- The town of Pray, Montana, has been listed for a relatively reasonable US$2.6 million (AU$4 million).
- Located just a stone’s throw away from Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Springs, and Emigrant – as well as being fairly close to Livingston/Bozeman – the property spans five acres.
- Not only does Pray come with its own working US post office, but an unelected mayorship for whoever decides to snap it up.
Years ago, we were collectively daydreaming about the Yellowstone lifestyle (without the trips to the “train station” or soap opera theatrics) when the legendary 6666 Ranches hit the market.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of us didn’t have a spare half billion lying around to snap up this historic parcel of land, and it would eventually find the owner it needed in none other than Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. But still, the dream of bucolic bliss persisted.
That’s probably why all the concrete cowboys out there might perk up to hear that the next (and far more affordable) option has recently been listed for sale: Pray, Montana – a five-acre surviving frontier town tucked in the heart of Paradise Valley, only 45 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park, and priced at US$2.6 million (AU$4 million).
“Take a look at this historic investment dream property just north of Yellowstone’s only year-round entrance,” reads the official listing.
“This property has it all: breathtaking Montana views nestled near the foot of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with a dozen or more mountain peaks over 10,000 feet in sight.”
Proximity to natural splendour (plus luxe resorts like Sage Lodge, Hollywood western set) and cowboy culture association aside, Pray features a functioning US post office that effectively grants this quiet slice of Americana its own zip code; an over 100-year-old general store that’s still operating with a tenant; three Amish-built log cabins (two beds/one bath), which serves as something as a charming stopover for travellers heading into Yellowstone National Park, and a remodelled duplex; along with three acres of unzoned land with septic design approvals for another eight cabins.
“Or you can redevelop that however you wish! The land out back is really a blank canvas waiting for the next ambitious owner to take the reins, and grow this property’s income,” explains the listing.
Pray, Montana boasted over US$300,000 in rental income for 2023, even higher projected income for 2024 (still tallying), and already comes with US$100,000 worth of booked reservations for 2025 so far. Oh, and did we mention its acquisition automatically elevates you to the status of unelected mayor?
Check out the listing below for more details and pictures.
The Abridged History of Pray, Montana
Founded in 1907 by Valentine Eggar and named after US Congressman Charles Nelson Pray, the town has long been a fixture of the Paradise Valley community – long before the area became a destination for travellers and adventurers from around the world.
For over 20 years, Pray was lovingly cared for by Barbara Walker, who inherited the town from her husband’s family. Acting as landlord, caretaker, and even its unofficial mayor, Barbara’s stewardship helped preserve its charm and historical character. She sold the property in 2018, and now, the opportunity has come again for someone to carry on the legacy of this Montana town.
Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare. There are only a handful of privately owned towns left in the United States – and Pray, Montana, is one of them. Whether you’re an investor, preservationist, or dreamer with a vision, this listing offers the chance to own not just a piece of land, but a living piece of Montana history. The chance to purchase a property – ahem, an entire town – doesn’t come around every day.
