There is an area south east of Great Falls referred to as the Coulee. When you ask folks who were born and raised in that area they will tell you they are "from the Coulee." What does that mean? Keep reading to learn more about the Coulee and the towns that reside in the area.

The Coulee consists of four towns starting (from the north) Tracy, Sand Coulee, Centerville and Stockett. Each of these towns have their own personality, yet they come together as a single unit when it comes to supporting their students at Centerville Schools, a K-12 Class C School that is about 15 miles from Great Falls. The area is named after Sand Coulee Creek which flows into the Missouri River.

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Google Maps
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Tracy Montana

The first town you will find in the area, coming from the north is Tracy.  The 2020 census listed 196 residents.  The town has one bar and one thrift type store that appears to still be in operation, but I am not sure. Tracy is the largest of the four communities in the Coulee.

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Google Maps
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Sand Coulee Montana

Sand Coulee was originally named Giffen after Nat McGiffen according to Wikipedia. Mining was the primary occupation for the residents in the area.  The population from the 2020 Census shows 179. Side note, my kids grandfather grew up in Sand Coulee and my kids great grand parents lived many years there.

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Google Maps
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Centerville Montana

Centerville is the home to the school that services the area.  They also have one bar that sits right on the main road across from the school. The 2020 Census showed 32 residents in the town, making it the smallest of the four towns in the Coulee. The school, known as the Miners, has had some success winning or taking second place for state athletic titles, including:

  • Boys Basketball Runner Up State Finish
  • 1952
  • Girl's Cross Country State Champions
  • 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
  • State Champion combined with Belt
  • 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
  • Football State Champion
  • 1999, 2006
  • Girl's Golf State Champion
  • 2008
Centerville School Mascot
Centerville School Mascot
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Stockett Montana

Stockett is the final town of the group when you head south.  The 2020 population showed 157 residents.  Like it's other 3 neighboring towns, Stockett is not loaded with business but does boast of scenic views surrounding the area.  The main business in Stockett is the American Bar & Grill that is home to the legendary Two- Headed Calf.  The business is set to re-open on May 19th with a new menu:

American Bar & Grill
American Bar & Grill
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American Bar & Grill
American Bar & Grill
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Whether you take a drive out for a burger and a beer or to attend a sporting event, you will find beautiful scenery and friendly locals. It is a nice drive and well worth the time.

If you have a story idea or something you want to learn more about, give Randy a call at 406-788-3003 or send me an email at randall.bogden@townsquaremedia.com

Check Out This Picture Gallery of the Area:

The Coulee

Belt Montana

Cascade Montana