The World Museum of Mining
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- Mines, Museums
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- General info
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One of Butte’s most popular attractions is nestled beneath the massive headframe of the once active Orphan Girl underground mine. Spread over 12 acres, this 1889 mining camp has dis- plays both inside and outdoors and is appealing to the whole family.
This extensive Mining Museum and reconstructed 1899 Mining Camp are built on the original Orphan Girl Mine site and provide insights into the mining era that can only be captured here. The museum was built entirely with volunteer help and donations. A replica of an actual mining camp, complete with cobblestone streets and boardwalks, shows the interiors of more than thirty businesses filled with antiques from the same era. The antiques can be viewed through the windows as the visitor strolls along the boardwalks of a time long ago past. Unique displays include a Chinese laundry, a sauerkraut factory, a funeral parlor, an ice house, a school, a general store, and of course, a saloon. On specific days, one can pan for gold; call ahead for days and times.
The Orphan Girl Express is a three-car train pulled by an underground trammer engine. You can take the 20-minute train ride around the grounds while the engineer points out historic features along the way.
At the Hardrock Mining Building, early day mining life is depicted in the photo archives of over 6,000 photographs.
The museum is open from April 1 through October 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. To get there go up the hill to the Montana Tech campus and past the Marcus Daly statue. Just beyond the statue, you will see the sign pointing to the museum. An admission fee is charged.
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The World Museum of Mining