| NetDescriptions | Our area of north central Montana is characterized by gently rolling mixed grass prairies adjoining rough broken areas near the Missouri and Milk Rivers, which flow through west to east. Malta is the center of this agriculture community and denotes the heart of Dinosaur Country in Montana. Some of the worlds most significant dinosaurs ever discovered are unearthed in the Judith River rock formation in the northern portion of this region.
Phillips County includes approximately 1.6 million acres of public lands intermingled with 1.7 million acres of private and state lands. Land use is principally farming and ranching with mineral activity (natural gas) near Saco and northern community of Whitewater. Population for the county is approximately 5,100 (less than 1 person per square mile). Malta, the county seat is the crossroads of US Highways 2 and 191, providing direct highway access to two National Parks, Yellowstone and Glacier and the US/Canadian border at the Port of Morgan. Amtrak provides daily rail passenger service to Malta.
Famous for our wide-open spaces and diversity in landscape, we offer a variety of wildlife and cultural history. We are host to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (40 miles south on US 191) and the Bowdoin National Bird and Wildlife Refuge (7 miles east of Malta, just off US 2). Both refuges offer self guided auto tours and opportunities to view abundant wildlife in their natural setting. The Little Rocky Mountains, 40 miles south of Malta are rich in mining and outlaw history. Nestled in these 'island mountains' you will find the communities of Zortman and Landusky. Both have exceptional campsites managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Activities in the Little Rocky Mountains include hiking, horseback riding on the many trails, gold panning and presentations at the Lewis and Clark Amphitheatre in Zortman.
Fishermen find Nelson Reservoir (17 miles east of Malta), the 2 rivers and local ponds a haven for walleye, northern pike, historic paddlefish, trout and many more varieties. Marian Hills Golf Course is located on the south end of Malta and Horizon Hills is 17 miles east at the Sleeping Buffalo Resort. Both are open to the public and offer challenging courses. Destination attractions in Malta include the Phillips County Museum and historic H.G. Robinson House and Garden and the Dinosaur Field Station. Both are located on US 2 within the city limits.
Activities and or guided services for this area include ranch vacations and activities, hiking and riding on nature trails, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, golf, natural hot springs, dinosaur digs and paleo education programs. |