Photo by Michael Chilcoat Photography

Philipsburg, Montana’s Hidden Gem

To our delight, but certainly not to our surprise, our hometown community– Philipsburg –recently received a Montana Tourism Award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation.

Philipsburg is hailed as a vibrant gateway to Montana’s natural wonders. Located half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, this tiny town continues to bask in the limelight. Known to locals as “P-burg,” it represents the best of the state’s natural and cultural treasures.

Once a booming mining community until the Silver Crash of 1893, Philipsburg has been voted one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America.  National Geographic celebrates Philipsburg as one the “Best Secret Ski Towns in North America.”

Enjoy free downhill skiing at Discovery ski area when you travel to The Ranch at Rock Creek

Our guests who travel from around the world spend the majority of their time here at The Ranch at Rock Creek.  However, their Montana memories are almost always sprinkled with wonderful, enriching adventures they have enjoyed in “downtown” Philipsburg and the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Close up of salt water taffy in buckets

Guests get lost in The Sweet Palace, the grandest old-fashioned candy store in the land. They sample the award-winning Haybag Hefeweizen at the Philipsburg Brewing Company.  They meander along the sidewalks marveling at the 19th Century architecture. They mine for sapphires of every color and explore Granite Ghost Town. In the winter, they ski like locals at Discovery Ski Area.

Exterior of Phillipsburg Brewing company with dog sitting out front

And, along the way, our guests meet some of the nicest Montanans around. We congratulate our friends and neighbors on a well-deserved distinction. We hope everyone gets a chance to travel to this hidden gem of the treasure state.


The Ranch supports our community by sponsoring charities and volunteering for causes that improve the lives of Granite County citizens. Read more about our efforts, including hosting and sponsoring the Granite County Festival of Trees and serving on the Discovery Ski Patrol.