Evidence of Butte's history is all over town, from the head frames marking old mine shafts, to elaborate 19th century churches, to the last of the old stamp mills. Much of Butte's heritage is well-preserved and readily accessible. It's no surprise that the town's vintage architecture and colorful past are often what draw people to visit. Best Western Butte Montana.
Things to do in Butte
Anselmo Mine Yard
Located in uptown Butte, the headframe of the Anselmo mine is the best surviving example of surface support facilities that once served Butte's underground copper mines. Seasonal. Free. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by.
Arts Chateau
Changing exhibitions of regional art are displayed in the elegant 1898 French chateau, built for C. W. Clark, son of Copper King William A. Clark. The chateau also houses Butte's only art supply store. Fee. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by. Call 406-723-7600 for more information.
Berkeley Pit
This was the nation's largest truck-operated, open pit copper mine until it closed in 1982. Visitor center and viewing stand are open seasonally. Free. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by. Call 406-723-3177 for more information.
Copper King Mansion
This three story, 34-room mansion, built for Copper King/politician William A. Clark, has been preserved as it was in the 1880's. It is the only privately owned mansion in the state accessible to the public. Furnished with lavish antiques. Scheduled tours available May 1 - September 30; otherwise by appointment. Fee. Call 406-782-7580 for more information.
Humbug Spires Primitive Area
Rock climbing, hiking and geological sightseeing among unusual limestone formations. Call 406-494-5059 for more information.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Montana's first and best-known park features the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Daily cave tours (May 1 - September 30) and ranger talks available. Campground with camping cabins, picnic area, hiking trails, concession, visitor center and group use area. Fee. Call 406-287-3541 for more information.
Mineral Museum
Located at Montana Tech of the University of Montana, an engineering school that grew out of Butte's mining heritage. The Mineral Museum displays 1,500 specimens including a 27.5 oz. Gold nugget. Free. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by. Call 406-496-4414 for more information.
Our Lady of the Rockies
View the 90-foot, non-denominational statue of Mary atop the Continental Divide, overlooking Butte. Fundraising efforts are geared toward the construction of a tram to the top of the mountain, by 2003. Located 8,500 feet above sea level, tours are offered in summer. Fee. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by. Call 406-782-1221 for more information.
Virginia City, Nevada City
Visit these two authentically preserved and restored mining camps from the 1860s gold rush era, located between Butte and Yellowstone Park. Historical tours and museums available. Call 406-843-5555 for more information.
World Museum of Mining
This 1899 recreation of a mining camp, located at the base of a mine headframe, covers 12 acres and includes over 3 dozen structures. See a one-room schoolhouse, dentist's office, fire station and Chinese laundry, complete with artifacts from the turn-of-the-century. Ride the Orphan Girl Express tour train around the perimeter of the museum for a different perspective. Open daily, April 1 - October 31. Fee. A Best Western Butte Montana hotel is close by. Call 406-723-7211 for more information.