Sunburst, MT

Sunburst is a quiet town in northern Montana, located about 30 miles north of Shelby and just minutes from the Canadian border. Home to roughly 330 people, the community takes its name from the dramatic morning light that sweeps across the surrounding prairie toward the Sweetgrass Hills. Interstate 15 makes getting around straightforward, while nearby spots like the Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area give outdoor enthusiasts a peaceful place for birding and exploring the open country.

The town started as a farming community before booming in the 1920s during the Kevin-Sunburst oil rush, an era that inspired the local school mascot, the Refiners. Farming and ranching are once again the heart of the area, supporting a friendly, down-to-earth pace of life. Residents share a strong community spirit, gathering at the public library, the local community center, and annual events like Gala Days, a summer festival that brings everyone together to support the town pool.