10 Easy Road Trips From Butte, Montana: Iconic Things To Do Nearby (Outside Silver Bow County)
If you’re based in Butte, Montana and feel that itch to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or two, you’ve got mountains, ghost towns, hot springs, and classic small Western towns waiting in the surrounding counties.
This guide covers
10 short out-of-county road trips from Butte, all in neighboring Montana counties: Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, and Madison. Every spot is
outside Silver Bow County, so you can really feel like you’ve “hit the road” without needing a long vacation.
1. Bannack State Park & Ghost Town (Beaverhead County)
Bannack sits in Beaverhead County and is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West. It was once a booming gold camp; today it’s a quiet, eerie, and beautiful place to walk around.
Why go:
You can wander through more than 50 standing buildings, step inside old homes and storefronts, and imagine the sound of boots on wooden sidewalks. It feels like walking onto a movie set, only it’s the real deal.
What to do:
- Stroll the historic main street and peek into the old schoolhouse and hotel.
- Take a self-guided tour (or join a ranger program in summer).
- Go wildlife spotting along Grasshopper Creek.
It’s an easy day trip that offers a true “Old West” vibe without the crowds.
2. Dillon: Small-Town Vibes & Beaverhead River (Beaverhead County)
Head down to Dillon and you’ll find a relaxed college-and-ranch town nestled by the Beaverhead River. It’s bigger than a lot of Montana towns but still has that easygoing pace.
Why go:
Dillon makes a great base for fishing, floating, or just grabbing a burger and wandering around a friendly downtown.
What to do:
- Fish or float the Beaverhead River—one of Montana’s respected trout streams.
- Check out local shops and cafés around the main streets.
- Visit the Beaverhead County Museum to learn about local ranching and railroad history.
If you’ve got a fly rod in the car, Dillon is an obvious choice.
3. Clark Canyon Reservoir: Wide-Open Water & Big Sky (Beaverhead County)
About 20–25 miles south of Dillon, Clark Canyon Reservoir is where big water meets big sky. On a calm evening, the reflections of the clouds on the lake are hard to beat.
Why go:
When summer heats up in Butte, this is a great place to cool off, spread a blanket, and just watch the light change over the water.
What to do:
- Try shore fishing or put in a boat for trout.
- Enjoy a lakeside picnic—bring a cooler and camp chairs.
- Look for birds and antelope on the nearby hills.
It’s one of those spots where you can do a lot—or absolutely nothing at all.
4. Georgetown Lake: High-Mountain Escape (Deer Lodge County & Granite County)
Georgetown Lake lies west of Deer Lodge, up in the mountains. It’s a high-elevation lake ringed by forests and mountain views.
Why go:
In summer, it feels like a cool mountain escape. In winter, it turns into a snow-globe scene with ice fishing and nearby skiing.
What to do:
- Boating and paddleboarding on calm days.
- Fishing for trout—people come from all over for this lake.
- Short walks along the shore with wide-open views toward the Pintler Mountains.
If you like lakes that actually feel like you’re “in the mountains,” this is your spot.
5. Deer Lodge: Old Montana Prison & Classic Main Street (Deer Lodge County)
Deer Lodge is a compact town with some surprisingly big-time attractions, especially if you’re into history and old cars.
Why go:
The
Old Montana Prison Complex is the main draw, and it’s one of the more unique places you can explore within a short drive of Butte.
What to do:
- Tour the Old Montana Prison—walk through cell blocks and prison yards.
- Visit the nearby car museum, with rows of classic and vintage vehicles.
- Stroll main street and grab a bite at a local diner.
Walking through those thick prison walls really makes you feel the history—not always comfortable, but definitely memorable.
6. Boulder: Small Town, Big Hot Springs Energy (Jefferson County)
Boulder, up in Jefferson County, has that quiet small-town Montana feel, along with access to hot springs and mountain scenery.
Why go:
It’s a peaceful place for a slow day: a drive, a soak, and maybe a walk along the edge of town or into the nearby hills.
What to do:
- Plan a soak at a hot spring in the Boulder area (check local options and hours before you go).
- Walk around town and check out historic buildings and murals.
- Use Boulder as a launch point for scenic drives deeper into Jefferson County.
If you want to feel like time has slowed down a notch, Boulder delivers.
7. Elkhorn Mountains Backroads & Ghost Town Area (Jefferson County)
The Elkhorn Mountains, just east of Boulder, offer rugged backroads, mining history, and mountain views. The region includes scattered old sites and trailheads tucked into the forest.
Why go:
It’s a great “wander and explore” kind of outing—especially if you like unpaved roads and forgotten corners of Montana.
What to do:
- Take a scenic drive into the Elkhorn Mountains on gravel and dirt roads—go slow and watch conditions.
- Look for old mining relics and historic structures in the hills.
- Bring a lunch and enjoy a simple picnic with a panoramic view.
Check road and weather conditions before you head in, and keep extra water, just in case.
8. Virginia City: Living Ghost Town Charm (Madison County)
Virginia City, in Madison County, is one of Montana’s most famous historic towns. It’s lively in summer, with people walking along wooden sidewalks and poking into old-time storefronts.
Why go:
It combines a ghost-town feel with modern fun. You get history, ice cream, and often some live entertainment, all in one place.
What to do:
- Walk the main street and browse historic shops and exhibits.
- Hop on a small local tour or train ride if it’s running.
- Catch a show or performance during peak summer months.
If you’re looking for a classic “Montana road trip” feel, Virginia City checks all the boxes.
9. Nevada City: Open-Air History Museum Next Door (Madison County)
Just a mile or so from Virginia City, Nevada City feels more like an open-air history museum. Dozens of old buildings from around Montana have been moved here and restored.
Why go:
It’s a deeper dive into 1800s life. If you enjoy old cabins, barns, and blacksmith shops, you’ll love it here.
What to do:
- Wander through the collection of historic buildings and outbuildings.
- Check out period displays and interpretive signs.
- Pair it with Virginia City for a full day of gold-rush history.
Visiting both towns in one trip makes for a full, satisfying day from Butte.
10. Ennis & the Madison River Valley: Trout Town USA (Madison County)
Ennis sits along the Madison River and proudly leans into its fishing reputation. Even if you don’t fish, the valley itself is stunning—broad, open country with mountains rising on both sides.
Why go:
Between the scenery, the river, and the laid-back town, Ennis offers a classic Montana day trip.
What to do:
- Fish or float the Madison River, with local outfitters available if you need help.
- Walk through town, checking out fly shops, bars, and cafés.
- Take a scenic drive further up or down the valley for endless mountain views.
If your idea of a perfect day is river time followed by a burger and a cold drink, Ennis is made for you.
Tips for Planning Your Butte Road Trips
A few simple tips can turn a quick drive into a smooth adventure:
- Check the weather: Montana can flip from sunshine to storms in the same afternoon.
- Fuel up in Butte: Some of these areas have long stretches with no gas stations.
- Carry layers: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can get chilly.
- Bring snacks and water: Options can be limited once you leave town.
I like to keep a small “road trip bag” ready with a map, sunscreen, bug spray, a light jacket, and a couple of granola bars. It sounds basic, but it saves time every single trip.
Ready to Hit the Road From Butte?
Living in or visiting Butte, Montana means you’re surrounded by easy day-trip options. From
ghost towns and hot springs to
trout rivers and mountain lakes, these nearby counties—Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, and Madison—offer something for every kind of traveler.
- Want history? Try Bannack, Deer Lodge, Virginia City, and Nevada City.
- Want water? Aim for Clark Canyon Reservoir, the Beaverhead River, Georgetown Lake, or the Madison River.
- Want quiet backroads? The Elkhorn Mountains and Boulder area will treat you well.
Have you done any of these road trips from Butte?
Which one are you planning next?
Share this post with a friend who’s always saying, “We should go for a drive sometime,” and drop your favorite out-of-county spots in the comments. Your tips can help other travelers discover new adventures just outside Butte, Montana.
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