Missouri River Country is dotted with small and charming communities to explore and discover, and Malta, population 1,860, has charm in spades. Located on the High Plains of Northeast Montana along the Hi-Line and the Amtrak line, Malta offers room to roam in all directions. With easy proximity to the Little Rocky Mountains, the rolling plains around Malta are framed by the Missouri and Milk rivers. With rich history, vibrant local charm, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Malta is more than just a stop on the Hi-Line—it’s a place that personifies the heart and soul of our region.
Things To Do In and Around Town
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, Montana's Missouri River Country
For such a small town, Malta has a lot going on. Malta is a key stop on the
Montana Dinosaur Trail. Pick up or stamp your passport here, and you’ll join dino-hunters from around the globe tracing ancient footsteps across Big Sky Country. There are two museums to check out along the Dinosaur Trail in Malta. Up first, be sure to stop at the
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, where you can meet Leonardo the Mummy Dinosaur, Herb the
Triceratops, Roberta the
Hadrosaur, Ralph the Ralph the
Camarasaurus, Giffen the
Stegosaur, and many more! With informative and fun exhibits and chances to participate in adult and youth dinosaur digs, dino-lovers of all ages will have a blast.
Malta, Kloie Marks
The next stop on the Dinosaur Trail is the
Phillips County Museum, which showcases paleontological discoveries from the nearby Judith River Formation, including Elvis, the 33-foot-long
Brachylophosaurus fossil. The Phillips County Museum features more than just dinosaurs–discover Montana's Western heritage, learn about pioneer life, and view artifacts and histories of the Native American tribes who call this land home. The museum is also home to the historic
H.G. Robinson House & Gardens.
H.G. Robinson House & Gardens, Kloie Marks
Malta's public parks are a great place to spend time during the warmer months.
Hillcrest Park is home to the
Malta Skate Park, a free skate park donated by Pearl Jam bassist and Montana native Jeff Ament. The skate park plays host to free events like Girls on Shred and summer camps for youth to introduce them to the sport of skateboarding.
Trafton Trail, Kloie Marks
Trafton Park and Campground, located just outside of downtown Malta along the Milk River, is a perfect place to recreate in town. The park has basketball and volleyball courts, softball fields, a playground, and a horseshoe pit, and is also a great spot for fishing (please remember to get your Montana fishing license). Tent and trailer sites are available for camping as well.
Located in Trafton Park is the Trafton Trail, a one-mile hike that weaves along the river through museum access points and past the historic Trafton Trail Bridge. During the summer, the park also hosts the
Malta NRA Rodeo and County Fair.
Marian Hills Country Club offers a 9-hole golf course and driving range. Take in the expansive and scenic views of our unique region from the golf course, and when you are done, be sure to grab a bite at Tin Cup Bar and Grill.
Located a short and scenic six miles east of Malta lies the
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, a wetlands prairie preserve that provides viewing opportunities for more than 260 species of birds, as well as other Montana wildlife.
Where to Eat and Drink
Milk River Mud, Kloie Marks
Malta's friendly community is home to several eateries and bars perfect for any appetite. Start your day at
Milk River Mud drive-thru coffee, open seven days a week and home to great brews. Another favorite breakfast option is
Hitchin' Post Cafe, which has an expansive menu full of breakfast comfort-food classics as well as a comprehensive lunch menu.
For lunch and dinner, there are lots of options to check out.
Stretch's Pizza is a favorite spot with delicious pizzas and a laid-back dining room able to accommodate parties of all sizes.
Joe's In and Out is a must-experience while in Malta. With fast and friendly service, large portions, and a menu full of delicious comfort foods like burgers, fries, and tacos, Joe's is an old-school drive-thru with late-night hours.
Dairy Queen is another favorite spot for locals, serving up familiar favorites like Blizzards, soft-serve, and quick and tasty fast food.
Stretch’s Pizza, Kloie Marks
Open for dinner, Stockman's Steakhouse and Bar offers a wide menu including great appetizers, large portions for mains, and a full bar service. For a slightly more upscale dining option, head to the restaurant inside the historic
Great Northern Hotel for steaks, seafood, and a rustic Montana atmosphere.
Montana is all about craft beer, and Malta is no different. For great brews and a friendly spot to chat with locals, be sure to check out
Blue Ridge Brewing. With year-round staples and seasonal releases, the brewery is a great place to sample different flavors. Another popular watering hole in town is
Mint Bar. Cozy up at the bar, try your hand at one of the casino machines, or play a round of pool at this down-to-earth Malta staple.
Lucky Bullet Bar & Casino is another lively local stop.
Things To Do On the Outskirts
Little Rocky Mountains, Steve Simanton
With so much to do in Missouri River Country, Malta is a perfect spot for discovering all the region has to offer. The
Little Rocky Mountains are a great place to spend the day hiking, gold panning, and taking in the small community of Zortman. Located about 45 miles from town, the Little Rockies are a unique mountainous formation on the Great Plains and well worth a day trip to explore!
If you are looking for a day trip,
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic option. Sitting at just over one million acres, the refuge preserves untouched wilderness and habitat for wildlife of many
species including elk, mountain lions, beavers, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, grouse, and prairie dogs, to name a few. In the fall, Slippery Ann Wildlife Viewing Area is a popular viewing site to hear the classic elk bugle during the rut.
Another great wildlife viewing option is
American Prairie, located approximately an hour south of town. American Prairie's goal is to create one of the largest nature reserves in the country, and they work to restore native wildlife populations. Additionally, their bison restoration efforts reflects the spirit of the prairie and the American West. Home to bison, pronghorn, bird species, and so much more, plan your visit and stop at the National Discovery Center, which features interactive exhibits about the prairie ecosystem, community meeting spaces, and a film theater.
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs, Sara Young Photography
Situated about 20 miles east of town,
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs provides a place for escape and relaxation. Soak in a 108-degree Fahrenheit natural mineral hot springs, located in a gorgeous indoor pool area. The close proximity to Malta makes it an easy day trip, though there are also cabin rentals and camping accommodations as well. In the winter months, rent a Grey Wolf Ice Fishing Castle or Ambush Slayer Jigging Shack for a unique and comfortable ice-fishing experience.
Located approximately 20 miles outside of Malta,
Nelson Reservoir is a perfect location for a day of recreating on the water. Known as one of the best fishing spots in Northeast Montana, Nelson Reservoir regularly produces state records for walleye, yellow perch, and northern pike. Boating is also popular, as is camping. At night, Nelson Reservoir becomes a hot spot for stargazing, with some of the darkest night skies in the country.
