- Located 80 minutes east and south of Missoula, off MT-1.
- Recreate on and around Georgetown Lake.
- Drive the Pintler Scenic Loop.
- Visit one of nearly a dozen nearby mining ghost towns.
- Snowmobile, snowshoe, ski and ice skate during winter.
- Browse the shops and restored buildings of this western mountain town.
Overview
Originally an important late-19th century mining town, today Philipsburg visitors can explore one of several remnant mining ghost towns located in the area. Voted one of the “Prettiest Painted Places” in the US, Philipsburg’s alpine landscapes and recreational opportunity is hard to beat as it's surrounded by the Flint, Pintler, and Sapphire Ranges. Wintertime activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing around Georgetown Lake, ice skating in town, and downhill action at the nearby ski resort. Summertime recreation includes camping, hiking, fishing, and great sight-seeing along the Pintler Scenic Loop and in the wilderness areas.
Location
Philipsburg, MT is located along MT-1, 76 miles east and south of Missoula.
Services/Amenities
This charming small town features restored buildings and plenty of comfortable accommodations and great places to eat. Stay at a bed and breakfast, inn, lodge, ranch, or guest house. Enjoy meals in the saloons and grills or try a specialty drink at the local soda fountain and restaurant. Check out the precious sapphires and other gems in the jewelry and rock shops, purchase sweets at the candy store, and browse fine art in the galleries.
Activities
Warm-weather season provides a range of outdoor activities in the nearby mountain ranges. Camp, hike, backpack, and horseback ride, or travel south to Georgetown Lake for fishing, boating and other water activities. River anglers can fish nearby Rock Creek and the Big Hole River.
Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing at Mt. Haggin Nordic Ski area and downhill opportunity at nearby Discovery Ski Area. Snowmobile around Georgetown Lake, ice fish, or strap on your ice skates and glide at the local rink. Snowshoeing is another popular activity with no end of places to explore in the wilderness.
Attractions
- With nearly one dozen ghost towns in the vicinity, start by visiting the old mining structures in Granite, the old mill at Kirkville, Garnet and Bear Gulch, and Philipsburg’s Old Minding District.
- The Granite County Museum and Cultural Center contains several displays showcasing historic artifacts including clothing, photographs, and an enormous amount of mining materials in the Hard Rock Exhibit.
- The Opera House Theatre is also worth a tour and you can catch a live performance during the summer months.
- Philipsburg's annual roster of events include Flint Valley Creek Days, Independence Day Parade, rodeo and more.
Getting Here
From Missoula, travel 49 miles east on Interstate-90 before taking exit 153 for MT-1 towards Drummond/Philipsburg. Here, you begin traveling on the Pintler Scenic Loop. Philipsburg is located 26 miles south along this route.
After you’ve explored the town, continue your Loop journey by continuing south on MT-1,veering east to remain on MT-1 at its junction with MT-38. Follow the lake's north-eastern shoreline before reaching the town of Anaconda. To complete the Loop, continue through Anaconda and then turn left (west) onto I-90, traveling through Deer Lodge and Garrison until you reach your starting point (exit 153) on I-90 W.
