Welcome to the Ruby Valley

You're about to enter the virtual world of the Ruby Valley located in Southwestern Montana.  The Ruby Valley is nestled between two primary mountain ranges, the Tobacco Roots and the Ruby, with the McCarty, Greenhorn and Brazil ranges completing the outline of our gem.  Sheridan, Twin Bridges are the primary business centers with banking and postal service as well as a variety of restaurants and stores.  The smaller towns of Silver Star, Alder and Laurin have a grocery store, restaurant, gas station, tavern or other commercial enterprises.  Visitors find a very friendly, helpful atmosphere in all of our towns and each town has unique qualities and special stories.  Ranching has been the primary economic resource for over 100 years.  Fishing and hunting services are growing quickly as the blue ribbon trout fishing and mountain game attract visitors wishing to escape the urban rumpus.  With the installation of broadband systems, the Ruby Valley has recently attracted a few small technology related businesses.  

This site offers information typically found on a Chamber of Commerce portal - business directory, community calendar, and Chamber membership information.  However, for many of our business directory listings, there is a mini-website with photos and very detailed information about the business.  Of course, links to the member's websites are also provided.  The Community Calendar includes information for many different organizations and activities in the Ruby Valley including the Ruby Valley Conservation District, the Ruby Watershed Council, activities at Sheridan and Twin Bridges schools (excluding the sports events), art shows, well child clinics, town council and school board meetings, events at the Madison County Fairgrounds and much more.  

In addition to the typical Chamber information, we've provided some detailed historical information about the Ruby Valley organized by area, subject and time period.  The Interactive Map shows the mountains, rivers, fishing accesses, and interesting landmarks of the valley.  Click on an icon for information about the location.  The Agricultural pages provide tips and resources for our ranchers. 

We have endeavored to provide a wealth of links and information for visitors to the Ruby Valley.  We know it takes awhile to get to our corner of the world and it helps to know what you'll find when you arrive.  Some of these pages are still in development but we hope that what we have provided so far will entice you to consider stopping on your way through or making the Ruby Valley your vacation destination. 

You may be one of our frequent visitors who has decided that the Ruby Valley is the place you want to be every day.  If so, please be sure to investigate the Community Profile area which has information on schools, local organizations, city services, new business and employment resources, churches, and general relocation tips.  The menu on the right column of most pages has links to our community weblogs, county website, emergency phone numbers, and other important local websites and information.  

What's Happening?

Great Historical Photos of the Ruby Valley On-Line

Our thanks to Evan McAlear for letting us know that the Thomas Brooks photo collection is available on-line.  This is a marvelous collection and MSU has allowed us to use some of the photos on this website.  Click on this link and start browsing by keyword, titles or date.  These photos are worse than popcorn.  Once you start, it's hard to stop.  Enjoy!

Sheridan and Twin Bridges Community Weblogs

The links to the weblogs are working again!!  Hooray! If you have a problem with the link, please click the refresh button, press <f5>, or contact Debra McNeill.  

Get Smart in 2010!

The Sheridan and Twin Bridges Horizons programs and Sheridan School have arranged for some extraordinary classes for our communities this winter.  Sheridan is offering an amazing curriculum of adult education classes.

Many classes are free or require a small fee to cover materials.  Please click here for a synopsis of each class, schedule and fee information.  To register for classes, please call Lois Tate at 842-5401.  Thank you to our local experts for offering their time to share their knowledge with our community!!

The Twin Bridges Horizons Program is offering a Grant Writing Workshop on Monday, February 15th (President's Day holiday) from 8:30-4:30 in the Montana Room at Twin Bridges School.  Please click here for a class flyer.  There is a $10 fee to cover materials and scholarships are available. The class instructor is Janet Cornish.  Please contact Jack Leber (684-5686) to register before February 10th.  A lunch will be served. 

You don't have to be a Sheridan resident to attend the Sheridan classes and you don't have to be a Twin Bridges resident to attend the Twin Bridges class.  If you live on Mill Creek and want to go to the Grant Writing class, please register with Jack.  If you live on Madison Street and want to check out the Jitterbug class, please call Lois.  Space is limited for all classes, so please don't procrastinate.  

Need a Job?

It's census time again and 121 people will be hired temporarily in Madison County to get the job done.  The pay is $11/hour and mileage is reimbursed at 55 cents/mile.  Hours are flexible up to 40 hours per week.  Please call Janie Wasmann at 596-0059 for more information about the jobs and the application process.  You can also call 1-866-861-2010 for information.  Applicants will need to take a test to qualify.  Testing dates are coming up fast, so don't procrastinate.  Census 2010 - It's In Our Hands.    

The Ruby Valley Chamber meets the first Tuesday of every month during the lunch hour (12-1pm).  We eat fast, talk fast and disseminate loads of information in an hour (sometimes less).  It's a great way to participate with the business community in the Ruby Valley.  If you would like to join us for lunch, please e-mail an RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at least one day in advance so we can order a lunch for you.  Lunches generally cost about $8.  Of course, you don't HAVE to eat but, if you can, it's nice to share a meal.  The location of the meetings alternates between Twin Bridges and Sheridan.  Please check the minutes of the last meeting or call Ruby Valley National Bank for the location of next month's meeting.

(Note: Please only send lunch reservations to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it because we will only check this inbox once a month.  For other inquiries, please register on this website using the Contact Us link below.)

Community Calendar Events

Do you need some help spreading the news about a local event in the Ruby Valley?  Please contact Deb McNeill at Tobacco Root Graffics  with the details.  She will need time (beginning and ending), location, description, and contact information.