Are you a proud Butte, Montana resident? Here is a list of 22 Butte highlights I am sure you can relate to and you will think of many more on your own!
1. Pork Chop Johns – The original Pork Chop Sandwich was founded in Butte, Montana in 1924. While there are many replicas, this one is the best out there. Many people come to Butte just to enjoy a Pork Chop.
2. St. Patrick’s Day – When the first parade was held in 1881, little did those folks know it would still be going strong 133 years later. This is a major celebration in Butte, Montana bringing in guests from all across the U.S. and even Ireland. The amazing bars in Butte and the fact that there is no open container law until 2:00 a.m. help make this event one to remember.
3. The Christmas Stroll – Held in early December, the Christmas Stroll is a main attraction in uptown Butte where locals stroll, visit, and make their Christmas purchases in the shops. Vendors line the streets offering goodies, while horse-drawn wagons give the kids a thrill.
4. Evel Knievel Days – Evel Knievel is Butte’s own son and the world’s first daredevil. Honoring Evel, Butte’s Evel Knievel Days has been a tradition for years. Bringing in stuntmen and women, and acts from across the nation, this is a fine tribute to the first real thrill-seeker. The free event is held the last weekend in July every summer and is a major attraction for Butte.
5. Pekin – Since the early 1900s, the Pekin Noodle Parlor has been a longtime favorite for Chinese food in Butte, Montana. The old architecture and narrow hallway lined with booths on either side create a unique atmosphere to enjoy your wontons and noodles.
6. “Metsgiving” – Celebrated on the eve of Thanksgiving, The Met Bar in Butte welcomes everyone home from college for Thanksgiving break, and the celebration has become known as “Metsgiving”. Like a high school reunion when you walk through the door, it is a great place to grab a drink, listen to music, and catch up with old friends.
7. Ice Skating on Neighborhood Rinks – When the snow finally falls in Butte, Montana, kids of all ages enjoy skating on their neighborhood rink. The rink at the Original Mine even has piped-in music!
8. An Ri Ra Irish Festival – Celebrating Butte’s Irish Heritage, the An Ri Ra provides endless entertainment including Irish dancing, world-renowned bands, and food and refreshments.
9. Festival of Trees – The Festival of Trees raises funds for the Paul Clark Home located in Butte, Montana, which provides housing to families with a loved one in the hospital. Local residents bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees to support this worthy cause.
10. El Taco – Home of the best cheese melt and spicy spuds ever, El Taco was established by a local Butte family years ago and is an all-time favorite for many.
11. Freeway – For over half a century, the Freeway Tavern has been serving a sandwich known as the Wop-Chop. Similar to a pork chop, but with its own unique twist, this one is well worth a try. The Freeway was featured on the popular TV show Man vs. Food.
12. Povitica – A delicious Slavic ethnic dish, povitica is a Butte favorite that is made around the holidays. With layers of dough and sweet nut filling, this bread tastes as spectacular as it looks.
13. Lights Upon the Mines – The many gallus frames lining the hillsides of Butte are original all on their own. Shining with red lights every night, these beautiful sentinels are a Butte trademark.
14. Folk Festival – Starting off as the National Folk Festival, the Montana Folk Festival is now held each summer in Butte, and is already a treasured tradition. This free outdoor event with amazing, creative music, and delicious food and drink provide a wonderful weekend of family enjoyment.
15. 4th of July Parade – Parades are a longstanding holiday celebration, and the 4th of July Parade in Butte is one for the record books. Thousands of residents get up on Independence Day and start their day watching the parade with friends and family. It’s so good, even Obama and his family came!
16. Pasties – Meat, potatoes, and onions wrapped in dough make an amazing combination known as a pasty, and individuals are very particular regarding whether they are topped with and gravy or ketchup! Another ethnic favorite, this delicious dish is a specialty at several Butte restaurants.
17. Sledding on Hospital Hill – Called sleigh-riding in Butte by many, this is a great winter activity. After the first snow, kids and their sleds line the hill in front of the hospital for their turn to go down the steep incline. It is a great hill!
18. Orphan Girl Liquor – Made at Headframe Spirits, the local Butte distillery, this cream liqueur is the number one choice in the town of Butte and far beyond. Add it to your coffee, or make a Dirty Girl drink by mixing it with Root Beer, either way it’s delicious! Headframe’s only makes the best.
19. 3rd of July Fireworks – Montana’s most renowned fireworks show is held on the 3rd of July every year atop the “Big M” in Butte. This fantastic display is augmented by the many fireworks set off all around town by holiday revelers.
20. Twisted Sisters – A local boutique in downtown Butte, Montana, Twisted Sisters has established a very loyal following. From quality jeans to awesome dresses, they have it all. Run by two Butte girls who really are sisters, the customer service cannot be beat.
21. UpTop Clothing Company – Founded in Butte by brothers Luke and Colt Anderson, the UpTop Clothing Company has made its impression all over Montana. With multiple designs, the shirts, hats, and sweatshirts are the perfect complement to any casual attire. And now Baby UpTop is available too!
22. The Lady of the Rockies – The Lady of the Rockies sits atop the East Ridge in Butte, Montana overlooking and protecting its residence. At an astounding 90 feet tall and constructed entirely by volunteers, she is an impressive attraction for the Butte community and tourists alike.
Reminds me of quite a few great things Butte has to offer. Nice.