Hike Through History

Join the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Archives every Thursday to take a literal walk through history!

From the West Side mansions to the trails of Thompson Park, this series led by Butte's finest will offer a little bit of history and exercise.

Each walk is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated with proceeds going to the Friends of the Archives and the Local Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Fund.

Snacks and water are available. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Sorry, no pets are allowed.

2023 Hike Through History Schedule

July 13 - 9 a.m.
Montana Tech with Lindsay Mulcahy
Discover Montana Technological University’s rich history as you explore the campus and trail surrounding it.
Meet at: Leonard Field, Montana Tech
Skill Level: Moderate – Incline on paved streets

July 20 - 9 a.m.
Lower West Side Tour with Mary McCormick
Experience the lower “West Side” with its charming and one-of-a-kind houses, many with historical significance, as you navigate your way through this fascinating neighborhood.
Meet at: Parking lot located on the west side of West Elementary
Skill Level: Moderate – Incline on paved streets

July 27 - 9 a.m.
Bell-Diamond Overlook with Abby Peltomaa
Visit one of the oldest standing steel headframes on the Hill on the way to the overlook of the Berkeley Pit.            
Meet at: Granite Mountain Memorial 
Skill Level: Moderate – Incline on dirt

August 3 - 9 a.m.
Greenway Trail: Fairmont Road to German Gulch with Dori Skrukrud
Discover the Greenway Trail and the restoration along this portion of the trail from Fairmont Road through Durant Canyon.          
Meet at: Fairmont Road
Skill Level: Beginner – Mostly flat terrain, paved

August 10 - 9 a.m.
Thompson Park with Jocelyn Dodge 
Get away from it all without getting too far away! Explore the Milwaukee Road and its fun and adventurous route through Thompson Park.
Meet at: Eagle's Nest parking lot
Skill Level: Moderate – Incline on dirt

August 17 - 9 a.m.
Montana Tech to the Anselmo Mine Yard with Joe Griffin, Mary McCormick and more
Visit Butte’s most intact underground mineyard and learn the history and tales of the men who worked the mines.
Meet at: Montana Tech dorm, Broadway and Western
Skill Level: Beginner – Mostly flat terrain, paved

August 24 - 9 a.m.
Cemetery Tour with Aubrey Jaap and Lindsay Mulcahy
Come for a haunting walk-through Mountain View Cemetery and learn about some of those interned there as well as the symbolism behind their intricate headstones.  
Meet at: Mountain View Cemetery
Skill Level: Beginner – Mostly flat terrain, paved

August 31 - 9 a.m.
Skyline Park with Lindsay Mulcahy and Abby Peltomaa
Come and explore this 57-acre park that is surrounded by walking and biking trails and includes a kid’s fishing pond and dog park.
Meet at: Skyline Park
Skill Level: Beginner – Mostly flat terrain, dirt and paved

September 7 - 9 a.m.
Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area with Colleen Elliot
Experience this recreation resource while learning about the geological history of the area. From the skills park and mountain biking to numerous walking trails and views, the Big Butte has something for everyone.  
Meet at: Big Butte Open Space Entrance
Skill Level: Moderate – Incline on dirt

For more information:
Health Dept: 497-5020
Archives: 782-3280