A little of the ‘Old West’ right here in the Bitterroot Valley
People Don’t Forget Darby, MT
The first time you experience Darby you’ll feel like you just stepped back in time.
Tucked away in the southern reaches of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, where development surrenders to wilderness, Darby is much the same today as it was years ago.
The mountain and river views are still stunning, the people are still friendly, and the quaint shops and restaurants still welcome your arrival.
With just a few thousand people living in one of natures largest and most spectacular playgrounds, Darby, MT is definitely a town you’ll remember.
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Darby, MT Location
The town of Darby is located in Ravalli County, Montana.
Darby is located in the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, 17 miles south of Hamilton.
US 93 connects Darby to Hamilton, and Darby to Conner and Sula.
Darby, MT Lodging
Darby has some great lodging options.
You’ll find several choices in town, or within a short drive, including waterfront options along the Bitterroot River.
Visit our Bitterroot Valley Lodging pages to see all the unique lodging options in the Bitterroot Valley.
RIVERFRONT VACATION RENTALS IN MONTANA’S BITTERROOT VALLEY
EAST FORK HOUSE
OSPREY CABIN
PREACHER’S CABIN
BLUE RIBBON LODGE
Darby Population
According to Wikipedia, the population of Darby was 783 in the 2020 Census.
This total includes residents living within the 0.58 square mile area of Darby town.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports 2,335 residents living in the Darby community according to the US Census Bureau 2021 ACS Survey.
This estimate includes everyone living within the 59829 Zip Code that serves Darby residents.
Darby, MT Weather
Here’s the current weather and 5 day forecast for Darby, MT.
Darby, MT shares the same pleasant weather found throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
With 4 distinct seasons each year, there’s a wide variety of weather conditions.
Summers in Darby are generally warm and pleasant with average daily highs in the 80’s.
Winters are normally cold and snowy with average daily highs in the low 30’s.
Every now and then Darby’s weather can be extreme, with 20 below zero or 100 degree temperatures possible.
Check out our Bitterroot Valley weather page for additional information.
Local Services in Darby
The Town of Darby provides a variety of municipal services and public works.
Darby is home to Darby School District #9. The K-12 District enrolls around 300 students per year. Their team name is the “Tigers”.
Darby Volunteer Fire Department provides fire and EMS services.
Law enforcement is provided by the Darby Police Department and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s office.
The centrally located Darby Community Public Library is available for residents and visitors.
Businesses in Darby span many categories including agriculture, construction, forestry, health care, manufacturing, recreation, retail and more.
Darby, MT Timeline
Lewis and Clark traveled through the area on their epic journey in 1805 and 1806.
Darby was first settled in 1882.
The community of Darby was officially established in 1888 and was named after James W. Darby.
Darby was incorporated in 1917 and James Pierce became the town’s first Mayor.
Electricity came to Darby in 1932, the water system in 1959, and the sewage system in 1963.
The massive 350,000 acre Bitterroot Valley wildfires of 2000 drew national attention to Darby.
Paramount began filming the hit ‘Yellowstone’ television series near Darby in 2017.
Points of Interest in Darby
The Richard Cromwell Memorial Rodeo Grounds hosts summer rodeos and events.
The Darby Ranger Station Visitor’s Center displays interesting history of the US Forest Service.
The Darby Farmers Market is held at Main Street Park on Tuesday’s during the summer months.
The Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum features historical items from Darby’s past.
Chief Joseph Ranch is the famed “Dutton Ranch” in the Yellowstone TV series that is filmed in the Bitterroot Valley.
Lake Como and Painted Rocks Reservoir are both popular summer recreation areas.
Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center helps young people develop skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The Magruder Corridor begins 20 miles south of Darby and continues for 101 rugged miles through two wilderness areas to Elk City, ID.
That’s a Good Question
783 residents live in the town of Darby. An estimated 2,335 residents live in the 59829 Zip Code.
406
59829