Butte lies between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, in the Rocky Mountains of Southwest Montana. A small town with a lot to offer, the Butte is bordered by trailheads boasting exquisite views of the surrounding landscape.
A rich mining history has shaped much of Butte’s past and also what the city has become today. Thanks to the copper deposits around Butte Hill, Butte was once known as “the richest hill on earth.” Visitors can witness the remains of several historic sites in town, including mining infrastructure and Victorian mansions.
Outside the perimeters of the city, a world of fun and adventure awaits. Several outdoor activities are available in the mountains, including snow sports, horseback rides, natural hot springs, ranch vacations, and of course, fishing.
A variety of festivals and annual events are held in Butte throughout the seasons, and the locals welcome visitors with friendliness and hospitality as they share what makes their town unique.
Whether you’re a history fan or an outdoors enthusiast, this historic mining town is worth visiting during any Montana vacation. What better way to experience the city than staying at one of the many bed and breakfasts in Butte, Montana?
Travel Tips for Staying in Butte
Like several other towns in Montana with a rich mining legacy, Butte has seen a steep decline in its population over the years, rather than an increase. The population sat at around 100,000 people in the early 1920s, but following the bust, the population of Silver Bow County has since dropped to around 34,000 people.
The nearest airport to Butte is the Bert Mooney Airport, which is served by Delta, United, Alaska, and American Airlines. There are car rental services at the airport, and the ride to the Uptown Butte Historic District is only around 20 minutes away.
Butte is located at the intersection of Interstate 15 and Interstate 90, and either highway can be used to drive into town. The Montana Highway 2/Old US Highway 10, which you can access via Interstate 90, is an alternative route into Butte that offers scenic views that pass through Philipsburg and Anaconda.
You can also travel to Butte via bus, with a service running between Butte and Salt Lake City, Utah via the Salt Lake Express. Intercity buses in Butte arrive and depart from the Butte Bus Transfer Station, which also provides access to the Butte Bus public transit service.
The closest train stop to Butte is in Whitefish along Amtrak’s Empire Builder route, approximately four hours away. Generally, most visitors find it easier to either drive or fly into town.
Summers in Butte are short and mild, taking place over the peak travel season from June through August. Though traveling during this time increases your chances of enjoying the sunny weather, traveling in the slower months, from April through mid-June and September through mid-October, will likely result in fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Butte is worth visiting simply because it’s recognized as a National Historic Landmark—an accolade that only one other city (Lowell, MA) can claim. There are more than 4,000 historic buildings to explore, including old mining rigs.
The Copper King Mansion is one of the finest examples of grand historic architecture to behold in Butte, boasting 34 ornately decorated rooms that will make visitors feel like they’ve traveled back in time. Guests can explore the lavish grand ballroom, billiard room, and library, and they can even spend the night in the mansion’s bed and breakfast area.
You can discover much about Butte’s fascinating history by simply strolling through the districts. However, for more structured activity, you can also take a guided tour, and a selection of companies run in the area. One of the most popular tours is the Underground City Tour, which visits the eerie 1890 city cellar jail.
The World Museum of Mining is a must for history buffs. Chronicling the extensive history of Butte’s mining heritage, the museum also offers visitors the chance to descend 100 feet below ground and tour the retired Orphan Girl Mine.
Speaking of caves, the Lewis and Clark Caverns are only 45 minutes from Butte. This state park features more than 30 miles of trails and a complex underground network of otherworldly caverns. The enthralling limestone caves are mentioned in Native American folklore and can be viewed via guided tours.
If you’d like a tour of the most renowned tourist attractions in town, book a Butte Trolley Tour, operated by the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce. Running for two hours, this tour stops at the most famous destinations in the city and offers informative and entertaining narration.
While exploring the town, you won’t be able to miss Our Lady of the Rockies, a 90-foot statue perched at the top of the Eastern Ridge. You can get closer to the statue of Mary, which is now a nationally recognized symbol for all women, and enjoy sublime views of the valley by taking a bus to the top of the mountain.
If you’re feeling thirsty during your trip to Butte, there are a few top-notch distilleries and microbreweries to visit around town. The Butte Brewing Company and Quarry Brewing offer unique selections of local beer, while Headframe Spirits is one of the most celebrated distilleries in Montana.
Butte comes alive at different points throughout the year with annual festivals and celebrations, including a Chinese New Year’s Parade, St. Patrick’s Day, the Butte Freedom Festival, and the Montana Folk Festival.
If you can’t time your visit with one of these special events, you can catch more frequent happenings, such as the Butte Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday in summer from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Top Bed and Breakfasts In Butte
- Hodgens Ryan Mansion
- Toad Hall Manor
- Grasshopper Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Hickory House Inn
- Fish Creek House Bed & Breakfast
- Copper King Mansion Bed & Breakfast
1. Hodgens Ryan Mansion – Butte – $-$$
Hodgens Ryan Mansion operates both as a bed and breakfast and extended stay lodging. Here, guests will find a preserved slice of Butte’s fascinating past in the lavish grand staircase, restored hardwood floors, and original lead glass. Conveniently located in the heart of Butte’s historic district, the mansion was initially built in 1899.
There are nine rooms available at the mansion, each with its own unique ambiance and trimmings. Rates vary from $69 per night to $169 per night, and there are also options to book for a week or a month at a time.
A fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining room are accessible to every guest, and there’s also a communal living room and sitting areas.
Though a stay at Hodgens Ryan Mansion will make you feel like you’ve landed in another time, there are still modern creature comforts and amenities, including televisions with direct satellite, an outdoor grill, and a coin-operated washer and dryer.
2. Toad Hall Manor – Butte – $$
Inspired by the classic children’s book The Wind in the Willows, Toad Hall Manor is a picturesque bed and breakfast located in Butte and serves as the ideal setting for a relaxing escape or a romantic weekend. There are four unique suites at the manor, all named after characters from the iconic book.
Hearty and gourmet breakfasts are served daily, and guests are welcome to enjoy these in their rooms or out on the patio. They’re also treated to a choice of complimentary beverages upon arrival. There’s a guest computer and high-speed wireless internet on the premises, and an off-site gym is also accessible for free.
Part of Toad Hall Manor’s charm is the pristine views of the Rocky Mountains and the Butte Country Club, which help visitors to feel a thousand miles away from civilization. (even though they’re only minutes from Butte’s bustling downtown).
3. Grasshopper Inn Bed & Breakfast – Polaris – $$
The Grasshopper Inn is the perfect base for an adventure in Southwest Montana. Whether you’re visiting the Elkhorn Mine, Bannack State Park, or Coolidge ghost town, the inn is a convenient accommodation option.
Nestled in Polaris, the inn is less than an hour away from Butte and offers breathtaking views of the western and eastern Pioneer mountains.
There’s a range of outdoor activities available just a stone’s throw from the inn, including hiking, fishing, bicycling, horseback riding, skiing, and ATV riding. However, with its quiet setting and peaceful atmosphere, the inn is also great for relaxing.
A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served daily, featuring a range of sweet and savory dishes, but the inn also provides options for travelers who don’t wish to have breakfast included in their stay.
4. Hickory House Inn – Anaconda – $$
Tucked away in Anaconda, just 20 minutes from the town of Butte, Hickory House Inn offers a unique accommodation experience with several amenities. The inn provides access to ziplining—a fun experience for the whole family under Montana’s Big Sky.
The inn features a quaint garden where guests can relax when they’re not sitting by the fireplace in the lobby. There’s also free Wi-Fi, free parking, and complimentary tea and coffee available, plus premium bedding and air conditioning.
Guests are served a free full breakfast every day and have access to housekeeping once per stay. The inn is also pet friendly and allows visitors to bring along their furry companions.
The convenient location of the inn means that some of Anaconda’s best points of interest, like the Copper Village Museum and Arts Center, and the Washoe Theater, are just minutes away.
5. Fish Creek House Bed & Breakfast – Silver Star – $$
Less than half an hour away from Butte is the Fish Creek House Bed & Breakfast, a charming home away from home that serves continental breakfast every day. Depending on the day, guests may be treated to pancakes, omelets, Montana granola, or homemade bread and jam.
The bed and breakfast boasts a terrace where guests can absorb views of the surrounding landscape, and there’s also a communal lounge on the premises where you can meet other travelers.
Free Wi-Fi is offered to every guest, along with a business center, ironing service, and free private parking. There are two themed rooms at the bed and breakfast, each with its own private bath.
The Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest is a short distance away, as are opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and skiing. Bozeman, Helena, and Dillon are all within driving distance from the remodeled inn.
6. Copper King Mansion Bed & Breakfast – Butte – $$$
Perhaps one of the most famous accommodation options in Butte, the Copper King Mansion doubles as a museum and historic landmark. The 34-room mansion was constructed in the late 19th century and still maintains its Victorian charm.
The house once belonged to William Andrews Clark, a mining speculator and railroad builder who was one of the wealthiest men in the world during his lifetime.
Guided tours, which delve into the history of Clark and his family, are available during the summer months, while the bed and breakfast service is open all year.
Breakfast is served in the main room every morning and there are four rooms available, all featuring statement period furniture and lead glass windows. Some rooms also boast a private bathroom and a spacious sitting room.
Conclusion
There’s a modest but satisfying selection of bed and breakfast-style accommodations in and around Butte. We’ve rounded up the best choice for every kind of traveler below:
List the Bed and Breakfast which is most suitable for…
- Best Luxury Bed and Breakfast in Butte: Copper King Mansion Bed & Breakfast
- Best Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Butte: Fish Creek House Bed & Breakfast
- Best Cheap Bed and Breakfast in Butte: Hodgens Ryan Mansion
- Best Family Bed and Breakfast in Butte: Hickory House Inn
- Best Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Butte: Toad Hall Manor