Ronan is one of several smaller townships in Lake County, located in the beautiful Mission Valley. As of 2014 the population of Ronan was just under 2,000. The population of Lake County is approximately 29,000, tenth largest in Montana.
Originally called Spring Creek, Ronan's name was changed in 1893 in honor of Major Peter Ronan, superintendent of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Is was incorporated February 29, 1912.
Ronan with its lush valley and moderate climate it is well suited to diverse agricultural enterprises. Montana with its motto "Big Sky Country" is evident here is Ronan. The Mission Valley surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mission Mountain Range, rivers and the nearby Flathead Lake, Ronan offers year-round recreation, including lake and stream fishing, birding, hiking, golfing, rafting, boating, camping and snowmobiling.
Spring Creek runs through parts of Ronan including Bockman Park with its many trails, pavilion and lush green space, tables and benches and several foot bridges.
We found the warm hospitality, friendly people of Ronan to be engaging and there was the familiar greeting, "Howdy, folks."
Ronan has several old grain elevators, maybe your last chance to see one as they are slowing being torn down. Another great place to visit is the Garden of the Rockies Museum. Though small by most standards it is loaded with local history, antique farm equipment and is conveniently located about 500 meters west from town hall. The National Bison Range is about 30 km SW of Ronan; if you are heading in that direction, this is a bucket list should see while in the area.
Ronan has a city government system with a mayor and council members. The police and fire department are part of this governing body.
The entry from the American Series book
Montana, A State Guide Book follows.
RONAN, 66.8 m. (3,064 alt., 1,600 est. pop.), was named for Maj. Peter Ronan, first Indian agent to the Flathead, who wrote a history of valley tribes. It is a busy town with a flour mill ; the population tripled between 1930 and 1937, partly because of a great influx of farmers into the lower Flathead Valley from the drought areas of North Dakota and >tern Montana. The area around Ronan, formerly part of the Flathead reservation, was thrown open to white settlement in 1910, and 10,000 people soon established themselves on ranches and small irrigated farms, many Indians and numerous horse-drawn vehicles are seen on the streets.
From Montana, A State Guide Book, Page 296