Montana’s railroad history has helped shape the state in many ways, creating cities and railways that still exist to this day. Of course, not every rail line survived, and you’ll find abandoned tracks and old depots in practically every county. The Milwaukee Road (also known as the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad) was especially memorable, and some longtime Montanans still recall the route that trains like the Hiawatha took through Western Montana from 1909 – 1980.

Of course, the Milwaukee Road is no more, but you can still see its remnants by walking the beautiful Milwaukee Railroad Trail near Butte.

The Milwaukee Railroad Trail is located Just a few miles south of Butte.
Thomas Lindsay / alltrails.com
The four mile trail stretches through Thompson Park in Silver Bow, offering and up-close-and-personal look at the abandoned railroad.
The impressive trestle is the highlight of the trail, spanning 600 feet and rising about 130 feet off the ground.
KT McKenna / alltrails.com
The trail is perfect for both hiking and biking, and you'll probably see people doing both as you take this historic walk.
This section of railroad was actually one of the first in the country to be electrified.
KT McKenna / alltrails.com
In fact, Thomas Edison himself visited Butte and took a ride on the Milwaukee Road.

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Thompson Park is absolutely beautiful, and the trail is ranked as easy.
Thomas Lindsay / alltrails.com
It comes to an end just before the 2,300-foot-long Pipestone Pass tunnel. The tunnel is closed to the public, but you can walk up to the entrance.
Speaking of tunnels, you'll pass through two old-fashioned train tunnels on this hike, so make sure you bring plenty of lights.
Thomas Lindsay / alltrails.com
The first tunnel is 550 feet long, while the other is 1,100 feet long.
Thompson Park's Milwaukee Railroad Trail is impressive. And if you're truly interested in the Milwaukee Road's history, you should also head to Missoula.
Phil Guay / alltrails.com
Some kind volunteers teamed up with the City of Missoula to commemorate the railroad route on a designated trail through the city. And while you won't find many remnants of the actual railroad here, it's very interesting to be able to follow the historic path.

Address: MT-2, Butte, MT, 59701

To reach the Milwaukee Railroad trail, take State Route 2 south of Butte for about nine miles and follow the signs. And if you tend to prefer your hikes with a side of history, check out this list of trails.

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