Location: Philipsburg
Top Things to do in Philipsburg
What to do and see in Philipsburg, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Philipsburg is a town in and the county seat of Granite County, Montana, United States. The population was 820 at the 2010 census. The town was named after the famous mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer, who designed and supervised the construction of the ore smelter around which the town originally formed.
Restaurants in Philipsburg
1. The Sweet Palace
Overall Ratings
5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Dencon156 - Las Vegas, Nevada
We needed some road snacks after we panned for gems and this was just the stop to get it. So many things and flavors to choose from! Old time candy, fudge, taffy, milk and dark chocolate options....the wife was in heaven. I've never seen so many different types of flavors of jelly beans in my life! We took a little bit of time going through the store because we didn't want to miss anything. They also give out a free fudge sample when you're leaving. I'm not a big fan of fudge, but the Rocky Road was excellent!! The staff was helpful and very friendly. If you're in the area, stop here! You won't regret it.
2. Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine and the Montana Sapphire Store - Wash Gravel Find Montana Sapphires. Direct from the Mine: Montana Sapphire Gemstones and Jewelry. Sapphire Mine Open Seasonally: Memorial Weekend to Labor Day weekend. Wednesday through Saturday. Our Gallery is open Year Round, 7 days a week( major holidays excluded) in Beautiful Downtown Philipsburg, MT. Indoor gravel washing, heat treating, faceting, Montana Sapphire Gemstones and Jewelry direct from the mine. Rocks, fossils, crystals and more. We also have Philipsburg clothing and many Made in the USA, Made in Montana, and Made in Philipsburg, MT items.
Reviewed By June P - Ashland, Montana
We went with a family group, all except for me having been there before. My husband remembered the buckets of gravel containing sapphires (quite small and not overly plentiful) costing $7.00 each. Well now it's $25.00 a bucket... quite a jump! I do have to say that the employees were all friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
We brought our camper, and intended to stay for the weekend, having driven 8 hours to get there. We then found out that the campground closed at 5:30 Saturday night, and so we had to leave and find somewhere else to park the RV on a Saturday night. It wasn't easy, as there were other area events. We won't be returning.
3. Montana Gems of Philipsburg
Overall Ratings
5 based on 72 reviews
At Montana Gems of Philipsburg, we offer outside mining for Montana sapphires as well as some fun gem mixes for rock-hounds of all ages. Our gift shop offers regional gemstone jewelry in both sterling and 14k gold, something to fit every budget. It's a rock lovers delight - geodes, crystals, mineral specimens, awesome Montana Sapphire jewelry as well as Idaho opals, Montana agates and Idaho and Montana garnets. All kids get a free geode when gem-screening. We offer a free stone evaluation on your finds and we can also send your gems off for processing, turning your raw gem into something spectacular. Located between Glacier and Yellowstone National parks, we're a perfect stop along the route in a beautiful, historic mining town. We truly believe "The Fun Starts Here!"
Reviewed By Dencon156 - Las Vegas, Nevada
We stopped in Philipsburg for 2 reasons. To find some precious stones and get a bag of candy! (more on the candy later) We found 2 places to pan for gems and decided on Montana Gems because it was outside (the other place was inside) and we're glad we did. 2 wonderful ladies that were running the place that day helped us out. First, you have to decide if you want to mine for gems or sapphires and what size bag. My wife HAD to have the 50lb sapphire bag, so that's what we took. We were showed how to pan our bag of dirt, what to look for and given some very long tweezers to separate the gravel. My first pan reveled nothing, but my wife found 1. Both of our 2nd pans is where we hit "paydirt". Wife found 4 and I found 5. The best part was one of the ladies took our tailings and went through them again to make sure we didn't miss any and we're glad she did. She found 4 that we had missed. When all was said and done, we had found a total of 16 sapphires worth about $550!! My wife picked out 4 that are being made into earrings.
We would do this again in a heartbeat. It was fun and informative and 2 really big thumbs up for the great staff (just wish I could remember your names). Thank you so much and we hope to do this again someday. :)
4. Philipsburg Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor W - Bozeman, Montana
Pretty average brew for Montana, home of a million micro breweries.....seating was very limited, and the place isn't roomy, beer is ok, but only that, and it was tourist priced. I wouldn't bother, frankly.
5. Philipsburg Treasures and Gift
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
A shop with something for everyone. With our black light room and merchandise that ranges from precious Gems , to knives , to beautiful wood and metal art , to many treasures to list. With down home hospitality .
Reviewed By RickoDenverCO - Denver CO
Great merchandise, great expertise, great prices, great owner, great visit, just great!! Don't miss this store when you're in P'burg. We are major rock hounds and this store kept us entertained so much we went back twice! Thanks Doug, for the wonderful souvenirs and conversation!
6. Granite Ghost Town State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By AlpineRVerAZ - Bullhead City, Arizona
Fun adventure! It's truly amazing the town, mine & mills that were built by hand. They were such a hardy, determined people who came together with one goal, survival for them & their families. Roads a bit rough but worth the trip up the mountain. Very much enjoyed it.
7. Sapphire Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Michael T - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Me and the wife stopped in here after ordering their gravel online several times. They where friendly and courteous. I also found the place well stocked, not only with sapphire jewelry but many other fossil and mineral samples.
My wife was thrilled with the selection and picked up several items i did not see on offer anywhere else in the state. So definitely stop in for unique products in a clean and air conditioned atmosphere.
On a side note, while ringing up our purchase the lady running the cash register spotted that an item was mispriced and corrected it. I would have had no idea, I was just supplying the CC, the wife had picked it up. Their attention to detail and honesty saved me a nice amount of money they could have easily taken and I would have never known. Its nice to run into honesty like that in this day and age.
8. Opera House Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By rshay - Seattle, Washington
From the outside, it appears to be just another old building in an incredible town of wonderful 19th century architecture, but if you are lucky enough to find it open, just ask if you can look around. The interior was in incredible condition and a treat to wonder through for this film and theater buff. It is just another reason that our planned two hour stop for looking around and lunch turned into 3 1/2 hours. I am sorry my pictures are not better quality, but it was dark inside.
9. The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory W - Bailey, Colorado
If you're traveling from Butte to Hamilton, this is 60 miles shorter and probably a few minutes faster than going through Missoula. Given how beautiful the scenery and waterfalls are, you'd be nuts to take the interstate unless you're really uncomfortable with mountain driving. We took lots of pictures, particularly of the spectacular Skalkaho falls, and the whole experience made for a very nice morning that would have otherwise been boring.
10. Back Creek Pottery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Back Creek Pottery is a retail shop specializing in handmade pottery made locally in Philipsburg, MT by the owner, Pat Siler. Her husband, Ed, runs the shop along with their "greeter", Missi the dog. Most of the pottery is functional but there are also handmade pottery mushrooms, plant markers and birdhouses. Family members make handmade soap, wooden items and hardwood cutting boards. While these are not made in Philipsburg, they are made in Townsend, MT. The owners also make homemade jams and offer local honey from Arlee, MT. We are a "Made in Montana" shop and a "Made in Montana" craftsman. We welcome custom orders and ship upon request for the cost of shipping plus shipping supplies.
Reviewed By SaraRuth91 - Murphy, North Carolina
I purchased a hand-made clay mushroom for my friends birthday from their shop and it was a hit! She keeps it in her herb garden. Their items show great detail. They even have homemade soap and some jewelry items. Very nice folks.
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