Overview

Unspoiled wilderness surrounds Butte, giving you the opportunity to explore the Big Sky country, marvel at spectacular views and enjoy this old mining town, in the past often called “the richest hill on earth.”

Location

Butte is located at the intersections of Interstates 90 and 15 in southwestern Montana.

Services/Amenities

Butte, Montana has everything you are looking for in delicious cuisine. Choose from traditional American fare, seafood, Chinese, Italian, Greek and much more. Stop into one of the sandwich shops, pizza places or delis for a great lunch.

You have a wide choice of lodging options in Butte, including hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns, guest ranches or vacation homes. All amenities have that special western elegance. If you decide to rough it a little, there are campgrounds where you can sleep out under the stars.

Activities

In this mountainous region you’ll find there’s plenty to do for anyone who loves outdoor adventure.

Fishing
Only 30 minutes away, the Big Hole River is a popular place to catch all kinds of trout, from brown and rainbow to cutthroat and brook. Other nearby rivers provide great fishing too, like the Madison and Missouri Rivers. At the Anaconda Settling Ponds you’ll find monster trout.

Hiking
Surrounded by so many mountain ranges, like the Pioneer, Tobacco Root, Boulder and Flint Creek Ranges, there are tons of trails that will take you into the backcountry of Montana. One great hike is to Curly Lake. This alpine lake sits at 8,800 feet and the 6-mile hike is of moderate difficulty.

Biking and Off-Road Vehicles
Enjoy the natural beauty of the area by biking on any of the numerous old forest roads. Wildlife is abundant and adds some thrills to a ride through the forested landscape. There are designated trails for off-road vehicles too.

Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is excellent at the Anaconda Settling Ponds. For big game, go to the Highland Mountains.

Attractions

The Berkeley Pit
This was the largest truck-operated open pit copper mine in the United States, but was eventually contaminated by mining residues. Despite the toxic waters of what is now a lake, this has become a popular tourist attraction.

Old Number One Trolley Tour
To discover all the hot spots in town, you can take a 1-½ hour trolley tour, which is also narrated. Learn all about Butte and the sights you should see more in depth.

The World Museum of Mining
Here you get some insight into the world of mining, with artifacts, machinery and artwork showing the harsh reality of this existence in the old days.

The Mining Memorial
Located in Uptown Butte, this memorial remembers the nation’s largest mining disaster, which took place here in 1917. It also provides a view of a number of abandoned mining rigs that still exist in Butte.

U.S. High Altitude Speed Skating Center
Visit this outdoor speed-skating rink, as it’s only one of three such rinks in the U.S.

Getting Here

To get to West Yellowstone from Butte, just get on I-15 north to I-90 East towards Billings. Take exit 256 and get onto MT 2 and come to US 287/MT 287. Follow that to US 191, which will take you right to West Yellowstone. This 150.8 mile trip will take you about 2-½ hours.