Montana is the perfect place for anyone who appreciates the character and charm of a small town more than the hustle and bustle of a big city. The Treasure State has dozens and dozens of wonderful spots that happen to be scarcely populated, but recently, House Beautiful named Philipsburg Montana’s most beautiful small town. And while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we think a lot of Montanans will agree.
Located in Granite County about 53 miles northwest of Butte, Philipsburg has quietly become one of Montana’s top tourist destinations, although it’s best known among other Montanans.
Jasperdo / Flickr The town was named after Philip Deidesheimer, a prominent mining engineer from the Comstock mining region in Nevada.
Back in the 1800s, Philipsburg was a thriving mining town.
Jasperdo / Flickr It was officially registered as a town in 1867, and at the time, it was growing at a rapid rate. In an August 1867 edition of the Montana Post, it was reported that Philipsburg was growing at the rate of one house per day.
Walking around the small downtown area is delightful, especially if you’re a history buff or into architecture.
Jasperdo / Flickr Many of the buildings from the 1800s still remain after being lovingly restored and well-maintained.
Today, people come here to shop for antiques and treasures, enjoy treats at an old-fashioned soda fountain, or enjoy the Philipsburg Brewing Company.
Jasperdo / Flickr You can also dig for sapphires at the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, a unique and fun activity.
This charming town is quaint, but it’s undeniably pleasant.
Jasperdo / Flickr It’s a perfect family getaway spot, and it’s also a great romantic vacation destination as there are a few fantastic bed and breakfasts in the area.
Philipsburg’s historic district is actually one of Montana’s greatest small-town success stories.
Jasperdo / Flickr Although the population declined so much after the mining boom was over that it nearly became a ghost town, its restoration has earned it national recognition and features in tourism publications like Sunset Magazine. And while summers are the most popular time to go, there’s never a bad time to visit – at Christmastime, these streets look straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Although a lot of effort was made to restore these buildings and market Philipsburg as a tourist destination, its downtown charm is as authentic as it gets.
Jasperdo / Flickr We definitely think House beautiful picked a great spot to feature.
If it’s been a while since you’ve checked out Philipsburg, spend a weekend here soon and see what’s new.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The town was named after Philip Deidesheimer, a prominent mining engineer from the Comstock mining region in Nevada.
It was officially registered as a town in 1867, and at the time, it was growing at a rapid rate. In an August 1867 edition of the Montana Post, it was reported that Philipsburg was growing at the rate of one house per day.
Many of the buildings from the 1800s still remain after being lovingly restored and well-maintained.
You can also dig for sapphires at the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, a unique and fun activity.
It’s a perfect family getaway spot, and it’s also a great romantic vacation destination as there are a few fantastic bed and breakfasts in the area.
Although the population declined so much after the mining boom was over that it nearly became a ghost town, its restoration has earned it national recognition and features in tourism publications like Sunset Magazine. And while summers are the most popular time to go, there’s never a bad time to visit – at Christmastime, these streets look straight out of a Hallmark movie.
We definitely think House beautiful picked a great spot to feature.
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Address: Philipsburg, MT 59858, USA
