Northern Montana College

Our area of north-central Montana is characterized by gently rolling short grass prairies. The Missouri and Milk Rivers flow through from west to east and form rough broken land near the rivers. Phillips County includes approximately 1.6 million acres of public (state & federal) lands mingled with 1.7 million acres of private lands. Land use in the county is mainly farming and ranching with mineral activity in the Little Rocky Mountains.

Population for the county is approximately 5,100. (About 1 person per square mile!) Famous for our wide-open spaces and diversity in landscape, we offer a variety of wildlife and cultural history. We are hosts to the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge (including the western portion of Fort Peck Lake) and Bowdoin Bird Refuge, which offer opportunities for deer, antelope, elk and upland game birds viewing and hunting.

The Little Rocky Mountains are rich in mining history and offer a diverse mountain experience. Fishermen find Nelson Reservoir, the two rivers and local ponds a haven for walleye, historic paddlefish, trout and many more varieties.

Historic remains of the Hadrosaurus Dinosaur and other dinosaur species are currently being unearthed and are on display locally at the new museum facility on Highway 2. Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs offers mineral bath pools including two water slides. Two excellent opportunities for golf recreation are offered at Marion Hills in Malta and Sleeping Buffalo Resort 17 miles east of Malta.

The Phillips County Hospital and Good Samaritan Retirement Center provide excellent health care and medical job opportunities. The hospital has working relationships with regional hospitals and shares many specialists on a regular basis.

The county has its own volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue squads.

A new airport facility offers an expanded runway and other amenities.

In addition to the excellent pre-K through 12 grade school systems in Malta, the communities of Saco, Dodson and Whitewater offer exceptional opportunities in rural settings.

The recently completed Malta Junior and Senior High School complex offers the latest educational opportunities including state of the art technology and science programs.

College level courses are offered less than two hours away at the Ft. Belknap Community College and Montana State University-Northern or via Interactive TV available through Malta Schools.

QUICK FACTS - Facilities and Services in Phillips County