Welcome to Butte, Montana — one of the most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities in the American West. Once known as “The Richest Hill on Earth,” Butte boomed in the late 1800s as a global copper mining powerhouse, and its legacy lives on in the city’s grand architecture, underground tunnels, and iconic Berkeley Pit. Visitors can explore this fascinating past through immersive experiences at various museums, or by taking a trolley tour through the historic Uptown district. Butte’s lively personality shines through in its festivals, including the Montana Folk Festival, one of the largest free music events in the Northwest, and the rowdy, one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day celebration, rooted in the city’s proud Irish heritage. With its mix of heritage, hospitality, and a backdrop of sweeping mountain views, Butte is a place where history and celebration go hand in hand.

Distance and Estimated Time from Helena:
68 Miles
1 hr
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Shops and attractions worth stopping into when visiting Butte:

World Museum of Mining
An immersive experience atop the historic Orphan Girl Mine. Explore a recreated 1890s mining town and descend 100 feet underground into one of North America’s only exposed mining veins.

Mai Wah Museum
Focuses on the history and culture of Asian people in the Rocky Mountain West.

Our Lady of the Rockies Tour
Witness the towering 90-foot statue and explore the serene chapel, visitor center, and sweeping mountain views along an unforgettable mountaintop pilgrimage.

Copper King Mansion
A 34-room Victorian residence built from 1884 to 1888, featuring fresco painted ceilings and rare imported woodwork.

Historic Clark Chateau Museum and Gallery
A historic building featuring public programming, exhibits, and event rentals.

Mother Lode Theatre
Built in 1923 and now serves as a venue for concerts, symphonies, and community events.

Piccadilly Museum of Transportation & Advertising Art
Features unique transportation-related advertising items, including old cars and signs.

Granite Mountain Memorial
Memorial for the 168 miners who lost their lives in the largest hard rock mining disaster of all time.

Montana Tech Mineral Museum
Displays minerals from Montana and around the world, including a live seismograph exhibit.

Soho Asian Cuisine
Unique and flavorful chinese dishes, from classic favorites to more adventurous options.

Casagranda’s Steakhouse
From mouthwatering steaks, to fresh sushi, this family-owned restaurant will leave you satisfied.

Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Irish Pub
Dig into a rich shepherd’s pie, savor a juicy burger, or raise a glass of Guinness in good company.

M&M Bar & Café
A historic classic—serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and a full bar in a building that’s been a local gathering place since 1890.

Headframe Spirits
Forging the future for micro-distilleries through innovation and design with a new way to make hooch through state-of-the-art stills.

Isle of Books
A cozy independent bookstore housed in a vintage building, offering over 40,000 new and used titles.