Malta: Dinosaurs, History and Nature

Malta is a remarkable stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail, with two facilities located here. When choosing a hotel, it helps to keep your interests for your stay in mind: paleontology, history or nature. The museum exhibits range from dinosaur finds to fossils from other groups; the Carnegie Library and a historic house offer different historical highlights. Nearby, wildlife viewing and a scenic driving route add to the options. If you’re looking for hotels in Malta, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Dinosaurs and Fossils

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station displays fossils of fish, invertebrates and plants, as well as several dinosaur species. A replica of “Leonardo,” made using rapid prototyping, is also currently on display there. Exhibit status may change, so check before visiting. “Elvis,” the 33-foot-long skeleton of a Brachylophosaurus, is on display at the Phillips County Museum. The exhibits have different focuses: alongside fossils from several groups and several dinosaur species, the Phillips County Museum features a single named skeleton.

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station offers programs for all ages, including summer field digs. The Junior/Family Paleontology Experience begins with a 9 a.m. meeting at the museum’s rear entrance; advance reservations are required. Dates are listed for 2026. Before your trip, check whether a suitable date is scheduled. This lets you plan for the museum exhibits and seasonal programs separately.

History and Other Interests

The Phillips County Carnegie Library in Malta was built in 1917 and was the last of 17 Carnegie libraries built in Montana. The H.G. Robinson House is a restored house from around the turn of the 20th century, built on the American frontier prairie. The two examples offer different historical highlights: the library’s construction year is documented, while the house’s era and the described prairie setting shape its character.

A golf course is also among the options mentioned in Malta: Marian Hills Golf Course has nine holes and a par of 36. This puts historical attractions alongside a specific sporting option, so you don’t have to center your stay on just one theme.

Nature Near Malta

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge is seven miles east of town and has a 15-mile self-guided driving route. Public activities offered there include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, environmental education and interpretation. Check the refuge’s route conditions and access rules before setting out.

The Display Pond Trail is also located in the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, near Malta. The trail is 0.4 miles long, paved and accessible; a wheelchair-accessible parking space, an observation shelter, picnic tables and benches are located at the trail. The driving route and short trail offer different ways to explore the refuge: you can plan a self-guided drive or follow the marked trail. Facilities along the trail include both a place for wildlife viewing and seating for a break.

For the broader travel overview: Phillips County.