Welcome to Philipsburg — Nestled along the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway and surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Philipsburg is a picture-perfect mountain town with deep roots in the state’s silver mining past. Founded in 1866 as a trading post and mining camp, Philipsburg boomed with the discovery of silver and the construction of Montana’s first silver mill. Today, visitors can stroll through its beautifully preserved historic downtown, explore nearby ghost towns that echo the region’s rich mining heritage, and learn more at the local museum and mining exhibits. For those chasing the thrill of the frontier, sapphire prospecting adds a hands-on glimpse into the town’s sparkling legacy.
Beyond history, Philipsburg is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Just minutes from town, Georgetown Lake offers fishing, boating, and camping in summer and ice fishing in winter, while Discovery Ski Area provides nearby slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re hiking forested trails, hunting for gems, or catching a live performance at Montana’s oldest opera house, Philipsburg serves up adventure, charm, and a dash of nostalgia. With its mix of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a sweet stop at the beloved Victorian-style candy emporium, Philipsburg truly is a Montana treasure.
Distance and Estimated Time from Helena:
90 – 100 miles
1 hr 15 min
click for map
Shops and attractions worth stopping into when visiting Philipsburg:
Philipsburg Brewing Company
Located in a restored 1888 bank building in downtown Philipsburg, Philipsburg Brewing Company serves up hand-crafted Montana beers made with local ingredients in a friendly, historic setting with live music on weekends.
Flint Creek Outdoors
Flint Creek Outdoors is the go-to fly fishing shop in the Philipsburg area, offering over 10,000 flies, top gear, local apparel, and expert guiding services for anglers of all levels.
The Sweet Palace
A grand Victorian candy emporium offering over 1,000 confections—from hand-dipped chocolates to 72 flavors of saltwater taffy—where visitors can watch old-fashioned treats made fresh just steps away at their Copper Cauldron kitchen.
Stuff and Such Antiques
A wonderful selection of antiques and collectibles to please all ages. Whether for a collector or a wedding/birthday/anniversary gift, the unique, different or desirable item can be found.
Sapphire Gallery, Inc.
The Sapphire Gallery is the only all-sapphire and ruby store in the U.S., offering indoor mining, custom jewelry services, and over 3,000 Montana-made pieces—inviting visitors of all ages to hunt for gems and create lasting treasures in a historic, hands-on setting.
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine
Find your own sapphire gemstone at Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, which is one of the world’s largest sapphire gemstone deposits. Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine offers fine Montana sapphire gemstones, finished jewelry and the unique opportunity to find your own rough sapphire and have it finished into a gemstone.
Kaiser House Mercantile & Wine Cellar
wide variety of gifts, Montana-made goods, and an impressive selection of over 400 wines, along with cheeses and gourmet pairings to suit every taste.
Heritage Photo
Offering a fun and affordable Old West dress-up experience for all ages, where you can don vintage costumes, pose in themed settings, and take home a unique, framed photo memory in just minutes.
Granite County Museum and Cultural Center
immersive exhibits on pioneer life, early mining, and Montana ghost towns, including an underground mining tour and a pictorial Ghost Town Hall of Fame that brings the region’s rich frontier history to life.
Silver Mill Restaurant and Saloon
A relaxed fine dining experience in a restored 1882 building, serving up tender steaks, fresh seafood, and signature Montana dishes just steps from the town’s vibrant arts and shopping scene.
Helena, Drummond, Philipsburg, Anaconda, Deer Lodge, back to Helena