Butte North DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Butte, North Dakota.
1. White Butte
HIGHEST POINT IN ND
White Butte stands as the highest point in North Dakota at an elevation of 3506 feet above sea level. Visitors can follow a trail at the south side of the parking area that leads 3/4 of a mile to the top of the butte. From the summit, travelers are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the High Plains.
2. Old Post Office
HISTORIC SOD BUILDING
The Old Post Office in Grassy Butte is a unique historic site built in the early 1910s. This remarkable sod building served as the post office for approximately 50 years. History enthusiasts find the well-preserved structure worth visiting on its own merits.
3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
SCENIC BADLANDS WILDERNESS
Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the rugged landscape and wilderness that captivated President Roosevelt during his time in North Dakota. The park features colorful Badlands formations, abundant wildlife including bison and wild horses, and miles of hiking trails. Visitors can explore both the North and South Units, each offering distinct perspectives on this dramatic landscape.
4. Enchanted Highway
GIANT METAL SCULPTURES
The Enchanted Highway features a collection of the world's largest scrap metal sculptures spread along a 30-mile stretch between Gladstone and Regent. All sculptures were created by local artist Gary Greff to revitalize his hometown of Regent. The 'Geese in Flight' sculpture at the Interstate 94 entrance was certified by Guinness as the World's Largest Outdoor Sculpture.
5. Roosevelt Park Zoo
HISTORIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Roosevelt Park Zoo in the 'Magic City' of Minot is North Dakota's oldest zoo, hosting a diverse collection of animals from around the world. The zoo features several specialized habitats including big cats, primates, and an aviary. Families appreciate the educational programming and the chance to see exotic wildlife in North Dakota.
6. Dakota Territory Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY CENTER
The Dakota Territory Air Museum showcases North Dakota's rich aviation heritage through an impressive collection of historic aircraft and memorabilia. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring military and civilian aircraft spanning different eras. The museum also hosts special events and educational programs celebrating flight and its importance to the region.
7. Magic City Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING SPACE
Magic City Discovery Center offers hands-on educational experiences for children and families in Minot. This interactive museum features exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Young visitors enjoy the playful learning environments that make education an adventure.
8. World Museum of Mining
UNDERGROUND MINING HISTORY
The World Museum of Mining preserves the rich mining heritage of Butte and the surrounding region. Visitors can tour an actual underground mine and explore over 50 exhibit buildings in the recreated mining town known as Hell Roarin' Gulch. The museum's collection includes thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of hardrock mining and immigrant life in this once-booming area.
9. Berkeley Pit Observation Deck
FORMER OPEN PIT MINE
The Berkeley Pit Observation Deck offers visitors a view of one of America's largest Superfund sites, a massive former open-pit copper mine. This mile-wide pit filled with acidic water stands as a stark reminder of Butte's mining past and environmental challenges. Visitors can learn about the history of the mine and ongoing reclamation efforts through informational displays at the observation area.
10. Mineral Museum
GEOLOGICAL WONDER COLLECTION
The Mineral Museum at Montana Tech houses an impressive collection of over 1,500 mineral specimens from Montana and around the world. Visitors can marvel at spectacular crystals, gemstones, and fossils, including some rare and unique specimens. The museum provides educational exhibits explaining the geological processes that created these natural treasures and their significance to science and industry.
11. Butte Trolley Tours
HISTORIC NARRATED EXCURSIONS
Butte Trolley Tours offers narrated journeys through the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. These guided excursions provide visitors with fascinating stories about Butte's copper mining heyday, colorful characters, and architectural treasures. The trolley makes stops at key historic sites, allowing passengers to see the city's mining headframes, Victorian mansions, and historic neighborhoods from a unique perspective.
12. W.A. Clark Mansion
COPPER KING'S PALACE
The W.A. Clark Mansion, also known as the Copper King Mansion, stands as an opulent testament to the wealth generated during Butte's mining boom. Built between 1884-1888 for copper magnate William Andrews Clark, this 34-room Victorian masterpiece features hand-carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and period furnishings. Today, the mansion operates as both a bed and breakfast and a museum offering daily tours that showcase the lavish lifestyle of one of America's wealthiest industrialists.
13. Charles W. Clark Mansion
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Charles W. Clark Mansion represents one of Butte's finest examples of Queen Anne architecture, built for the son of copper magnate W.A. Clark. This historic home features exquisite craftsmanship with detailed woodwork, period furnishings, and authentic décor from the early 20th century. Visitors can experience the elegance of Butte's prosperous past through guided tours of this beautifully preserved residence.
14. Anaconda Smelter Smokestack
TOWERING INDUSTRIAL MONUMENT
The Anaconda Smelter Smokestack stands as the tallest free-standing masonry structure in the world at 585 feet tall. This impressive brick chimney was part of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company's smelter operation that processed ore from nearby Butte mines. Now preserved as part of the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park, this industrial monument offers visitors a glimpse into the scale of copper production that once dominated the region's economy.
15. Our Lady of the Rockies
MOUNTAINTOP MADONNA STATUE
Our Lady of the Rockies is a 90-foot statue of the Virgin Mary that stands atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte. Completed in 1985 after six years of volunteer labor, this illuminated white monument was built as a tribute to women everywhere, particularly mothers. Visitors can take guided bus tours up the mountain during summer months to see the statue up close and enjoy panoramic views of Butte and the surrounding mountains.