Butte, Montana: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Near This Mining City

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10 Unforgettable Things To Do In And Around Butte, Montana

If you’re planning a Montana road trip, Butte in Silver Bow County deserves a spot on your list. This historic mining town sits right along I‑90 and I‑15, so it’s an easy stop whether you’re driving from Yellowstone, Glacier, or just crossing the state. Butte is one of those places that quietly surprises you. At first glance, you see old brick buildings and mine headframes on the hills. But spend a day or two, and suddenly you’re walking through underground tunnels, soaking in hot springs, and staring into one of the biggest open-pit mines in the world. Below are 10 memorable things to do in and near Butte, Montana that give you a real taste of this unique corner of the state.

1. Take the Underground City Tour in Historic Uptown Butte

If you do only one thing in Butte, make it an underground tour. Guides in Uptown Butte take you beneath the sidewalks and into old speakeasies, shops, and tunnels from the town’s wild mining days. You’ll hear stories about Prohibition, copper kings, and the rough‑and‑tumble life of miners who came from all over the world.
  • Tours usually last about 1.5–2 hours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket—underground stays cool.
  • Kids and history buffs tend to love it.
It feels a bit like stepping into a movie set…except this one is real, dusty, and full of stories you probably didn’t learn in school.

2. Stare Into the Berkeley Pit (The Giant Copper Hole)

A short drive from Uptown Butte, you’ll find the Berkeley Pit, a former open‑pit copper mine that’s nearly a mile long and over 1,700 feet deep. Today, it’s filled with water that’s turned an eerie shade of reddish‑brown from the minerals. You can walk to a viewing platform, read the story of the pit, and look down into this massive scar in the earth. Is it beautiful? In a strange way, yes. Is it haunting? Absolutely. It’s one of the most unique—and honestly, unforgettable—stops in Montana. It also helps you understand just how big the mining industry was in Butte.

3. Explore Uptown Butte’s Historic Streets and Murals

Unlike many old mining towns, Uptown Butte still feels very real and lived‑in. It’s packed with brick buildings, neon signs, and narrow streets that climb the hillside. Take a slow walk (or short drive) around:
  • Historic storefronts with local shops, bookstores, and cafés.
  • Colorful murals that tell pieces of Butte’s story.
  • Old headframes (the tall metal structures over mine shafts) dotting the hillsides.
Grab a coffee, wander around, and imagine what it must have looked like in the early 1900s when Butte was one of the biggest and busiest cities in the American West.

4. Soak in Natural Hot Springs Near Butte

After a day of walking hills and touring mines, nothing beats a long soak in Montana hot springs. There are several hot springs within an easy drive of Butte (often under an hour). Many offer:
  • Large soaking pools with naturally heated mineral water.
  • Indoor and outdoor options, depending on the season.
  • On‑site lodging and restaurants for a quick overnight escape.
Sitting in hot water on a snowy evening—or after a long day on the road—feels like hitting a reset button for your body. If you’re building a Montana road trip itinerary, pairing Butte with a hot springs stop is a smart move.

5. Visit the World Museum of Mining

Just a few minutes from Uptown, the World Museum of Mining is built right on the site of the Orphan Girl Mine. It combines an outdoor historic town with real mining exhibits and, in some seasons, underground mine tours. Here’s what you can expect:
  • A recreated 1890s mining camp “town” you can walk through.
  • Mine equipment, headframes, and detailed displays explaining how mining actually worked.
  • Stories of the people—immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Finland, and beyond—who built Butte.
Even if you don’t usually love museums, this one feels more like walking through history than staring at glass cases.

6. Drive Up to the Our Lady of the Rockies Statue

High above Butte, on the Continental Divide, stands a 90‑foot statue called Our Lady of the Rockies. She’s visible from the highway, but the real reward comes if you get up close. Depending on the season and schedules, tours may be available to take you up the mountain by bus or shuttle. When you reach the top, you’re treated to:
  • Wide‑open views across Butte and Silver Bow County.
  • A closer look at the massive white statue that watches over the valley.
  • Cooler air and a peaceful, almost quiet-on-the-moon feeling.
Even if you don’t go all the way up, spotting the statue from the valley and learning why it was built adds another layer to Butte’s story.

7. Hike or Bike the Trails Around Butte on the Continental Divide

If you like getting outside, the hills around Butte offer miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The town sits right along the Continental Divide, so you’re never far from a good view. Depending on your comfort level, you can find:
  • Short, easy walks close to town.
  • Longer day hikes with bigger climbs and sweeping views.
  • Singletrack trails popular with local mountain bikers.
Bring layers—the weather can change quickly at higher elevations—and plenty of water. The reward? Big skies, cool breezes, and a reminder that Montana is still wonderfully wild.

8. Tour the Copper King Mansion and Other Historic Homes

Butte once had millionaires known as the “copper kings,” and they built homes to match their wealth. One of the most famous is the Copper King Mansion, a large Victorian house you can tour. Inside, you’ll see:
  • Ornate woodwork and stained glass.
  • Old‑fashioned bedrooms and parlors.
  • Period furniture that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back 100 years.
Exploring these homes gives you a good sense of the extremes in Butte’s history—huge wealth on one side, and tough, dangerous mining work on the other.

9. Discover Butte’s Food, Festivals, and Local Flavor

For a relatively small city, Butte has a big personality—and that shows up in its food and events. Things to look out for:
  • Irish influence: Butte has deep Irish roots, and you’ll see that in pubs, events, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
  • Hearty comfort food: Think stews, pasties (hand pies filled with meat and potatoes), and classic diner fare.
  • Local bars and live music: Many places in Uptown and Downtown have that “everyone knows everyone” kind of feel.
Travel tip: Ask a local where they’d go for a good burger or pasty. In towns like this, word‑of‑mouth is usually better than any guidebook.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Silver Bow County

When you’re done exploring the center of Butte, it’s worth taking a short scenic drive around Silver Bow County. Within 30–60 minutes of town, you can find:
  • Quiet backroads with rolling hills and mountain views.
  • Old mine sites and ghost‑town‑style remains.
  • Turnouts perfect for quick photo stops or picnic lunches.
There’s something special about driving out of town in the late afternoon, watching the sun slide behind the mountains, and knowing the same roads once carried wagons, miners, and early homesteaders.

Tips for Planning Your Butte, Montana Visit

To make your trip smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers milder weather and more open attractions.
  • Getting there: Butte sits at the junction of I‑90 and I‑15, making it an easy stop between Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, or Dillon.
  • How long to stay: You can see the highlights in 1–2 days, but history fans and outdoor lovers could easily stretch it to 3–4.
Butte is a perfect add‑on to a bigger Montana vacation, especially if you’re looking for places that feel authentic, not overly polished.

Ready to Explore Butte?

Butte, Montana isn’t a glossy resort town—and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. It’s raw, historic, and full of character, with plenty of things to do for history lovers, road‑trippers, and anyone curious about the real American West. Have you been to Butte or planning a trip soon? Share your favorite spots, questions, or trip ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re most excited to see. And if you know someone mapping out a Montana road trip, send them this guide to help them discover all the things to do in and around Butte, Montana!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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