Lone Mountain Ranch was placed on the National Register of historic places in December, 2006. The listing of a property on this register is an honorary recognition of the historical, cultural or archaeological significance of a property. In this case, the designation means that Lone Mountain Ranch is an important part of both Montana and American history. The following is a brief history of the Ranch.

Lone Mountain Ranch is rich in the history of Montana. First homesteaded by Clarence Lytel in 1915 as a working cattle, horse, and hay ranch, it was sold in 1926 to Chicago paper mill tycoon, Mr. Butler and his daughter and son-in-law, the Kilburns. The Butlers built many of the existing buildings, sparing no cost in construction. Native lodgepole pine was used, and door hinges and locks were handmade. The reverse B bar K, as it was then called, was a showplace for Mr. Butler's extensive Indian artifact collection, some of which adorns the Ranch dining room and cabin walls today.

The late newscaster, Chet Huntley, along with Chrysler and several other large corporations, purchased Lone Mountain Ranch and much of what is now known as Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort and Meadow Village, in the late 1960s to develop one of Montana's first destination alpine ski areas.

Development of the alpine area and the residential villages began in the early 1970's. Bob and Vivian Schaap, natives of Wyoming, acquired Lone Mountain Ranch in the Spring of 1977 with the goal of developing a world-class cross-country ski resort and summer guest ranch. The Ranch has developed a reputation for quality guest service, excellent staff and a strong environmental ethic.