Day Trip to Philipsburg

If you are looking for the perfect addition to your Montana itinerary or even a little staycation for our Montana residents, Philipsburg may be just what you are looking for! We recently had the chance to spend the day in town, and the only thing we wish we could have changed was extending our stay. As we pulled in, it was immediately obvious that even in the middle of the week there was no shortage of visitors exploring the charming community. The constant buzz in the air adds to the excitement and leaves you ready to dig into the hidden gems in the area.

And in Philipsburg … there isn’t a shortage of “hidden gems.” The most obvious is the rich cache of Sapphires in the area, but we’d argue that the variety of storefronts, restaurants, and especially the Sweet Palace fit the category just as well! Let’s dig into what you can see and do while in town.

Sapphire Mining in Philipsburg, MT

We kicked off our day by heading directly to the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine which is about 30 minutes outside of town. From Montana Highway 1, you’ll turn down Skalkaho Road at Porter’s corner. Once on Skalkaho road, the mine turn off (about 10 miles down the road) is well marked!

What to Expect from Your Visit to Gem Mountain Mine

There is plenty of parking at the mine, making your arrival hassle free. Once parked, head over to the store to check in and purchase your gravel. After selecting your bucket(s) one of the employees will give your group a hands-on demonstration of how to best clean the gravel and make the most of your gem mining experience.

Sapphire Mining Equipment provided by Gem Mountain

Did You Know!?! There are four sapphire regions in Montana, three of which are found right here in Southwest Montana! The regions include: the Rock Creek deposit of Philipsburg, Dry Cottonwood Creek near Deer Lodge, the gravel bars along the Missouri River near Helena, and Yogo Gulch in Central Montana.

Tips for Visiting Gem Mountain Mine:

There is no cell service at the mine, ensure you download driving directions before you leave.
You might get a little muddy, wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. And don’t forget to check the weather as you’re deciding what to wear, Thunderstorms (and even a little snow) are common.
This is a great activity for all ages, don’t be afraid to bring the whole family from the kiddos to grandparents!
Even with just a single bucket of gravel, you’ll likely be out at the mine for a couple of hours, make sure to pack a snack or even a picnic.

When is the mine open?

For the 2024 season, the mine is open May 22 – September 7th, Wednesdays through Saturday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. While the mine is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, you can visit their downtown location in Philipsburg! Make sure to visit the Gem Mountain website for the most up-to-date information!

In Philipsburg, Gem Mountain Mine isn’t the only option for Sapphire mining or shopping! Located on Broadway Street, you’ll find Montana Gems, the Gem Mountain downtown location, and the Sapphire Gallery.

Lunch in Philipsburg

When it comes down to it, I think we can all agree that food is an important part of any road trip. A nice meal among friends at one of the many restaurants in town is sure to be a memorable part of your Philipsburg experience! After our trip to the mine, we chose to stop by Winning Ridge Alehouse & Wine Bar. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a nice selection of Montana beer on tap, a full wine list, and both lunch and dinner. They even have an espresso bar, ensuring they have something for everyone.

Winning Ridge Alehouse Burger

While we very much enjoyed our meal, there are a number of other restaurants in town at are just as good! Depending on the time of day, you might want to check out some of Philipsburg’s other restaurants, here’s a list to get you started:

A Stroll Down Broadway Street

Broadway Street is packed with adorable shops that make wandering a must do activity! Whether you are looking for knickknacks, toys, clothing, jewelry or more you are sure to find it as you cruise in and out of the charming stores!

If the summer heat starts to get to you, the Philipsburg Brewery is the perfect place to rest your feet and enjoy a pint of craft brew. And if you’re looking for something a little more family friendly the Philipsburg Creamery won’t disappoint! This trip we stopped by for a Rhubarb Sunday … and while it was not very photogenic, it was incredibly delicious!! For the two scoops of ice cream, we chose one lemon and one strawberry (both of which were out of this world) and the homemade rhubarb topping added the perfect taste of summer.

**Fun Fact! Butte’s new Drizzle Sips + Scoops features ice cream from the Philipsburg Creamery!

Philipsburg’s World-Famous Candy Store: The Sweet Palace

Absolutely no trip to Philipsburg is complete without a trip to the Sweet Palace (unless of course you visit on a Saturday when the Sweet Palace is closed). As you walk through the door you will be met with a wave of nostalgia that is sure to make you feel like a “kid in a candy store!” Sweets line the walls, the aroma of fresh chocolate fills the air, and the lure of fudge draws you to the front counter. Don’t miss the chance to grab a cold soda from the cold storage at the front of the store! It’s something that can be easily missed.

Summer in Montana means some beautiful weather – often you’ll be met with blue skies and 85 to 95-degree days … which is the perfect temperature for chocolate melting! With that in mind, take it from someone who has been there, consider holding off on a trip to the candy store until you are closing in on your departure! The last thing you want is a melty hodgepodge of sugar!

What are the Sweet Palace’s Hours?

As of the publishing of this post, store hours are Sunday–Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm and closed Saturdays. Make sure to plan accordingly and check their website for the most updated information.

Where does it make sense to make a day trip to Philipsburg from?

In Montana, we are no strangers to what some might consider lengthy drives as we traverse the 4th largest state in the union. So where can we visit Philipsburg from without cramming too much into a single day? Philipsburg is settled at the heart of Southwest Montana, making it an easy drive from anywhere in the region. That means it’s a great day trip from: Helena, Butte, Anaconda, Deer Lodge, Lincoln, and even Dillon. It’s an easy drive from Missoula, Montana and not even out of the question as a day trip from Bozeman. But why not make it an overnight trip and have the chance to truly explore everything this small Montana town has to offer.

Map of Southwest Montana

With just a day in Philipsburg, we only scratched the surface! What is your favorite thing to do while visiting Philipsburg, Montana?