Butte - one of the most intriguing cities in Montana

   
Butte, Montana gained its fame as the largest provider of copper in the world. Referred to as "The Richest Hill on Earth", Butte developed impressive mining and refining industries. Metal scaffolding and head frames still stand as proud reminders of this mining past, and they are also arresting local landmarks. These facilities once dropped the miners deep into the ground; they brought the rocks on their way back in boxes.    

The name of the city comes from the conical hill Big Butte, located in the northwest area of the community. Picturesquely situated in beautiful Southwest Montana, Butte has a solid artistic, cultural and historical background. Surrounded by a wreath of majestic mountain peaks, Butte is a wonderful point of departure for trout fishing, mountain hiking, hunting, skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, soaking in hot springs, and much, much more. Butte's art galleries showcase intriguing collections of paintings - prints by world and local artists are available, as well as framing and delivery. Butte's antique shops are charming and fun to explore. The historic shopping district of Butte is full of provocative stores, museums and fancy restaurants. Butte is the home to one of the biggest National Historic Landmark Districts, home to more than 4,000 historic edifices scattered throughout the Hill. Elegant mansions (for example the Copper King Mansion is acknowledged as a National Historic Place, a showcase for the lifestyle of the rich); Victorian-style buildings from the 20th century; old-fashioned hotels and miner's cottages are some of the unique residences that can be seen here. Arts Chateau, also included in the National Historic Register, is a host to many permanent and changing exhibitions and collections. The Mai Wah, located in the heart of Butte's Chinatown, display historical relics about the Chinese miners in the community. The most fascinating way to catch a glimpse of the colourful history of Butte is to take a tour on a trolley, a replica of the old cars that used to cross the city's streets.    

If you want to feel the historic atmosphere of the city, a stroll among the numerous historic buildings will take you back in time when millionaires and miners lived together. From a mining camp to one of the greatest cities in the West, the town has gone through an total transformation to become what it is now: a glamorous, fully appointed modern place that treasures its history.    

The cultural events happening annually in the city will enrich every visitor time here: the Farmers' Market (lasting from May to September), the Christmas Stroll and the Ice Sculpting Contest gather many guests from the region.