For a quick introduction to the sights and history of Butte, take the Trolley Tour. The 1.5-hour tour leaves the chamber of commerce office (1000 George St., 406/723-3177 or 800/735-6814; 9 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Sun., Memorial Day weekend–Sept., $10 adults, $5 children.

A more active way to explore Butte’s history is offered by Old Butte Historical Adventures (117 N. Main St., 406/498-3424, www.buttetours.info, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on the hour, $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children under 12), offering tours of Butte’s underground as well as a couple of tours exploring aboveground historic neighborhoods. Guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and bring the old buildings to life.

Especially wonderful is the speakeasy on the underground tour; it was forgotten after Prohibition ended and rediscovered, in great condition, in 2004. Tours are fairly vigorous, so people with difficulty walking up and down hills and steps for an hour and a half should opt for the trolley tour.