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Montana and Western History Itinerary

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From a base in Bozeman, it is also possible to spend an interesting weekend learning about Montana's wild and wonderful history. Start off in Bozeman with the area's prehistory, at the Museum of the Rockies, on Montana State University's campus. After you've seen the robotic re-creations and original fossils of some of Montana's dinosaurs, head out to the former "richest hill on earth," in Butte. This centerpiece of Montana's mining history is just a little over an hour west of Bozeman. Butte’s most-visited tourist attraction is Berkeley Pit, the mile-long, 1780-foot deep pit which is all that remains of the richest hill. This gash is reportedly one of two man-made features visible from the moon (the other is the Great Wall of China); but you can view it from earth this time, from the observation platform east of downtown Butte. Other sites of historical interest include the World Museum of Mining and 1899 Mining Camp, and the Copper King Mansion. Spend the night in one of the inexpensive chain hotels in Butte, dining at either Lydia's or the Uptown Cafe (see associated article on restaurants and activities).

On the morning of Day Two, finish anything you didn't get to in Butte, and then drive northeast to Helena (one hour from Butte). In Helena, visit the Montana Historical Society Museum, a delightfully ambitious collection with exhibits covering the last 12,000 years of Montana history. Pay special attention to the Native American History exhibits, and to the collection of art by the great Western artist Charles Russell: you are sure to learn something. After you've seen the display about (and the hide of) Big Medicine, a rare albino buffalo, take the Last Chance Tour Train from the museum to see Helena's most interesting sights, including the Capitol building, cathedral, and Last Chance Gulch. Before returning to Bozeman (two hours from Helena), drive seven miles north on Highway 279 and visit the Marysville Ghost Town. The Drumlummon mine here, after yielding $16 million worth of gold and silver, ran dry around the turn of the century; and former Marysville residents deserted their settlement, leaving behind the eerie and empty shells of stores, homes, and churches. Your brief but busy tour of Montana history is now complete!

Resources:

Northern Plains. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Exxon Mobil Travel Guide, 2006.

Olin, Susan. Glacier National Park. Guilford, CT: Insiders' Guide, 2005. Fourth edition.

Tirrell, Norma. Montana. Oakland, California: Compass American Guides, Inc., 1997.

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