PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Norwegian Creek 480 is part of the historic 125+-year-old Maichel Ranch on Norwegian Creek just outside Harrison, Montana. Set beneath the Tobacco Root Range and just upstream of Harrison Lake, this well-rounded property offers creek-bottom privacy, open space, and the potential to build an equestrian estate, small ranch, or private retreat.
The ranch has multiple building sites and three 160-acre legal parcels, including a private creek bottom setting and sweeping hilltops with huge 360-degree views. The generations of care and hard work are reflected in Norwegian Fork’s productive character and natural beauty within 45 minutes of Bozeman.
> 480 deeded acres in 3 legal parcels
> Norwegian Creek flows over a half mile of property, serving as year round habitat for spawning trout out of Harrison Lake
> Rolling topography with riparian creek bottom and elevated plateau
> Borders a 640 acre section of State land, which hosts its own 1.25 miles of Norwegian Creek
> Dramatic views of the Tobacco Roots, Bridgers and Spanish Peaks Mountain ranges
> Potential to build a private ranch, an equestrian estate or recreational retreat
Quick access to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Harrison Lake, Madison and Jefferson Rivers
> Less than 45 minutes to Bozeman, MT and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport Harrison, MT | 480± Acres | Offered @ $4.75M
LOCATION & CLIMATE
THREE FORKS, MT
NORWEGIAN CREEK 480
Norwegian Creek 480 is located 3.5 miles south and east of Harrison, Montana. It is currently accessible through a 1.5 mile unimproved two-track ranch road.
NEARBY CITIES & TOWNS
AIRPORTS
HARRISON, MT
BOZEMAN, MT
CLIMATE
AVERAGE ELEVATION
AVERAGE RAIN PER YEAR
AVERAGE SNOW PER YEAR
AVERAGE SUMMER HIGH
AVERAGE WINTER LOW
AVERAGE SUNNY DAYS PER YEAR
AVERAGE DAYS OF PRECIPITATION PER YEAR
4,918 FT 16 IN 60 IN JUL, 83° JAN, 18° 186 94
IMPROVEMENTS
The property is perimeter fenced on all three sides. A well established two-track road provides access across the property and along the Norwegian Creek bottom.
TAKEN ON THE MADISON RIVER
Harrison, Montana is the ultimate gateway to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the countless trails, lakes, streams and alpine peaks of the Tobacco Root Range. With many Forest Service trailheads and access points, the opportunities this ‘backyard’ affords are endless and represent some of the most pristine mountain landscapes in the Rocky Mountain West. Whether it’s hiking, hunting, fishing or riding seemingly endless singletrack, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy.
HUNTING
The property lies within District 311 and is frequented by elk, mule and whitetail deer, antelope, coyotes, pheasants, Hungarian partridge and sharp tailed grouse. The average elk in this unit range from 280-300 inches and groups up to 600 animals have been observed moving through the area.
FISHING
Norwegian Creek runs directly through the property and is one of three major tributaries to Harrison Lake. The Creek is a spawning habitat and a tremendous opportunity for stream restoration projects. Just 0.5 miles downstream, the Willow Creek Reservoir (Harrison Lake) boasts a fantastic Stillwater fishery providing opportunities to target Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout. The famed Madison River is a quick drive from the property, with Beartrap Canyon just 10 minutes away to the south. The Jefferson River, a trophy trout fishery, is just a ten-minute drive to the north.
RANCH OPERATIONS
Norwegian Creek 480 is currently utilized as part of the larger Maichel Ranch operation for spring and fall grazing, supporting approximately 100–150 cow-calf pairs. The property has benefited from thoughtful grazing practices and diligent weed management, resulting in high-quality pastures. Of the total acreage, roughly 200 acres consist of prime farmable ground that has historically been used for dryland crops and grass hay.
The southern boundary borders a full section of state land through which Norwegian Creek flows. The main Maichel Ranch directly neighbors the property and has expressed interest in leasing it back, offering the potential for supplemental income. Electric service, which currently supports nearby irrigation infrastructure, is located less than half a mile from the property line.
RANCH & AREA HISTORY
Norwegian Creek 480 is set against the backdrop of the Tobacco Root Mountains, with the small towns of Harrison and Pony, which tell the story of Montana’s frontier roots and the people who shaped them.
Harrison got its start in the late 1800s as a hub for rail and agriculture, supporting ranchers and grain farmers in the Willow Creek Valley. Today, it’s a quiet, close-knit place known for wide-open views, easy access to the outdoors, and that classic small-town feel.
Just six miles away, Pony boomed in the 1860s gold rush. It’s named after a prospector known as “Pony,” who found gold in the nearby hills. At its height, Pony had thousands of residents and more than 75 businesses. The gold may be gone, but the town’s old buildings and mining-era charm have been carefully preserved. These days, it’s a peaceful little spot with deep roots and a strong sense of community.
The Maichel Ranch was founded in 1898 by Andro Maichel, an Italian immigrant who raised 11 children on the ranch. After his passing, two of his sons and their mother, Viola, carried on the operation and later started Dewey Michael & Sons and the Harrison grain elevator. Years passed by with various ownership structures, but in 1985, Dave Maichel, great-great-grandson of Andro, began to buy back the family ranch, expanding it further by 1990 in the greater Harrison area. He and his wife, Christine, built their operation by raising high-quality Black Angus cattle and marketing steers through the Superior Livestock Auction. They also develop and sell bred heifers.
The Maichel Ranch spans over 2,000 acres of productive ranch land, including 1,100 irrigated acres. After 127+ years, the Maichel Ranch continues its legacy of a family-run and operated ranch operation.
IN THE TIGHTLY HELD RANCH COMMUNITY OF HARRISON, MONTANA, NORWEGIAN CREEK 480 IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN END OF THE ROAD PROPERTY WITH EXPANSIVE MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND LIVE WATER ALL LESS THAN 45 MINUTES FROM BOZEMAN.
JIM TOTH
NORWEGIAN CREEK 480
HARRISON, MT
$4,750,000
480± ACRES
SUMMARY
Norwegian Creek 480 is your chance to build a private ranch retreat less than 1 hour from Bozeman. Its location and physical attributes evoke a sense of Montana’s grandeur and history. Fly fish in your own Creek or drive a short distance to a world-class trout stream; the opportunities are outstanding. Watch the morning sun light up Hollow Top Mountain from your kitchen window every morning; it’s easy to imagine your new home here at Norwegian Creek 480.
• 480 deeded acres in 3 legal parcels
• Norwegian Creek flows over a half mile of property
• Rolling topography with riparian creek bottom and elevated plateau
• Borders a 640 acre section of State land, which hosts its own 1.25 miles of Norwegian Creek
• Less than 45 minutes to Bozeman, MT and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
CONDITIONS OF SALE
• The owner reserves the right to conduct a 1031 exchange.
• All purchase offers must be in writing and specify an earnest money amount equal to no less than 5.00% of the Buyer’s offering price. Earnest monies shall be deposited in escrow within 5 business days of acceptance of the offer by both parties.
• All Buyers must provide the contact information of the Buyer’s banker or financial institution that can assist the Sellers and their agents in validating the Buyer’s financial ability to execute the transaction. All Purchasers must demonstrate to the Seller’s satisfaction unquestioned financial capability to purchase the property.
• The Sellers will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Any endorsements requested by the Buyer or any lender will be at the Buyer’s expense. Title to the real property will be conveyed by warranty deed.
• All of the Ranch’s water rights will be transferred to the Buyer and all of the mineral rights which the Seller actually owns will be conveyed to the Buyer at Closing.
TERMS
The Seller reserves the right to effect a tax-deferred exchange for other real property in accordance with provisions in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Buyer will not be required to incur any additional expenses nor to step into the chain of title on any property which the Seller may acquire.
This entire Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Seller. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, etc., is intended only as generic guidelines and have been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Seller or Western Ranch Brokers. Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.
OUR TEAM
JIM TOTH
Broker (Licensed in MT) (406) 539-2550
jim@westernranchbrokers.com
20 years of experience as a ranch broker, Jim Toth knows that land is worth more than just its physical assets. With a career built in the agriculture business, private ranch management, and as one of the busiest outfitters in Western Montana, Jim knows the view from the saddle as well as the view from the office and how important they are to each other. But he just might not take off his boots in the conference room.
Jim also understands the value and importance of tillable acreage, how cattle stocking rate affects rangelands, the ins-and-outs of water rights, habitat management, and a lot more. Along with a desire to get to know a prospective seller or buyer, Jim’s ability to gauge a property’s values and understand the desires of a buyer is a large part of his success–the rest of his successes are the result of his approachable and personable demeanor.
Always willing to share a favorite fishing hole or be the one to buy the first round, Jim finds that nearly all of his clients come to him first through business but then remain as friends. In 1991, he opened the Grizzly Hackle fly shop in Missoula, a brand that became synonymous with fly fishing in Southwest Montana. When his fishing clients started turning to him for help buying Montana ranches of their own, ranch brokering became a logical next step in his career. In 2002, he sold the fly shop and dedicated all of his time to ranch brokerage, eventually founding Western Ranch Brokers.
Jim and his wife Cassandra split their time between Bozeman and the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. When not fishing or in the mountains, they enjoy traveling the West to visit their adult children.
LET OUR EXPERIENCE LEAD THE WAY
The team at Western Ranch Brokers brings a level of expertise and hands-on ranch experience you won’t find anywhere else. We are here to ensure you have a reliable, trustworthy, hardworking advisor when buying or selling a ranch. Our handshake is backed by a team of tireless professionals committed to your interests.
RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE
MONTANA
Montana law requires real estate licensees who are acting as agents of sellers or buyers of real property to advise the potential sellers or buyers with whom they work of the nature of their agency relationship.
SELLERS AGENTS
A seller’s agent, under a listing agreement with the seller, acts solely on behalf of the seller. A seller can authorize a seller’s agent to work with subagents, buyer’s agents and/or transaction coordinators. A subagent of the seller is one who has agreed to work with the listing agent, and who, like the listing agent, acts solely on behalf of the seller. Seller’s agents and their subagents will disclose to the seller known information about the buyer which may be used to the benefit of the seller. Individual services may be waived by the seller through execution of a limited service agreement.
BUYERS AGENTS
A buyer’s agent, under a buyer’s agency agreement with the buyer, acts solely on behalf of the buyer. A subagent of the buyer is one who has agreed to work with the buyer’s agent with who, like the buyer’s agent, acts solely on behalf of the buyer. Buyer’s agents and their subagents will disclose to the buyer known information about the seller which may be used to benefit the buyer. Individual services may be waived by the buyer through execution of a limited service agreement.
DUAL AGENTS
A real estate licensee can be the agent of both the seller and the buyer in a transaction, but only with the knowledge and informed consent, in writing, of both the seller and the buyer. In such a dual agency situation, the licensee will not be able to disclose all known information to either the seller or the buyer. As a dual agent, the licensee will not be able to provide the full range of fiduciary duties to the seller or buyer. The obligations of a dual agent are subject to any specific provisions set forth in any agreement between the dual agent, the seller and the buyer.
BEING ROOTED IN THE WEST, WE KNOW THE GRAVEL ROAD SHORT CUTS, AND THAT GOOD NEIGHBORS KEEP TIGHT FENCES.
WE KNOW HOW TO LISTEN, WHAT RIDING FOR THE BRAND REALLY MEANS, AND THAT A TRUE LEGACY NEVER ENDS. ®
