The Top 5 Lesser-Known and Interesting Activities Around Butte

BUTTE, MT - Have you experienced everything Butte and the surrounding area has to offer?

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You probably hear it all the time from friends, family, and people who've lived here for a while, all saying the same thing: "There's nothing to do in Butte besides drink and gamble!" I've addressed this before and specifically (and respectfully) called out those who feel there are no activities for them and their family. Lucky for you, I've compiled five of the best lesser-known and hidden activities for you and your family to do next weekend. Or, heck, during the week. I'm not here to judge.

Let's take a look at the Top 5 Lesser-Known and Interesting Activities to do around Butte.

The Silver Bow Twin Drive In

Where: 10 minutes West of Butte proper (Google Maps)

What it is: Remember the glory days of being able to drive up to a drive-in theater, seeing everyone running around on a warm summer night, and enjoying your snacks and the company you brought as you all watch a new movie? This is like that. Actually, it's exactly like that: a drive in theater showing new releases all for an affordable price. Bring the kids, the friends, grandma, whoever!

More info here.

Gunslinger Gulch

Where: 10 minutes outside Anaconda, 40 outside Butte (Google Maps)

What it is: Have you ever wanted to sleep inside an old-timey jail house? Or an old log cabin? Maybe even a brothel? That's right, at Gunslinger Gulch, an old Montana ghost town, you have the opportunity to stay in some of the old ghost town buildings—all adapted with modern amenities. Don't feel like staying the night? Drop by for a day trip and experience the what the entire ghost town has to offer, including the spooky ghost legends.

More info here.

Crystal Park

Where: 1 hr 45 min from Butte (Google Maps)

What it is: Crystal Park is a huge campground and provides plenty of space for you and your family to have fun with outdoor recreation, such as hiking, 4-wheeling, or even mining. That's right, Crystal Park is aptly named: it is one of the best spots for digging for crystals and other hidden trinkets. I heard a story of someone getting lucky and finding a Montana sapphire, then using it for their engagement ring! Too fun.

More info here.

Bannack, Montana

Where: 1 hr 25 mins South of Butte (Google Maps)

What it is: One of the more lowkey ghost towns in Montana, this one is also one of the best preserved and most fascinating. The town was built over 150 years ago as it was one of the first locations in Montana where gold was discovered. This place is perfect to walk around for the day (or the night, if you have the willpower) and experience what old-style living was really like.

More info here.

Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery

Where: Uptown Butte; 321 W Broadway St, Butte, MT 59701 (Google Maps)

What it is: The Clark Chateau is one of the coolest and most fascinating buildings in Montana—and perhaps even the U.S. The building is remarkably preserved and features tons of information about Butte's mining history, while encompassing the architectural taste of that era. A perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family, the tours are informative and affordable.

More info here.