Crane is ten miles south of Sidney, and about the same distance from the North Dakota border. It was named for the owner of Crane's Ranch, which is shown on a map dated 1881. The post office opened with Severt Knutson as postmaster. Another little settlement in Gallatin County was first named Crane but changed to Cardinal when it was found there was already a Crane in the state.(from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)
Crane is located along the Yellowstone River, the last free flowing river in the lower 48 states. There are many opportunities for recreation along the Yellowstone River. Gravel along the river from Custer to Sidney often yields Montana agates. Fishing and floating are two other favorite activities on the Yellowstone. Yellowstone River flows as it has for centuries untamed and in its natural state. Clear, cool swift and challenging it offers fishermen and river runners some of the best water Montana has to offer. To fishermen, its blue ribbon waters are known world round for an abundance of big trout.
