. A deputy traveling from Livingston to Cooke City would take almost three hours. The Montana Highway Patrol could also respond.

4. Cooke City has a one-room school for grades K-8.

Montana retains several one-room schoolhouses (roughly 60 are still open), and the Cooke City School is one of them. Google says the school is temporarily closed on 3/25/2024. We called to verify and received a voicemail. The school website notes there are five kids enrolled. After 8th grade, students attend school in Red Lodge.

5. There is one public restroom in Cooke City, MT.

Yes, restaurants and businesses have toilets, which patrons are welcome to use. However, Cooke City has just one public restroom for non-paying guests. You'll find it at the Visitors Center. All toilets in Cooke City use a septic tank, as city sewer services don't exist.

6. Cooke City does not have a dentist.

This mountain town isn't an ideal place for a dental emergency. Vacationers who break a tooth would go to Red Lodge or Cody for the nearest care. There are also no banks in Cooke City, although several ATMs are available.

7. The Gallatin National Forest boxes in the community.

Cooke City and nearby Silver Gate are 100% surrounded by National Forest land. Countless miles of trails are available for hikers, ATVs, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and more.

8. There is no grocery store in Cooke City.

If you're booking a cabin for the week in Cooke City, you'll want to stock up on provisions before you arrive. Otherwise, your grocery options are limited to what's offered at the gas station or general store.

Get our free mobile app

9. It's the only town in Montana you'll have to leave the state to visit.

Unless you've got a helicopter, the only way you can reach Cooke City is by traveling through Wyoming.

10. The nearest medical facility is nearly two hours away.

Cooke City does have a volunteer EMS team, but its ability to provide medical services is limited. If you get severely injured in Cooke City or suffer an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, you'll probably be getting a helicopter ride to the nearest hospital.