Please Note: This site is best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024x768.  Set font size to "smaller".
On October 15, 1892, the federal government opened the land around Absarokee for settlement. The area had been part of the Crow Indian Reservation, but a year before, Crow tribal leaders bowed to political pressure and ceded the coveted territory. Sever Simonson and his family established squatter's rights at the confluence of the Stillwater and East Rosebud rivers eleven days before the territory formally opened. His twenty-five-year-old nephew, Oliver Hovda, soon joined him. Together they established a trading post which became the Absarokee Cooperative Trading Company. Soon after they built a saloon, livery stable, hotel, and blacksmith shop. Simonson filed for a post office designation, and Hovda became Absarokee's first postmaster.  He also ranched and founded a local bank.  Hovda married Belle Wilson in 1901.
The couple hired area rancher and trained carpenter Jacob Wagner to construct this two-story home around 1904.
The well-built and beautifully proportioned residence reflects the taste of its day, combining the irregular roofline associated with the Queen Anne style with neo-classical details; Doric column porch supports, a fantail window in the gable end, and a pediment accenting the main entryway. Leaded glass windows, oak trim, maple flooring, and elegantly carved doors grace the interior. The Hovdas did not live there long. By 1910 the home belonged to Hugh Campbell, manager of the Absarokee Cooperative Trading Company, which Hovda had helped found. The house returned top the family when Hovda's nephew, Elmen Torgrimsen, purchased it in 1928. He lived here with his wife and children until 1950.

You'll Love the Personal Attention when you stay with us in The Big Yellow House.  We'll be happy to act as your personal concierge to assist you in planning your visit and arranging activities for you and your party.  Guests have use of our spotless kitchen and dining area in the morning and evening.  We have a private enclosed garden with table and barbecue exclusively for your use.  Off street parking is also available.  We'll even store your luggage while you are hiking the Beartooth's or enjoying other activities in the area.  Transportation, shuttle service, and guides for fly fishing, whitewater rafting and other adventures can be easily accommodated.  We can even provide a continental breakfast for your group, and pack lunches for day trips at your request.

Relax and Enjoy Your Stay in one of our guest rooms.  Luxury appointments and personal attention to your needs are our specialty.  Beds are all new with down pillows and comforters.  Cable TV is also provided.  Individual room rates range from $30-$70 per night.  You can even arrange to rent the entire upstairs (3 rooms with shared bath) for as little as $125 per night.

Recreational opportunities galore surround you in the beautiful Stillwater Valley.  Scenic mountain drives, blue-ribbon trout fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, dining, shopping, and so much more are always at your doorstep.

The Big Yellow House Caters Special Events and Family Functions  We can customize a special event just for your group of up to 12 persons.  Because of our experience living overseas we can comfortably accommodate foreign guests by providing European or Asian cuisine and special requests.  Make reservations by calling us at (406) 328-7220.

We've Recently Acquired two additional cottage units right next door to The Big Yellow House.

Unit 1 includes living room with single daybed, fully-equipped kitchen with dining area, cozy bedroom with queen-size bed, bath & shower, cable TV and DVD player.

Unit 2 offers a comfortable living room, large bedroom suite with queen-size bed, bath with tub & shower, and rollaway single bed.  This unit also includes a laundry facility, refrigerator, microwave oven, and coffee maker.

Summer rates start at $75 a night per unit.  Discounts available for extended stays.
 

A truly memorable experience awaits you at The Big Yellow House in Absarokee.  Call us directly at (406) 328-7220 for reservations and availability.  We're looking forward to seeing you!