When we think of Montana’s mining history, we automatically think of Butte. Once known as the Richest Hill on Earth, this historic city is full of reminders of its mining past. And thanks to the World Museum of Mining, you can get an up-close-and-personal look at what it was like for miners back in the day. The Underground Mine Tour takes you straight to the source.

The World Museum of Mining has been a part of Butte since 1963.

World Museum of Mining / Facebook By then, the mining boom had dwindled. The locals decided the best way to preserve the culture was to open a museum dedicated to it.

Visiting the museum is fascinating, whether you’re a history buff or not.

World Museum of Mining / Facebook Hell Roarin’ Gulch is a re-creation of an 1890s mining town, complete with 15 intact historic structures and about 35 buildings constructed from old materials.

Hell Roarin’ Gulch includes several buildings that were brought in as original historic structures, including a schoolhouse and two churches.

World Museum of Mining / Facebook You can also check out the sparkling Mineral & Rock Room or the somber memorial walls, which pay respect to over 2,500 men that lost their lives in the Silver Bow Mining District since 1865.

By far, the most popular attraction is the Underground Mine Tour.

Sandersonclan5 / TripAdvisor The tour takes you 100 feet below the surface into the depths of a mine.

The mine in question is the Orphan Girl Mine, which was discovered in 1875.

ccosens / TripAdvisor Unlike most mines in the area, this one was considered a desirable place to work since the temperature stayed between 65 and 75 degrees.

The Underground Mine Tour lasts about 1.5 hours, and it’s available to everyone 5 years of age and older.

cwvw79 / TripAdvisor You’ll be fitted with a hard hat, battery belt, and cap lamp, which is practically the only light visible underground.

There aren’t many mine tours like this in the U.S., and there’s certainly nothing else quite like this in Montana.

Management / TripAdvisor The Underground Mine Tour costs $21 for adults ($14 for youth tickets), and your admission to the World Museum of Mining is included in that fee.

Would you go on a underground mine tour? Learn more about this one here.

World Museum of Mining / Facebook

By then, the mining boom had dwindled. The locals decided the best way to preserve the culture was to open a museum dedicated to it.

Hell Roarin’ Gulch is a re-creation of an 1890s mining town, complete with 15 intact historic structures and about 35 buildings constructed from old materials.

You can also check out the sparkling Mineral & Rock Room or the somber memorial walls, which pay respect to over 2,500 men that lost their lives in the Silver Bow Mining District since 1865.

Sandersonclan5 / TripAdvisor

The tour takes you 100 feet below the surface into the depths of a mine.

ccosens / TripAdvisor

Unlike most mines in the area, this one was considered a desirable place to work since the temperature stayed between 65 and 75 degrees.

cwvw79 / TripAdvisor

You’ll be fitted with a hard hat, battery belt, and cap lamp, which is practically the only light visible underground.

Management / TripAdvisor

The Underground Mine Tour costs $21 for adults ($14 for youth tickets), and your admission to the World Museum of Mining is included in that fee.

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Address: World Museum of Mining, 155 Museum Way, Butte, MT 59701, USA