Gracing the Treasure State with a magical oasis, Columbia Gardens will always reign as one of Montana’s past gems. Now forgotten along with the “richest hill on earth,” Butte’s utopian paradise hearkens back to its mining past.
Copper ruled Montana from the underground mines of Butte to the State Capitol in Helena. The ore from copper-rich veins even reached across America to influence the nation’s capital. Many knew of Butte, America (the city liked to say).
Businessman and mining magnate, William A. Clark, welcomed an opportunity to gift the mining families of Butte as well as to pave the way to his election as U.S. Senator. He bestowed a magnificent park with every imaginable attraction; while at the same time, he purchased a significant vote in the Montana legislature (U.S. Senators back in the day were elected by each state’s legislature until the 17th Amendment allowed for their direct election).
Built in 1899, Columbia Gardens would eventually grow to cover 68 acres in the city of Butte. Admission would always be free, and concessions and rides could be purchased for a small price. Over its lifetime, the park would never generate a profit. The “richest hill on earth” always paid the bills.
The park became well-known outside of the Treasure State when President Theodore Roosevelt visited in 1903. Thousands would continue to enjoy Columbia Gardens for almost eight decades.
Here’s a quick synopsis of the major Columbia Gardens’ attractions:
Grand Pavilion: Big band music and dancing
Sports Stadium: Baseball home for minor league’s Butte Miners
Roller Coaster: Multiple stories high (built in 1906)
Zoo: Featuring Montana’s wildlife
Various Rides: Ferris wheel, mini train, carousel, bi-planes
Visitors also enjoyed walking the well-maintained grounds. The immaculate park shined as a garden for the ages. Every week one day was set aside as a “Children’s Day” with the emphasis on just plain ol’ fun.
Butte’s slow demise from its greatness as the “richest hill on earth” caved in as the 1970s approached. In 1973, Columbia Gardens closed for good. No longer would summers be filled with the excitement of another season at the park. Copper’s riches had built the park, and now they would take it away.
Big Sky Buckeye 
What a neat place. It reminds me of places like Hot Springs or Eureka Springs. It’s interesting that I never thought of there being a place like this in Montana!
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The people of Butte were blessed with a sort of “Shangri-La” in their midst. Sadly, it has been gone for nearly 50 years.
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Awesome pics and story. Thanks for sharing with us, Richard.
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Renee, I am pleased that you enjoyed the post. It was quite a place, and I visited it in the late 1960s. By that time, the park was in its final few years of existence, and it has lost much of its original charm.
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That been some time ago! So sad to see things go down like that.
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Looks like a fun place to visit. Montana is one of our favorite states and Paul would’ve loved being a cowboy.
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The city of Butte was ahead of its time with such a place. Sadly, the property was turned into a second open pit for copper mining as the original pit (Berkeley Pit) was about played out. I have enjoyed seeing Paul dressed up in his western frontier attire.
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He truly should’ve lived in the 19th century.
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Thanks for the history! It was interesting.🌟
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You are welcome Susan. It seems hard to imagine that the city of Butte was home for one of America’s earliest theme parks.
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what fascinating history Richard, thanks for sharing this most informative post! The first real theme park before the plastic world of disney took over … how sad it was lost
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Indeed Kate! This park was definitely ahead of its time.
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for sure, shame all that good wholesome fun has largely vanished 😦
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I knew some of this, but not all. Thanks for adding to my Montana history knowledge. Butte still is a fun place to visit. ❤
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You are welcome Jan. I visited Columbia Gardens in the late 60s. My childhood friend had grandparents who lived in Butter as well as in a second home near Meadow Lake.
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Thank you for sharing this. This is a part of Montana history I did not know anything about.
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Diane, thanks for reading. I enjoy reading and studying Montana’s history. I visited Columbia Gardens in the late 1960s when it was declining from its greatness. When it closed, the properly made way for a second, smaller open pit mine.
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NIce history and a nice place!
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Jim, I always appreciate your insights. Sadly, precious copper ore built the park, and the need to find new sources of copper would close it.
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Gotcha
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Very nice
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Saania, thanks for reading and sharing your kind words. My heart will always hold a special place for my native state of Montana.
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