Granite County is one of 56 counties in Montana. The
estimated population in 2004 was 2,853. This was an increase of .81%
from the 2000 census. In 2002, the per capita personal income in Granite County
was $22,704. This was an increase of 28.8% from 1997. The 2002 figure was 73%
of the national per capita income, which was $30,906.
Philipsburg Montana, long the
county seat of Granite County, has a rich history in mining and ranching. The
roots of the area started as a booming mining town in the late 1800's. It's
historic downtown is full of beautifully restored buildings from that era.
Today these buildings are full of friendly shops, saloons, and other enjoyable
establishments. Situated 30 miles south of I-90 on the famous Pintler Scenic
Loop, also known as Montana Highway 1, the picturesque town is halfway between
Yellowstone and Glacier Parks, and only about an hour from the Missoula (78
miles) and Butte (52 miles) airports. Per the location, the area offers many
outdoor attractions - all year long.
Philipsburg is the perfect headquarters in the Rocky
Mountains for recreation any time of year. For winter sports, we are minutes away
from Discovery Ski Basin and miles of nearby snowmobiling trails. In addition,
we have great snowshoe trails, cross country adventures, and our own ice rink
in the downtown area. In spring, summer, and fall you will have the pleasure of
finding fantastic fishing, numerous hiking trails, sapphire mining, many ghost
towns to visit, scenic bike trails, boating, wildlife viewing, horse back
riding, camping, water skiing, and hunting - just to name a few.
The Pintler Scenic Loop is a 63 mile drive that takes you from Anaconda to
Drummond through Montana's 1998 Tourism Community of the Year, Philipsburg. As
an alternate route to I-90, the road follows Flint Creek as it takes you by
snow capped mountains, sage covered hills, pristine lakes, and open meadows. Philipsburg,
voted one of the "Prettiest Painted Places" in America, Anaconda,
Georgetown Lake, and the Flint Creek Grade are just a few reasons for taking in
one of the Montana's best kept secrets.
The town lies at an elevation of 5280 feet, and is within a 30 mile drive of
two National Wilderness Areas. With the Sapphire Mountains on the west, the
Flint Range on the east, and the Pintler Mountain Range to the south, you'll
have a spectacular view no matter which way you look. Home to 930 people in the
town itself, this is an area that welcomes you and makes you feel right at
home. Enjoyable activities all around, gorgeous scenery to take in, and a warm
family atmosphere are all good reasons you should come and visit Philipsburg, Montana!
Along with Plilipsburg, Granite County is also home to
Drummond and Porters Corner. For more information on Philipsburg and Granite
County, please see the Philipsburg Website at: http://philipsburgmt.com/.
For information on Schools in Philipsburg and Granite county, please see: Granite
County Schools Website.
