Are you planning a trip to Montana and looking for fun things to do in Butte MT?
If yes, then we have you covered. In this article, we will be sharing some of the places to visit in Butte Montana that you cannot miss.
Butte is a charming and historically significant city in the Midwest that offers a lot of attractions and activities to visitors.
From being home to several historical mansions and Victorian buildings to offering lots of outdoor opportunities to visitors, there is no shortage of fun things to do here.
That’s not all, the town is also popularly known as the ‘Richest hill on Earth’. This is due to the high amount of copper deposits found here during the 1900s.
So, you can learn all about the mining days and how this city played a major role in WWII.
Still confused about what to do in Butte?
Well, then check out our list of the 15 best things to do in Butte Montana that you shouldn’t miss!
15 Things to do in Butte MT You Shouldn’t Miss
Visit the World Museum of Mining
One of the best things to do in Butte MT is to visit the famed World Museum of Mining.
Dedicated to Butte’s mining history, the World Museum of Mining was established in 1963. The museum aims to preserve the rich heritage and culture of the town.
Here, you can explore the exhibits and displays that show Butte’s mining history, tools used for mining, and the lives lost in mining accidents.
The mine is located at the top of Orphan Girl Mine and one of the most amazing things to do here is taking a guided underground mine tour.
In this tour, you will be taken 100 feet deep into the mine. Here, you learn more about the lives of the miners and the workings of the mining industry.
Another great attraction at this museum is the Hell Roaring Gulch, a replica of the city that features Old West storefronts and interiors.
This is one of the top things to do in Montana if you are interested in learning about the state’s history and heritage.
Taking a Butte Trolley Tour Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Butte
If you are looking for fun activities in Butte Montana, then don’t forget to take the trolley tours offered by Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce.
This is a popular Butte activity that is led by a local historian for two hours.
On this tour, you will learn about the town’s colorful history and interesting facts about the place.
A few of the places that will be a part of this activity in Butte are the Dumas Brothel museum, Clark Chateau, the World Museum of Mining, Orphan Girl Mine, and more.
All these places are part of the Butte National Historic Landmark District.
They are a great place to learn about the town’s diverse culture.
Explore the Copper King Mansion
If you are looking for historic places to visit in Butte Montana, then you should plan a visit to the Copper King Mansion.
This attraction in Butte MT is one of the most well-known residences in town.
Built in 1880s, it was home to W.A. Clark and his family. One of the unique things about this home is that it used Romanesque Revival Victorian style architecture and showcased the success of Clark.
It is one of the top Butte attractions to visit for history and architecture lovers.
Visitors can take a 90-minute guided tour to learn interesting facts about this home and its 34 rooms.
You will also find some original décor pieces of that period including a chandelier and stained-glass windows.
Apart from being a museum, this mansion is also a private home and bed and breakfast.
So, if you would like to experience how it felt to live in that era, you can reserve a room here.
Enjoy Hiking around Butte
Are you looking for fun things to do in Butte Montana?
If yes, then one of the most popular activities to enjoy here is hiking around the city.
There are lots of hiking trails available in and around Butte which includes the Copperway Trail, BA&P Trail, and so on.
These two main trails run through the town. They offer you access to the local community and amazing views of the historic headframes scattered throughout the city.
You will find a lot of trails in Thompson Park which is located in downtown Butte Montana and is a great place to visit as well.
There are around 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.
The Big Butte Open Space also offers some amazing hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Trust me, there is no shortage of scenic hiking trails to enjoy in the Butte area.
Check Out the Berkley Pit, One Of The Interesting Things To Do In Butte
Once known to be one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, the Berkeley Pit is one of the top places to visit in Butte MT.
This Butte attraction was used as a copper mine for 27 years and was finally shut down in 1985. As a result, water filled the pit and has become toxic.
This is why they have regulators with propane canons to keep birds from sitting on top of the acidic water.
Presently, visitors can visit this site to see the remains of the mines from I-90 and other places.
There is a Berkeley Pit viewing stand that offers a better look at this ancient copper mine pit.
If you are interested in the mining history of Butte, then this is one of the top things to do in Butte MT.
Our Lady of the Rockies
If you are visiting Butte, then one of the top things to see in Butte is Our Lady of the Rockies.
This is a 90-foot statue located on the top of the Continental Divide that was built as a dedication to all the women in the world.
This Butte attraction was constructed by a resident named Bob O’Bill in 1979 as a promise to the Virgin Mary if she helped cure his wife of cancer.
It is one of the top attractions in Butte that you can visit using a tour bus in the summer and fall season.
For those who are looking for a little adventure, there is the Maud S Canyon trail. It is a 15-mile round-trip hike that will lead you to the base of the statue.
So, if you are looking for interesting things to do in Butte Montana, then do visit Our Lady of the Rockies.
MBMG Mineral Museum
Located on the campus of Montana Tech, MBMG Mineral Museum is also one of the top attractions in Butte.
This museum offers free admission to everyone and features a huge collection of rocks and minerals that are not just found in Montana but all over the world.
The museum is home to approximately 13,000 specimens and has displayed around 1000 of those for tourists.
Some of the most amazing specimens that you can find here is the smoky quartz cluster, the largest nugget pulled out of the earth, blue sapphires from Yogo Glutch, Butte copper, and more.
There is also a separate exhibit showcasing the seismic activity history of Montana. You can also buy a souvenir from the local gift shop here.
So, if you are looking forward to learning something about the varied types of rocks and minerals around the world, then MBMG Mineral Museum is one of the top Butte attractions to visit.
Watch a Performace at Mother Lode Theatre
For those who are looking for fun things to do in Butte Montana, Mother Lode Theatre is the place to go.
Although this is a performance theatre and not a movie theater in Butte, you will be thoroughly entertained on your visit here.
From Broadway acts to musicals to symphonies, Mother Lode Theatre has been home to a lot of performances over the years.
The theatre was originally built in the 1900s during the copper boom and was earlier known as the Fox Theatre.
It was reopened in 1996, allowing the public to enjoy a performance while being surrounded by the 1900s decor and ambiance.
Trust me, if you are bored of doing the same old things in Butte, then you should definitely attend a performance at Mother Lode Theatre for a unique experience.
Enjoy Coffee at M&M Bar & Cafe
Opened in 1890, M&M Bar & Cafe is another one of the top places to go in Butte.
It is one of the oldest establishments in the city.
In the early days, this place served as a 24-hour coffee shop that served the miners hearty breakfasts throughout the day or night.
That’s not all, during the Prohibition Era, this cafe served as a cigar store and a discreet alehouse in the back room where they sold liquor.
In the 1940s, the cafe was restored to its original glory with vintage decor, neon signs, and Art Deco elements.
Currently, the cafe is registered under the National Register of Historic Places.
This is a great place to enjoy all-day breakfast and fresh coffee.
Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery
Are you searching for the best things to see in Butte?
If so, then you cannot miss out on visiting the Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery located on Broadway Street.
This beautiful mansion was built in 1898. It was the home of the copper magnate Charles Clark who was the eldest son of the Copper King W.A. Clark.
It is a 26-room mansion that is currently used as a house museum and arts center.
You will find an amazing collection of art, literature, and artifacts here that documents the life and history of Charles Clark and the entire family.
This is why Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Butte Montana for history buffs and architecture lovers.
Learning History at Mai Wah Museum Is One Of The Cool Things To Do In Butte
One of the best things to do in Butte MT is to visit the Mai Wah Museum.
The museum is located at West Mercury Street.
It aims to document and showcase the history, culture, and present conditions of the Asian community in the Rocky Mountains.
In the museum, you will find exhibits and displays with collections of artifacts that will showcase the lives of the ancient dwellers.
In fact, there are relics and newspapers displayed here that date back to 1897.
Have a Drink at Headframe Spirits
One of the best places to go in Butte, Headframe Spirits is a locally owned micro-distillery.
They prepare amazing quality spirits and manufacturing equipment for other distilleries.
If you are an alcohol connoisseur, then one of the top things to do in Butte is to visit this distillery.
You can try their small-batch spirits such as gin, vodka, whiskey, and more.
Take a guided tour of this distillery where you will learn more about the distillation process used here.
That’s not all, you will also be given samples of the spirits produced during the week here.
So, if you are curious about the workings of the micro-distilleries or wish to enjoy a glass of high-quality spirit in Butte, then this is the place to visit.
Attend a Local Festival
One of the best things about this city is that there are a lot of festivals and events in Butte MT.
These are held throughout the year and anyone can participate in them.
Most of the Butte events celebrate the city’s rich Irish heritage and are absolutely fun to attend.
St. Patrick’s Day parade in March is a must-visit if you want to enjoy the performance of the kilt-wearing bagpipers here.
Another great event in Butte that you cannot miss out on is the Montana Folk Festival. It is held outdoors in July and is perfect for the entire family.
There are many winter festivals as well which give you a chance to enjoy skiing, snow sculpting, fat biking, and more.
There is no shortage of fun festivals and events in Butte Montana.
So, make sure to plan your trip accordingly to this charming city in Montana.
Dumas Brothel Museum
Another unique thing to see in Butte is the Dumas Brothel Museum.
The museum focuses on life at Dumas Brothel during the copper mining era.
This attraction in Butte was established by the French Canadian brothers, Joseph and Arthur Nadeau, in 1890.
It is the only surviving, three-story Victorian brothel in the country presently.
The brothel was named after Joseph’s wife and was one of the most popular establishments among the Butte copper miners.
It operated until 1982 after which it shut down because prostitution was banned.
Presently, the brothel is a museum where visitors can enjoy guided tours.
Plan a Trip to Lewis and Clark Cavern State Park
Of course, one of the top things to do in Montana is to visit the Lewis and Clark Cavern State Park. It is a 45-minute drive from Butte MT.
This is one of the best state parks in Montana where you will find many natural resources.
Plus, they have over 30 miles of multi-use trails as well.
However, the main highlight of this park is the underground caverns which are filled with limestone deposits.
Visitors can take guided tours of these caves between May and September. You will be taken inside these underground caves to learn more about the resources found here.
You can also go hiking around the park or camp at one of the 40 campsites available here.
There are camping sites for both tents and RVs in this state park.
If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Butte MT, then visit the Lewis and Clark State Park.
Packing List When Searching For Things To Do In Butte MT
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Montana, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for Butte activities.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during Montana attractions.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc… No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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If you have not yet added Butte Montana to your travel bucket list, now is the time!
Butte MT truly holds something for everyone no matter your interests!
Trails, museums, shopping opportunities, and more activities in Butte are waiting for you to enjoy!
There are also many great events in Butte Montana to check out!
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