RECREATION
In Silver Bow County there are incredible opportunities for exploration and adventure. The natural beauty in Montana is unlike many other places and includes destinations such as Flathead Lake, Lady of the Rockies, National Bison Range, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Georgetown Lake, Canyon Ferry and Clark Fork River to name just a few. Popular events and celebrations include Standing Arrow Powwow, Livingstons Roundup PRCA Rodeo, Montana Folk Festival, Butte 100, Great Northwest Oktoberfest and much more.
AMENITIES
Butte, MT is known as “The Richest Hill on Earth” as a result of the mining history, which is still celebrated today with historic mining explorations, our Victorian business district, the Butte Trolley and more. Helena, MT serves as the state capital and perfectly captures the spirit of the west. Polson, MT is on the Flathead Indian Reservation, which is a natural amphitheater located on the largest natural freshwater lake (Flathead Lake) in the west. This location and the abundance of natural resources creates one of the most fertile farming areas in the state. The region is loaded with history featuring Carroll College, the Mansion District, State Capitol Building and more. An attractive balance of a low cost of living and low population density combined with major employers like Montana Tech, St. James Community Hospital and Northwestern Energy create an attractive quality of life. K-12 education is provided by 12 public schools serving over 4,000 students, while Montana Technological University and Highlands College are accessible institutions of higher learning.
HISTORY
The area was established in the 1860 as a mining camp in the northern Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide. Rapid growth as the state’s first major industrial area led to historic events including the labor riot of 1914. Butte’s Uptown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is among the largest National Historic Landmark Districts. In 1977, the governments of the city of Butte, MT and Silver Bow County consolidated to form Butte-Silver Bow, a sole entity.
CLIMATE
Mining operations intertwined with residential areas typify the landscape of Silver Bow County. Cold semi-arid is the official classification of weather locally. Annual averages are 54 inches of snow, 13 inches of rain and 186 sunny days.