Pray, Montana, for Sale for $2.6 Million

Somewhere along the winding banks of the Yellowstone River, there’s a town where the mail still arrives by hand, the general store has been serving locals for more than a century, and the cabins carry the scent of freshly cut pine. It’s called Pray, Montana—and for the right buyer, it could all be yours.

This five-acre town, just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, offers more than just property lines. Pray offers a functioning U.S. post office, giving it its own zip code and keeping it officially on the map. The town also boasts an over 100-year-old general store, still operating with a tenant, and three Amish-built log cabins, which have become a cozy stopover for travelers heading into the park.

For the past five years, Pray has been run as a thriving short-term rental business, drawing visitors from across the country. The property also includes a duplex, adding to its income potential. With proven financials and a loyal client base, the town is more than a real estate listing—it’s a turnkey business wrapped in history.

But what makes Pray truly unique is its post office. While many frontier towns have faded into obscurity, Pray still has its own zip code—59865—thanks to this working government service. The building—a simple white structure with a blue sign out front—is still a gathering place for locals picking up their mail. For a buyer, owning a town with a functioning post office offers a rare distinction—and a direct tie to the town’s founding.

And then there’s the mayor—or at least, Pray’s closest equivalent. The current owner serves as the town’s unelected mayor—a role that comes with a small-town charm rather than bureaucracy. Every year, they ride through the streets in the annual Pray parade, which starts and ends on the property. It’s the kind of quirky, homespun tradition that makes Pray feel less like a real estate deal and more like a chapter from a classic American novel.

Established in 1909, Pray was named after congressman Charles Nelson Pray, who represented Montana during its early statehood. Like many frontier towns, it was built on hopes of railroad expansion and westward migration. When new highways bypassed Pray, the town’s role as a travel stop diminished, but it never disappeared. The general store remained a fixture, its weathered wooden exterior a reminder of the town’s place in Montana’s past.

These days, Pray’s visitors are drawn by its proximity to adventure and luxury escapes. Just down the road is the Yellowstone Film Ranch, where major Hollywood westerns are being filmed against Montana’s rugged backdrop. Nearby, the Old Saloon in Emigrant—famous for its live music and whiskey-fueled nights—offers a taste of Montana’s rowdy spirit. For a more refined experience, the Sage Lodge, an upscale fly-fishing resort, offers world-class dining, spa services, and guided outdoor adventures. And just a few miles away, the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch provides a classic Montana dude ranch experience, complete with horseback riding, fly fishing, and breathtaking mountain views. The Yellowstone River, which borders Pray, lures fly fishers and rafters, while Yellowstone National Park itself is only 45 minutes away, offering a gateway to geysers, wildlife, and endless trails.

For anyone dreaming of owning a business with built-in income, or simply longing for a slower pace of life in Montana’s wide-open spaces, Pray offers both. The current owner is ready to pass the torch, offering the five-acre town and its historic buildings for $2.6 million.

It’s a rare chance to own more than just property—you’d be buying a piece of Montana’s story. And with the post office still open for business, Pray will keep its place on the map for years to come.

For more information, contact Michael Rutkowski at bigskyequity@gmail.com.