Philipsburg, Montana, is a charming 19th century mining town that still proves to be a gem for visitors - like one of the many Montana sapphires originating in the area. Once voted among the Prettiest Painted Places in America, the restored beautiful buildings are just the beginning of what this town has to offer. With countless activities and wonderful hospitality, you are guaranteed to be welcomed and entertained.
The Philipsburg area is a geologically rich with large mineral deposits, over 75 named lakes and reservoirs and is full of interesting history. In the heart of Montana sapphire country, Philipsburg boasts several opportunities for panning for your own Montana sapphires at any one of several shops in town, or exploring old Montana silver and gemstone mines in the surrounding mountains and ghost towns.
A drive down Montana Highway 1 may have you following a cattle drive or counting deer on the hillsides. Maybe you prefer a local micro-beer and a good burger after a hard day skiing. The choices are yours and our small town charm will help make the most of your visit to Philipsburg, Montana.
Whether you're looking to mine for valuable Montana sapphires on your own or with help from one of several shops catering to this wonderful activity, browse local antique stores and charming gift shops, satisfy your sweet tooth at Montana's most famous hand crafted candy store, or catch a beautiful Montana trout in our pristine wilderness, Philipsburg, Montana, has something for everyone. This small sampling of activities is just the tip of the ice-burg when you wander into this historic town.
Philipsburg, MT, is located on Mt Hwy 1, designated a Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway, between Anaconda and Drummond, a scenic short-cut if traveling between Butte and Missoula - or between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Along Mt Hwy 1, you'll follow the winding Flint Creek as it meanders through the valley, often dotted with fly fishermen trying their hand at catching the elusive trout in our blue-ribbon streams. Keep your eyes peeled for blue birds, bald eagles, deer, elk, big horn sheep and more. The drive towards Georgetown Lake includes views of beautiful waterfalls, colorful rock cliffs and a scenic mountain lake.
The town of Philipsburg was named after the famous mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer, who designed and supervised the ore smelter around which the town originally formed. The surrounding hills still show the scars of mountains that have produced vast deposits of silver, manganese, sapphires, and to a lesser extent gold. Granite, Tower, Rumsey, Black Pine and other local mines were considered home to thousands of hard working men in the late 19th and early 20th century glory days. Today, it's hard to imagine the bustling activity that went on where now only broken down shacks and tailing piles remain. Philipsburg is home to Granite Ghost town and other haunts you'll not want to miss.
Philipsburg welcomes you to come explore the outdoors and take in the scenery, browse our local shops and mine your own Montana sapphires. With everything we have to offer, we're sure you'll find something you truly enjoy while visiting Philipsburg, Montana.
