Montana has steadily become a popular choice for vacationers and those looking to move to a comfortable, quiet place. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities and is perfect for those seeking a change in their hectic lifestyle.
With stunning landscapes, a favorable climate, a low cost of living, and a thriving job market, Montana comes with multiple towns, cities, and counties with opportunities to settle in or visit.
One of the best towns to visit during your vacation in the ‘Land of the Shining Mountains’ is Phillips County, with a total of 5,140 miles of breathtaking natural grasslands, towering mountain peaks, and incredible landscapes.
Phillips County is bordered by Blaine County in the west, Fergus County in the southwest. Petroleum County in the south and Garfield County in the southeast.
Due to its connection to Saskatchewan, it also shares its northern border with Canada. Before 1915, Phillips County was a part of Blaine County, and in 1912, both counties were counted as parts of Chouteau County. The county was named after Benjamin D. Phillips, who was a state senator.
The current population in Phillips County is 4,253, with a median household income of $46,212. The state has seen a major boost in the tourism industry in the past few years but the majority of businesses contributing to its economy are agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, retail, and construction. The highest paying sectors, however, are transportation, warehousing, utilities, and Information Technology.
When visiting Phillips County, holidaymakers get to enjoy endless fun activities offered at some of the best tourist destinations. One of the most popular places for residents and tourists alike is the Phillips County Museum.
The museum exhibits various displays from different times of the area’s history, but the one thing that stands out is the dinosaur bones display, allegedly the most exciting attraction showcased here. The ticket fees vary since a regular ticket costs $5 and children’s tickets cost $3, while children under three years of age can enjoy free admission.
Another popular location is the H.G. Robinson House, which has been an addition to the town of Malta, since 1898. The house was a pre-cut home, which was constructed on the frontier prairie. It is one of the best examples of the very first architecture in the town’s history.
Visit the Phillips County Government website.
County Towns
Adjacent Counties
Special Events
- October – Oktoberfest and Scrip Kickoff – Malta
- December – Parade of Lights and Santa Pictures – Malta
Main Attractions
Phillips County is known for its outdoor activities and recreation that include hunting, fishing, water sports, and various winter sports. Vacationers and residents alike can enjoy different opportunities to understand the botanical and unique wildlife in Montana.
While there is something for everyone in this charming little county, here are some of the best locations you can visit with your family or by yourself if an authentic Montana experience is what you are looking for.
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum
The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is a must-see stopover on your next big holiday in Phillips County. The museum showcases several magnificent and well-preserved dinosaur fossils and skeleton collections in Montana.
Once you are there, you can see actual fossils of Hadrosaurs, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Sauropods, and velociraptors. For the best experience, it is suggested that you spend one or two hours navigating through the various displays that also include detailed exhibits of fish, invertebrates, and rare plants.
The museum also houses an exciting fossil lab where you can see them getting prepared for preservation and display. There is also an onsite gift store, where visitors can buy souvenirs at the end of their trip.
Or if you are feeling active, join the digs and educational programs that both adults and children can take part in.
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
The Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 as a refuge for migratory birds. It is located in north-central Montana and spreads over 15,551 acres of grasslands. It is part of one of the biggest protection movements in the US and a major conservation effort by the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The main habitats that are protected by this refuge include native prairies, nests, and wetlands. Lake Bowdoin was once a river bend in the pre-glacial Missouri River, which is now located 70 miles in the south of the sanctuary.
Although Milk River is the main source of water, these days, water is taken from multiple other sources like melted snow, irrigation return flowing water, and on the occasions when Beaver Creek overflows due to flooding.
Some of the activities that visitors can indulge in include waterfowl and bird hunting, as long as they remain in the permitted designations of the refuge.
You can also try wildlife watching and photography to make the most of your time at the refuge. Last but not the least, if you are traveling with family, you can take advantage of outdoor classrooms to learn more about the endangered and protected species in the area.