There’s an unassuming sign that sits on the Montana Street exit off I-90. The circular red, white, and blue sign reads, “Butte – All-America City, 1988.” It got me thinking.
You know what, it’s true. There’s something unmistakably American about Butte, MT. Maybe it’s the skyline dotted with headframes or the stories of immigrants who forged a life here. For me, it’s the way Butte brings people together. There’s no better time to see this than the summer, when the music, festivals, history, and outdoor adventures are most alive.
The spirit of the All-America City designation is reflected in these moments of togetherness—not just in the scale of the celebration, but the way this city comes together to make them happen. Volunteers, local businesses, city leaders, and neighbors come together each year to create experiences that are free and accessible to all. From farmer’s markets to art walks, Pride and the Irish An Ri Ra Festival, Butte’s summer events strengthen our ties to each other, visitors, and our collective heritage.
Beyond the festivals, Butte’s outdoor beauty offers a different kind of celebration. Hike to the top of the Big M or the Continental Divide Trail for unparalleled panoramic views. Bike the Copperway Trail among headframes and historic neighborhoods. Explore Thompson Park, just minutes from downtown and experience the Milwaukee Road Trail over bridges and through tunnels.
Butte’s transformation from a mining powerhouse to a vibrant cultural and recreational destination is exactly the kind of story the All-America City award is meant to honor. It’s a city that is thriving and reinventing itself without losing its soul.
In Butte, America, summer isn’t just a season—it’s a showcase. A time when we dance in the streets next to strangers and family, neighbors and friends. We gather under the sun and stars, and revel in our city’s heartbeat. A beat strong enough to last through boom and bust. A beat that makes Butte a true All-American City.
