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Town of Winifred
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Welcome to Winifred, Montana — a rural community rooted in history and looking toward the future. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong local values, and scenic Upper Missouri River Breaks surroundings, Winifred offers a unique blend of small-town character and community pride. The Winifred Community Center serves as a central hub for civic and cultural life, housing the local museum, public library, post office, municipal offices, and a rentable town hall available for meetings, events, and celebrations. Whether you’re visiting, doing business, or planning to call Winifred home, you’ll find a community dedicated to preserving its heritage while supporting continued growth and connection.
LATEST COMMUNITY UPDATES
Opportunity Bank of Montana Contributes $6,000 to Support Winifred Community Pool and Park
Winifred, Mont — Opportunity Bank of Montana recently donated $6,000 to the Town of Winifred to support ongoing improvements and maintenance of the community pool and park.
“Having grown up in this small community, I know how important it is to maintain these vital locations for our youth. The pool and park are staples to every kid's summer,” said Jada Weber, Opportunity Bank Commercial & Ag Loan Officer.
Opportunity Bank presented the contribution to Winifred Mayor Shirley Dyer on Monday, August 10. The contribution continues the bank’s commitment to the Winifred community, following contributions in both 2024 and 2025 that supported a community swimming pool renovation and other local priorities.
“This donation highlights Opportunity Bank's commitment to supporting the organizations and projects that help our communities thrive,” Weber added. “When customers choose Opportunity Bank, they’re choosing a local bank that reinvests in Montana communities. Giving back to projects like these is one way we invest in the people and places that make Montana strong.”
For more information about Opportunity Bank of Montana and its community involvement efforts statewide, visit www.opportunitybank.com
Photo: Commercial & Ag Loan Officer Jada Weber, pictured at left, presents a contribution check to Winifred Mayor Shirley Dyer.
“Having grown up in this small community, I know how important it is to maintain these vital locations for our youth. The pool and park are staples to every kid's summer,” said Jada Weber, Opportunity Bank Commercial & Ag Loan Officer.
Opportunity Bank presented the contribution to Winifred Mayor Shirley Dyer on Monday, August 10. The contribution continues the bank’s commitment to the Winifred community, following contributions in both 2024 and 2025 that supported a community swimming pool renovation and other local priorities.
“This donation highlights Opportunity Bank's commitment to supporting the organizations and projects that help our communities thrive,” Weber added. “When customers choose Opportunity Bank, they’re choosing a local bank that reinvests in Montana communities. Giving back to projects like these is one way we invest in the people and places that make Montana strong.”
For more information about Opportunity Bank of Montana and its community involvement efforts statewide, visit www.opportunitybank.com
Photo: Commercial & Ag Loan Officer Jada Weber, pictured at left, presents a contribution check to Winifred Mayor Shirley Dyer.
A New Dinosaur was discovered in the Winifred area (again)!
The Winifred Museum has added a new exhibit featuring Furcatoceratops elucidans, a recently identified species of horned dinosaur discovered approximately 10 miles from Winifred in the Judith River Formation.
To celebrate the new addition and the remarkable paleontological discoveries being made in the area, the museum will host a special public presentation with dinosaur expert Anthony Maltese on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
To celebrate the new addition and the remarkable paleontological discoveries being made in the area, the museum will host a special public presentation with dinosaur expert Anthony Maltese on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
The Heroes Who Helped Winifred Survive
What if two brothers—and one sturdy stone store—helped keep an entire community alive?
On August 1, 1914, James M. and Peter Stafford opened a general store in the newly established town of Winifred. They arrived with approximately $15,000 worth of merchandise—an extraordinary inventory for the time—and created a dependable source of food and supplies for local homesteaders facing isolation, severe weather and an unforgiving landscape.
But the Stafford brothers didn’t stop there.
James managed the store while Peter oversaw their 400-acre farm, where they raised registered seed wheat. Along the Missouri River, they grew vegetables, planted fruit trees and raised Holstein cattle and Duroc hogs. Their riverside garden produced fresh apples, peaches and vegetables for the store. They even built a cannery near the McClelland-Stafford Ferry so preserved produce could feed the community throughout the winter.
James also served five years on the Winifred City Council and twice as mayor.
The brothers’ store was the only stone building in Winifred in 1914. It survived the devastating fires that twice burned much of the town—and more than a century later, it is still serving the community as Winifred Grocery.
Thanks to the restoration efforts of current owner Brad Bergum and the continued support of the community, this remarkable building remains a proud piece of living history.
The Stafford brothers may not appear prominently in every history book, but their hard work, foresight and resourcefulness helped local families survive the difficult homesteading years. They didn’t simply open a store—they helped keep Winifred alive.
Let’s give these unseen hometown heroes the recognition they deserve.
On August 1, 1914, James M. and Peter Stafford opened a general store in the newly established town of Winifred. They arrived with approximately $15,000 worth of merchandise—an extraordinary inventory for the time—and created a dependable source of food and supplies for local homesteaders facing isolation, severe weather and an unforgiving landscape.
But the Stafford brothers didn’t stop there.
James managed the store while Peter oversaw their 400-acre farm, where they raised registered seed wheat. Along the Missouri River, they grew vegetables, planted fruit trees and raised Holstein cattle and Duroc hogs. Their riverside garden produced fresh apples, peaches and vegetables for the store. They even built a cannery near the McClelland-Stafford Ferry so preserved produce could feed the community throughout the winter.
James also served five years on the Winifred City Council and twice as mayor.
The brothers’ store was the only stone building in Winifred in 1914. It survived the devastating fires that twice burned much of the town—and more than a century later, it is still serving the community as Winifred Grocery.
Thanks to the restoration efforts of current owner Brad Bergum and the continued support of the community, this remarkable building remains a proud piece of living history.
The Stafford brothers may not appear prominently in every history book, but their hard work, foresight and resourcefulness helped local families survive the difficult homesteading years. They didn’t simply open a store—they helped keep Winifred alive.
Let’s give these unseen hometown heroes the recognition they deserve.
Welcome Nichole Spang!
Hello to all and welcome to Winifred Museum!
I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Nichole Spang. My family homestead background for this area goes back 3 generations. My great grandparents were Bud and Ruth Moody. They were one of the original homesteaders here in the Winifred area.
I graduated from Grass Range High School. I went into the Service
right after High school graduation. I served Honorably in 2 branches of Service with a total of 18 years, Navy for 15 years and 3 years in the Army. I graduated from Montana Tech in Butte, Montana with my Bachelors in Occupational Safety & Engineering degree with an Associates in Applied Science.
I worked as a Occupational Safety & Health officer for Bechtel National Incorporated for 8 years in Richland, Washington at the Hanford Test site. I then worked 2 years for Patriot Fire Protection as an Occupational Safety Manager.
Currently, I am happily married for the last 14 years to my wonderful husband, Robert. We have 3 children together.
I am enjoying retired life as the Winifred Museum Curator.
I have a lot of passion for history here in Winifred Montana, because of my Great Grandparents and Grandmother Eva. Please come visit us here at our One and Only Winifred Museum. I look forward to meeting you all!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November 9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Nichole Spang. My family homestead background for this area goes back 3 generations. My great grandparents were Bud and Ruth Moody. They were one of the original homesteaders here in the Winifred area.
I graduated from Grass Range High School. I went into the Service
right after High school graduation. I served Honorably in 2 branches of Service with a total of 18 years, Navy for 15 years and 3 years in the Army. I graduated from Montana Tech in Butte, Montana with my Bachelors in Occupational Safety & Engineering degree with an Associates in Applied Science.
I worked as a Occupational Safety & Health officer for Bechtel National Incorporated for 8 years in Richland, Washington at the Hanford Test site. I then worked 2 years for Patriot Fire Protection as an Occupational Safety Manager.
Currently, I am happily married for the last 14 years to my wonderful husband, Robert. We have 3 children together.
I am enjoying retired life as the Winifred Museum Curator.
I have a lot of passion for history here in Winifred Montana, because of my Great Grandparents and Grandmother Eva. Please come visit us here at our One and Only Winifred Museum. I look forward to meeting you all!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November 9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
Judith
Meet Judith — Winifred’s very own dinosaur celebrity 🦖
Did you know one of the most unique dinosaurs ever discovered was found right here near Winifred, Montana?
In 2005, Dr. Bill Shipp and John C. Gilpatrick were hiking at Paradise Point Ranch when they uncovered what would become one of the most exciting paleontology discoveries in the world. This incredible fossil — affectionately nicknamed “Judith” — is from the Late Cretaceous period and lived around 75–76 million years ago.
Judith belongs to a species called Spiclypeus shipporum, meaning “spiked shield,” named for her spectacular horned frill and dramatic spikes. She was the first of her kind ever discovered — and still the only one known in the world.
Today, you can see a cast of Judith’s impressive skull and signature spiked shield on display at the Winifred Museum — a reminder that even in small towns, world-class history can be hiding right beneath our boots.
Stop in, take a look, and imagine the ancient world that once existed right here in Central Montana. 🌾🦕
Did you know one of the most unique dinosaurs ever discovered was found right here near Winifred, Montana?
In 2005, Dr. Bill Shipp and John C. Gilpatrick were hiking at Paradise Point Ranch when they uncovered what would become one of the most exciting paleontology discoveries in the world. This incredible fossil — affectionately nicknamed “Judith” — is from the Late Cretaceous period and lived around 75–76 million years ago.
Judith belongs to a species called Spiclypeus shipporum, meaning “spiked shield,” named for her spectacular horned frill and dramatic spikes. She was the first of her kind ever discovered — and still the only one known in the world.
Today, you can see a cast of Judith’s impressive skull and signature spiked shield on display at the Winifred Museum — a reminder that even in small towns, world-class history can be hiding right beneath our boots.
Stop in, take a look, and imagine the ancient world that once existed right here in Central Montana. 🌾🦕
Winifred Library
We are grateful for our Winifred Library!
Here is a 2025 library breakdown by the numbers:
913 visitors to the Winifred Library
348 books checked out
$2,497 from Federation
$235 from Winifred Community Endowment
$1,069 in donations and fundraisers
$3,714 in new books bought!
Here is a 2025 library breakdown by the numbers:
913 visitors to the Winifred Library
348 books checked out
$2,497 from Federation
$235 from Winifred Community Endowment
$1,069 in donations and fundraisers
$3,714 in new books bought!
The Largest Tonka Toy Collection in the World!
The Winifred Museum is home to the Worlds Largest Tonka Truck Toy Collection! It is generously there on loan from John E. & Darleene P. Thompson.
Stop in sometime and check it out!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November
9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
Stop in sometime and check it out!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November
9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
Winifred made National Geographic Magazine in 1999!
A Piece of Winifred History in National Geographic, now at the Winifred Museum!
Did you know that Winifred and the Missouri Breaks were featured in the May 1999 issue of National Geographic Magazine?
The article, titled “The Missouri Breaks,” captured the rugged beauty, wide-open country, and unforgettable character of our area. One of the most recognizable images from the feature was the now-famous “Dangerous Intersection” road sign — weathered, shot-up, and standing against the dramatic Montana landscape.
That sign now resides right here in the Winifred Museum, where visitors can see this unique piece of local history up close.
It is more than just a road sign. It is a symbol of the wild, independent, and storied landscape that makes Winifred and the Breaks so special.
Stop by the Winifred Museum and take a look at this National Geographic-featured treasure for yourself!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November
9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
Did you know that Winifred and the Missouri Breaks were featured in the May 1999 issue of National Geographic Magazine?
The article, titled “The Missouri Breaks,” captured the rugged beauty, wide-open country, and unforgettable character of our area. One of the most recognizable images from the feature was the now-famous “Dangerous Intersection” road sign — weathered, shot-up, and standing against the dramatic Montana landscape.
That sign now resides right here in the Winifred Museum, where visitors can see this unique piece of local history up close.
It is more than just a road sign. It is a symbol of the wild, independent, and storied landscape that makes Winifred and the Breaks so special.
Stop by the Winifred Museum and take a look at this National Geographic-featured treasure for yourself!
Winifred Museum Hours:
Winter by appointment only. Call Nicole Spang (Museum Curator) 406-462-5458
Open Season Hours
June-November
9:30-4:00 Wednesday-Fridays
9:30-2:00 Saturdays
11:00-3:30 Sundays
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