In Butte, the history of mining can be explored from several perspectives: through historic architecture, in museums, and at places whose landscapes tell stories of an industrial past and ecological recovery. Butte is part of the Butte-Anaconda Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District. There are also cultural perspectives, scenic viewpoints and even a water park—different themes to consider when planning your stay.

Mining History as Built Heritage and Storytelling

Many buildings and mining structures in the Butte-Anaconda Historic District have retained their historic integrity. Their architecture displays features typical of the development of a western mining economy. The Lexington Stamp Mill Gardens commemorate one of Butte’s oldest industrial sites and add a specific historic place to the story of its industrial heritage.

The preserved buildings of the Mai Wah Noodle Parlor and Wah Chung Tai offer another perspective. They house a museum that shares the history and experiences of Asian people in Montana. The Mai Wah Society also conducts public education about the history, culture and living conditions of Asian people in the Rocky Mountain West. In this way, cultural experiences take their place alongside mining history.

The World Museum of Mining is located on the actual grounds of the Orphan Girl Mine. Visitors can walk along the brick-paved streets of Hell Roarin’ Gulch inside the museum. The site combines a museum visit with a stroll through a historic mine site.

Museums, Tours and Visitor Information

The Mineral Museum @ Montana Tech displays about 1,300 specimens. One of its exhibits is a UV dark room, where minerals glow under fluorescent light. Admission to the museum is free; donations are optional. The dark room adds a distinctive feature to the collection and makes the museum appealing to visitors with a particular interest in minerals.

The Butte Trolley Tour is a 90-minute history tour. It offers a clearly defined activity with a historical focus. To visit Our Lady of the Rockies up close, you must join a guided tour with a ticket. Tours depart from the attraction’s Gift Shop at 1707 Continental Dr. Suite C. Check the latest departure information for this tour before making plans.

Scenic Viewpoints, River Landscapes and Other Activities

At the Berkeley Pit, visitors can look out over the pit from a platform. By contrast, the Granite Mountain Memorial offers panoramic views of the 10,000-foot-high Highland Mountains, the Continental Divide and the remains of the once-thriving mining industry. The two places offer different perspectives: one focuses on the Berkeley Pit, while the other takes in a broad landscape marked by mining history.

The Silver Bow Creek Greenway Corridor stretches for 26 miles along Silver Bow Creek between Butte and the Warm Springs Ponds. After more than a century of pollution from copper and silver mining in Butte and Anaconda, the creek’s ecosystem is returning to its original character. The Greenway and the river’s ecological recovery offer two different ways to experience the landscape: a long corridor route and the story of a restored ecosystem.

For a change of pace, Ridge Waters Community Pool is a water park with a lazy river and water slide. Butte’s attractions extend beyond museums, architecture and mining landscapes. Depending on whether you are more interested in historic buildings, exhibits, a guided tour or scenic views, these different themes can shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Walkerville.

Return to the broader travel overview: Silver Bow.