Our Lady of the Rockies

Our Lady of the Rockies rises on a ridge of the Continental Divide above Butte at about 8,500 feet, a 90-foot statue that is lit at night and visible from much of the city. It was built by volunteers over several years and lifted into place in 1985 with the help of the Nevada Air National Guard, and it ranks among the tallest statues in the United States. The monument was conceived as a tribute to women and mothers everywhere, and visitors of all backgrounds come for the scale, the panoramas and the story of the volunteers who made it. Access is only by guided bus tour, because private vehicles are not allowed on the road. Tours typically leave from the Butte Visitor Center and run about two and a half hours, with departures in the morning and afternoon during the main summer season and some weather-permitting departures in early autumn. Reservations are required. On the ridge, you can visit the statue at close range, step into the chapel, see the memorial wall and enjoy views over Uptown, the pit and the mountains that ring the valley.

Book early in summer, when tours fill, and confirm the schedule before you build the day around it. Weather at altitude can differ sharply from the valley, so bring a jacket, a hat and sunscreen. The road is rough and steep, and the bus driver provides commentary on the way up. Allow about two and a half hours in total, with time at the top to explore at your own pace.

Whether or not you share the religious meaning, the statue is a remarkable engineering feat. The sections were carried in by helicopter, a story told in photographs on site. The setting is also an excellent place to appreciate Butte's geography: from the ridge, you can see how the city climbs the hill, how the pit looms to the east and how the surrounding mountains frame the valley. Photographers will find the light best in the early morning or late afternoon.

The tour is accessible, with buses equipped for visitors with limited mobility, but check ahead for details. Children generally enjoy the bus ride and the open space, and the experience is calm and reflective for adults. Combine the tour with a late lunch in Uptown or a visit to the mining museum, which is only a short drive away.

If you stay in Butte after dark, look up to the ridge to see the statue illuminated, a sight that locals treat as a landmark. In winter, the road is closed to tours, so plan this stop for the summer visiting season. Restrooms and a small gift area are available at the departure point, and staff can answer questions about the site and its history.

It helps to know what to expect at the top. The ridge is open and breezy, and the walk from the bus to the statue and chapel is short but on uneven ground. Allow time to read the memorial wall and watch the clouds move across the valley. If you are sensitive to altitude, remember that you are above eight thousand feet, so move slowly and drink water.

The tour operates as part of a volunteer-supported nonprofit, so fares fund the upkeep of the road, the statue and its lighting. Ask about group discounts if you are traveling with a family reunion or a church group, and consider booking the afternoon departure if you want warmer light for photographs.