A sense of place —

Highway 78 is a county road stretching south from I-90 to the base of the Beartooth Mountains in Red Lodge, Montana. Exiting the interstate in Columbus, the view increases in grandeur with each passing mile. Fields roll into high prairie hills that roll into mountains. Ranches dot the land and cattle abound, yes, but you’ll also see turkeys, deer, eagles, and elk that are their own masters: they’ll decide if you see them.

Alongside the highway runs the Rosebud Creek, flowing strong out of East Rosebud Canyon. The cottonwoods that line the river are innumerable and impressive. Over 80 feet tall, up to eight feet wide, with a bark that tells stories and branches willing to listen, they’re common trees that can speak to majesty.

Halfway down the highway you will pass the village of Roscoe. With less than ten homes, a bar, and a post office centered around the river, this unassuming settlement will pull you off the highway and into the canyon, long revered as rival only to Yellowstone itself. Secret waterfalls, epic ranges, pristine alpine lakes, wildflowers and wildlife are found in great number. The place is pure magic.

A sense of community —

Living in rural Montana is a gift. Every day we interact with the natural world in a manner that makes us feel lucky. But living on the open prairie can be isolating, and opportunities to come together from across the county are cherished.

River Arts & Books grew out of the love of the power of literature to connect. Much like the East Rosebud Canyon, literature enables discovery, curiosity, and creativity, transversing time and place. We seek to share the magic of this place with both resident and visitor, building a space where anyone can come for inspiration and where anyone can contribute to growing that inspiration.

We are excited about the creation of River Arts and Books. It will provide a gathering place for sharing stories, ideas and developing and enhancing creative thoughts and actions. These are the components of a community that help enrich lives and nurture our sense of place. Ideas and thoughts of young and old; past experiences and stories all bring meaning and purpose, but without fresh voices and experiences we all never grow.

— John and Debbie Miller

Every community is full of stories, and we think it’s wonderful that this special area is going to have a place where its stories can be shared.

— Tom Astle and Saralee Melnick

A sense of progress —

We are bootstrapped, restoring the cabin as we’re able through donations. We’ve had some good turns in the last month, with great relief our septic system has been pumped and found to be fully functioning! Our next three needs are as yet unfunded: $2,000 for new flooring, $1,500 for heating, and $1,200 for new doors.

If you are able to contribute to these expenses, it would mean the world to us! We are excited to be working slow and steady to our Spring 2024 opening, and it is because of the support of our community that we will be able to do so.

With gratitude,

Caroline & Melissa