Are you a history buff who likes exploring overlooked bits of history? Check out Butte's World Museum of Mining, a cool museum in Montana. This fascinating spot is dedicated to preserving the history of mining in the Butte area, but its immersive elements create an experience like no other in the state.

When it first debuted in 1963, Butte was only two decades from its mining boom. For years, this community was home to one of the world's most productive copper mines, facilitating the area's rapid development into one of Montana's most charming towns.

Interestingly, the World Museum of Mining is one of the only museums actually located in a former mine yard. The choice to build the museum here creates an unparalleled experience for visitors who are immediately immersed in the state's ongoing story of mining.

Once called Orphan Girl Mine, today, no hard hats are required to peruse the museum's 50 exhibit buildings. I recommend visiting the Mineral & Rock Room, populated with fascinating specimens collected by Butte native Roy Garrett, who worked at the Orphan Girl Mine for almost four decades.

Kids will love Hell Roarin' Gulch, a faithfully reconstructed 1890s mine town fashioned on-site from the 15 or so structures that remained standing when the museum project began. In the 60s and 80s, volunteers added more buildings, creating a true-to-life example of what town life looked and felt like when mining was Butte's lifeblood.

If that attention to detail wasn't enough, guests are welcome to visit these buildings. The museum has furnished each interior with period-appropriate items that reflect the basic services available in a small 1800s mining town. A schoolhouse, superintendent's house, churches, and more all make for a fascinating walk-through.

However, it's impossible to forget that much of mining town life occurred underground. I recommend reserving a tour of Orphan Girl's original mineral vein if you've got the gumption. With a knowledgeable guide, you and others will walk over 100 feet underground to experience mine conditions yourself. The World Museum of Mining is one of the few mining museums in the world to offer a tour like this, and it provides an incredible glimpse into what life was like for the mine's workers.

The World of Mining Museum does an incredible job of breathing life into the past, a heritage of hard and often punishing work that helped build the Butte community. Learning about this history is an excellent way of honoring that work and helping young and old Montanans appreciate our state's vibrant heritage.

Whether you're local to Butte or visiting from out of town, I recommend visiting this cool museum in Montana that preserves the community's history of mining.