Philipsburg - Beautifully Restored Mining Town

The charming town of Philipsburg, Montana may be one of the best surprises between Missoula and Butte.  Originally a gold mining town, Philipsburg, named one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America, is now a great place to stop for an afternoon or for a week.  

The historic downtown area has been restored with period gables, cornices, and paint colors, along with vintage street lights and hanging baskets along the streets.  Look for great dining, local brews, and unique shops.  The Sweet Palace is a sight to behold with more varieties of candy and sweets on display than can be imagined.  Its building has many of the original features of this century old structure.  Check out the local gift and jewelry stores for a large variety of Montana sapphires as well as other gems.

There are plenty of things to do outdoors in the Philipsburg area.  Rock Creek is famous for is blue ribbon fly fishing.  Enjoy hiking, biking, birding, and photography in the summer.  Winter brings downhill skiing at Discovery Ski Area, nordic skiing, ice fishing, snow shoeing, kite- boarding and snowmobiling.

Philipsburg is the county seat for Granite County.  The Flint Creek, Pintler, Anaconda, and Sapphire Mountains surround the town.  A scenic drive from Drummond to Anaconda provides 60 miles of breathtaking scenery through the mountains and lakes.  Many Montana ghost towns surround the town.  Take a visit to abandoned mining towns, like Granite Ghost Town.  Try your hand at Sapphire mining at Gem Mountain.  Great fun for kids of all ages.