North-Central Montana is characterized by gently rolling grass prairies adjoining the rough, broken landscape near the Missouri and Milk Rivers flowing 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 our 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 Whitewater. Population for the county is approximately 5,100 – less than 1 person per square mile.
Malta, the county seat, is at the crossroads of US Highway 2 and 191, providing direct highway access to two national parks (Yellowstone and Glacier) and the U.S./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 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 Amphitheater in Zortman.
Fisherman find Nelson Reservoir (17 miles east of Malta), the two rivers, and local ponds a haven for walleye, northern pike, historic paddlefish, trout, and many more varieties.
Marian Hills Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole public course located on the south edge of town. Destination attractions in Malta include the Phillips County Museum and historic H.G.
Robinson House & Gardens and the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum & Field Station. Both are located on US 2 within city limits.
Activities and/or guided services for this area include ranch vacations and activities, hiking and riding on natural trails, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, golf, natural hot springs, dinosaur digs, and paleo-education programs.
The City of Malta offers all amenities for travelers and visitors. For additional information on either museum, lodging, dining, or recreational opportunities in the area, contact the Malta Chamber of Commerce at (406) 654-1776 or email at malta@itstriangle.com.
Whether it’s by plane, train, or automobile we’d love for you to come experience all that Malta has to offer.
Directions via CarFrom Billings, MT
206 miles – approximately 4 hours 5 minute
Google Map
Head north towards Roundup, MT leaving Billings on US Highway 87. In Roundup (45 miles), turn left at Main Street and continue north on US 87 to Grass Range (45 miles). Continue north on MT 19 to the junction commonly known as Bohemian Corner (21.5 miles). Continue straight onto US Highway 191 into Malta (90 miles).
From Great Falls, MT
202 miles – approximately 3 hours 52 minutes
Google Map
Head northeast on US Highway 87 towards Havre, MT (113 miles). Turn east onto US Highway 2 and continue east to Malta (89 miles).
Directions via RailAmtrak’s Empire Builder
Direct daily service to Malta
Station Building (with waiting room)
51 South 1st Street East
Malta, MT 59538
Amtrak Website
The Malta Depot is an unmanned Amtrak Station opening one hour before and after each train departs. The station features an enclosed seating area and restrooms. There is no ticket agent on-site, however, you can purchase tickets locally through Gina at the Travel Haven – (406) 654-1638. The Travel Haven is located at 121 South 2nd Street East and is within walking distance to the station.
NOTE: Malta is a brief stop along the Amtrak route so it is important to be ready when the train arrives. You will be met by a friendly Amtrak official once on board who will help you store your luggage and locate your seat or sleeper car.
We do have limited car rental service in Malta. Please contact A Fine Line Auto Body at 406-654-1477 to determine availability.
Be sure to check arrival and departure times by calling Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245.
Billing Logan International Airport
Billings, Montana
Official Website
Serviced by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Cape Air, Delta, and United.
Great Falls International Airport
Great Falls, Montana
Official Website
Serviced by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Frontier and United.
Connecting flights to Glasgow (70 miles east of Malta) and Havre (90 miles west of Malta) are available through Cape Air Airlines.
Port of Morgan (U.S.) & Port of Monchy (Canada)
Located 55 miles north of Malta on US Highway 191 Operational Hours:9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
7 days a week
September 16th – May 31st
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
7 days a week
June 1st – September 15th
For more information about the Port of Morgan or traveling to Canada, please visit the following website:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Whether you are here for the afternoon, the weekend or longer, you will find so much to do and see, that we know you will want to come back and see us again!
Rest your head in a hotel, cabin, tent or camper. Eat a sit-down, home style meal or order fast food. Whatever your flavor, Malta offers it all.
If you want to live in a place with Western hospitality, small town values, and all life’s necessities with that personal touch, then Malta and Phillips County is where you want to be!
If you need to access a computer while you are here, stop by the Phillips County Library where there are 4 public computer stations and low vision accommodations.
PO Box 1420
Malta, Montana 59538
Phone: (406) 654-1776
Fax: (406) 654-1776
malta@itstriangle.com