ANACONDA & PHILIPSBURG AREA

Nestled in the Pintler Scenic Route, these two communities are truly hidden gems. Take in a round of golf on Anaconda’s Jack Nicklaus designed Old Works Golf Course then walk along the business district for shopping and dining. Philipsburg, a 19th century mining town, offers a main street full of unique shops including an old-time candy store, soda fountain, sapphire mining and jewelry shops.

Anaconda

ANACONDA COURTHOUSE

Construction began on the courthouse in June of 1898 and was completed in the early spring of 1900 at a cost of $199,539. The building boasts a rotunda, circular staircases, frescoes and a dumbwaiter so the clerk of the court wouldn’t have to carry books up and down stairs. www.discoveranaconda.com

ANACONDA VISITOR CENTER

This building is a replica of an old train depot and includes information on Anaconda’s many attractions and adventures. Vintage bus tours begin here. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com

GEORGETOWN LAKE

Nestled in the mountains, picturesque Georgetown Lake is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, camping and windsurfing.

HEARST FREE LIBRARY

The library was built in 1898 with classic beauty and is located on Main Street in Anaconda. 406.563.6932, www.hearstfreelibrary.org

MONTANA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES

Nestled just outside of Anaconda along the Pintler Scenic Highway is a high adventure completely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. You will be immersed in the unparalleled beauty of the panoramic Pintler Wilderness while ziplining Montana’s longest zipline course over 9,300 feet. 406.560.3115, www.montanazip.com/adventures

OLD WORKS HISTORICAL TRAIL

Interpretive plaques address the history of the Old Works smelter. Kiosks and benches are provided for resting along the 1¼-mile-long paved trail. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com

VINTAGE BUS TOURS

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from the visitor center. Tours include historic attractions and buildings from Anaconda’s early smelting days. Tours run from mid-May through mid-September. 406.563.2400, www.discoveranaconda.com

WALKING TOUR

Tour Anaconda’s four national historic districts that tell the story of the city’s past. View unique homes and striking downtown architecture. www.discoveranaconda.com

WASHOE PARK

Dedicated in the 1890s and expanded just after 1910, this historic park is located in Anaconda. Park attractions include the historic Glover Cabin (the oldest standing building in Anaconda), a swimming pool, tennis courts, approximately 6 miles of walking trails, a large picnic area, a playground and Legion Baseball Field. 406.563.3408, www.discoveranaconda.com

WASHOE PARK TROUT HATCHERY

Located in Anaconda’s Washoe Park, the hatchery originally opened in 1908 and is the state’s oldest-run fish hatchery facility still in existence. The visitor center is open daily with underwater trout stream viewing. 406.563.2531, www.myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/ siteDetail.action?lmsId=39754097

Philipsburg

GEM MINES

The Philipsburg area is home to a well-known cache of sapphire and ruby gems discovered over a century ago. Area businesses allow digging for a fee.

GEM MOUNTAIN

406.859.6463, www.gemmountainmt.com

MONTANA GEMS

406.859.6725, www.montanagems.net

SAPPHIRE GALLERY

800.525.0169, www.sapphiregallery.com

GRANITE COUNTY MUSEUM

Explore the daily routine of the turn-of-the-century underground miner. This museum in Philipsburg features a replicated silver mine complete with equipment, a prospector’s cabin and a fire assay lab. 406.859.3020, www.granitecountymuseum.com

THE MONTANA LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the men and women of Montana’s law enforcement and is open May through September. 406.859.6536, www.mlem.org

THE SWEET PALACE

Chocolate and fresh fudge aromas greet you even before you step inside this glorious Victorian confectionery. See saltwater taffy pulled and wrapped by an antique wrapper. Over 1000 selections of candies, including hand-dipped fine chocolates.