Most Montanans Have Never Heard Of This Fascinating Mining Museum

We've got some pretty impressive museums here in Montana, including the world famous Museum of the Rockies. But unless you've spent a lot of time in Butte, you may not have heard of the World Museum of Mining, which is one of the few museums in the world located on an actual mine yard.

The World Museum of Mining is located at 155 Museum Way in Butte.

The museum was founded in 1963 when the close of Butte’s mining heyday was less than two decades away.

Butte once had the reputation of being home to one of the world’s most productive copper mines of all time.

In fact, Butte was once known as the Richest Hill on Earth.

The museum is almost entirely outdoors, so it's only open from April-October.

During that season, it's open Monday-Saturday from 9-6, and on Sundays from 10-6.

The museum is located at the site of the old Orphan Girl Mine, which you can still tour.

The 65 foot tour provides a glimpse into the world of mining underground, and it just might be the most realistic tour you’ll ever experience.

But even if you don't want to go underground, there are plenty of exhibits to explore.

There's an entire re-creation of an 1890s mining town, complete with 15 intact historic structures and approximately 35 buildings constructed from old materials.

The town includes several buildings that were brought in as complete, original, historic structures, including two churches, the school house, and a bank.

Strolling through the property feels like going back in time.

This museum is an amazing piece of our local history.

It's incredibly well cared for and well-preserved.

Have you explored Montana's museums? Admission is free at this art museum.