World Museum of Mining

Open April through October, the World Museum of Mining is one of the few museums in the world located on an actual mine yard - the Orphan Girl.

This 22 acre museum exhibits more than a century of American history and brings it to life. Explore more than 50 structures, ranging from the 100 ft. high head-frame to the many buildings of Hell Roarin’ Gulch, a turn of the century mining town.

Our displays and exhibits focus on mining and the related culture and ethnic groups that made Butte, MT their home.

Venture underground to the 100 ft level of the Orphan Girl Mine. The tour provides an in depth history and gives visitors the opportunity to see the Orphan Girl vein. The 100 ft tour takes approximately 1.5 hours. Get fitted with a miner’s hard hat and light to experience life underground! Space is limited and reservations are required. Underground tours are an additional cost. From time to time weather conditions affect our ability to offer all available services.

Exhibits

World Museum of Mining will celebrate Halfway to St. Patrick's Day on September 17, 2022. The Anaconda Pipes and Drum Band will perform on top of the Orphan Girl Headframe at noon.

Underground tours are not included in the Smithsonian Day Free Admission.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.