My husband, Rob and I feel extremely blessed to live in such an amazing place. We are fortunate to raise our 4 sons, who are the 5th generation, here on the historic Stermitz Ranch. Rob works full time as a Landscape Architect in Yellowstone as well as managing the ranch operations. Stacy is a full time mom and manages the vacation rental properties and the horseback rides. We enjoy working on renovation projects together, generally on the weekends as time allows. The schoolhouse is our third complete renovation on the aging ranch buildings. The next project will be the original homestead house built in 1910. We have enjoyed the challenges that each building brings, and look forward to the day when all of the original structures have been restored and preserved!

Stacy Stermitz purchased this cabin in 1900

After Rob and I both graduated from college and got married, we decided that this was the ideal place to raise our kids. We both share a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the history of the area, and the proximity to Yellowstone Park makes it ideal. We just love the story of how his family came to be here. Rob's great grandfather, Joseph, was born in Slovenia, Austria in 1862 and worked in the coal mines from the age of 9. He later immigrated here from Slovenia with his wife and two children in 1892, following the promise of work in coal mines in Montana. When they arrived he found that no work was to be found. Joseph used his last $10 to buy a shotgun so that he might feed his family. While here, a fire broke out in the Cokedale mines. Joe helped put out the fires and was noticed by the mine boss who asked 'who is that good worker?' Someone explained that it was an immigrant who couldn't find work. The mine boss then said 'Put that man to work. Anyone who works that hard for no pay should get a job.' The family, along with the addition of three more children, moved to the ranch in Cinnabar Basin in 1900. They purchased the the original homestead of Bob Dixon. Their house consisted of a dirt roofed dugout built by Dixon. Later, when the mine closed in 1910, the lumber was brought from the hospital building in Aldrige to construct a log and lumber house. Rob's grandfather was born here in 1910. He later attended this school. In 1935, Rob's grandfather married Gladys Elliott, who was one of the teachers at this schoolhouse. Their son, Jim, also attended school here and continues to live here on the ranch with his wife Lorayne.

The ranch is ideally located in the remote mountains of the Gallatin National Forest, while still being a close drive to the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park. We enjoy watching the abundant wildlife, hiking and skiing from our back door, and taking a horseback ride up the scenic mountain trails that the ranch has to offer. Being in the great outdoors is what this property is all about! Experience what life is like on a western ranch. We hope that you will enjoy it as much as we do.