FUN ACTIVITIES
I can tell you from personal experience that panning and picking natural sapphires from local gravel can become an obsession – you’ve been warned. You likely won’t get rich, but a trip to Montana is not complete until you’ve found yourself some treasure. Panning for sapphires or even gold in the area is very popular and is often folk’s favorite memory from their trip to the state. All equipment for this activity is provided at Gem Mountain Sapphires in downtown Philipsburg. You can also get closer to the source by travelling 20 minutes to the sapphire mine itself. This is not just fun for the children – take it from me. Adults love this activity as well.
In Anaconda, less than 30 minutes south of Philipsburg, is an activity for the brave among us. Montana Zipline Adventures has 9,300 feet of high-elevation lines across 7 courses (between 650 to 2,100 feet each). Be aware - zipline speeds are high along portions of some courses. Some of these zipline courses can take up to 3 hours to complete but because of the amazing views, you won’t want it to end so quickly. Minimum age to ride the ziplines is 6 years old. Any child under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. 48 hours notice is required so book early. Contact Montana Zipline Adventures for more information.
For some fortunate reason, Philipsburg is also home to a world-famous candy store in The Sweet Palace. As busy as this store is during summer months, almost 90% of their business is conducted online – proving how popular this place is world-wide and how sought after their confections are. Fudge, taffy, chocolates, truffles, brittle, candy from decades past and much more is found here. Their candies are made in traditional ways and make for excellent gifts or simply a delectable dessert to enjoy back at the cabin. This is a can’t miss destination. Be aware that this store is closed on Saturdays.