The ice is beginning to melt (or at least we hope so) and the grass is slowly starting to peep out from underneath the snow. With spring in full motion, we’re ready to head outside and take advantage of nature’s reset. Here are five things we can’t wait to try out this spring season in Butte, Montana.
Explore Butte’s Biking Trails
With over 10 trails spanning 3,792 miles, there’s no shortage of biking trails here in Butte, Montana. Biking through Butte is also a great way to explore the city’s rich history. Take a ride down the BA&P Hill Trail and catch a glimpse of Butte’s historic neighbourhoods, which was once nicknamed “The Richest Hill on Earth.” You can also ride along the Headwaters Trail System in Butte, which provides unmatched views of the mountains, grasslands, ponds, and surrounding nature. The trail is 12.8 miles long and feeds into the Great American Rail Trail, a 4,000 mile-long trail connecting Washington, D.C. and Washington state.
Hit the Hiking Trails
With the weather warming up, there’s no excuse not to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while exploring the beautiful landscape Butte has to offer. We suggest hitting the Maud S. Canyon Loop, which is a 4-mile hike right outside of Butte, Montana. You can expect this route to take around 2-2.5 hours in length, though it can be a bit challenging for some. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, we suggest trying the Big Butte Loop, which is a 1.4 mile-long hike and should take around 40 minutes to complete.
Visit Montana’s Hot Springs
The temperature is rising, but it’s still cool enough to crave a dip and relax a bit in one of Montana’s hot springs. While there are a few springs closer to Butte, like Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, there are plenty of hot springs scattered around Montana that make for the perfect weekend getaway, like the Quinn’s Hot Spring Resort or Chico’s Hot Springs. Luckily, most of the state’s hot springs are located at a resort, making it easy to book and enjoy. Montana’s hot springs also make it easy to partake in outdoor activities and hikes because of their natural locations.
Butte Breweries & Distilleries
If you’re looking for a brewery this spring to sip a cold beer in Butte, you have a few strong contenders to select from. As mentioned before, Butte is a city chock full of history. Butte Brewing has become a part of the city’s history since opening for the first time in 1875. Unfortunately, or perhaps, fortunately, the brewery shut down in the 1960s and reopened in 2015 to serve the people of Butte. The brewery is situated on the foothills of Butte’s copper mines and hosts an outdoor patio overlooking the city.
You can also head on over to Quarry Brewing, which is located in the basement of a building in Butte’s historic downtown district. As you descend step by step into Quarry Brewing, you’re reminded of Butte’s mining past. Quarry Brewing is known for its outdoor patio and mixing beers, which is oddly tasty and refreshing.
Lastly, take a seat and sip the spirit of your choice at Headframe Spirits, a local Butte distillery approaching its 10 year anniversary. Owners John and Courtney McKee have been recognized for their entrepreneurship and received the Small Business Champions of the Year Award by the Small Business Association in 2016.
Lewis & Clark Caverns
There’s no better time to visit Montana’s stunning natural caves than the turn of the season. Discovered in 1892 by native hunters, the Lewis and Clark Caverns is the first state park in Montana. Beyond showcasing one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America, the Lewis and Clark Caverns offers 10 miles of hiking trails, a 40-space campground, camping cabins, and more. You can also spend the night in a tipi and use a picnic site to enjoy a nice meal. Though the park is open year-round, guided tours start up again this May 1 and last into September.
