Phillips County, Montana
Up in northeastern Montana, Phillips County is about as remote as it gets. Malta is the county seat and sits at the intersection of Highways 2 and 191. This is dinosaur country, with the area being famous for its fossil finds.
The landscape is a mix of rolling prairies and badlands, with the Missouri River forming the southern border. You’ll find some of the best birdwatching in the state at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
Ranching is big business, and you’ll see more cows than people most days. The Little Rocky Mountains rise from the plains, offering a nice change of scenery. Don’t miss the Phillips County Fair if you’re around in August. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights on a clear night.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Phillips County |
| County Seat | Malta |
| Etymology | Named after Benjamin D. Phillips, a Montana pioneer and rancher |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Malta, Dodson, Saco, Whitewater |
| Interstates and Highways | US 2, MT 66, MT 191 |
| FIPS Code | 30-071 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 5,212 square miles (Land: 5,140 sq mi, Water: 72 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Blaine County (West), Fergus County (Southwest), Petroleum County (South), Garfield County (Southeast), Valley County (East) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MT) |
| State | Montana |
| Coordinates | 48.2656° N, 107.9442° W |
| Major Landmarks | Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Little Rocky Mountains |
| Population | Approximately 4,100 |
