Once dubbed "The Richest Hill On Earth", Butte, Montana is primed for a business renaissance. A brand new chapter of economic prosperity. We asked Montanans for suggestions about what industry might be the catalyst to Butte's rebirth.

There's not one person I know who isn't rooting for Butte. Everyone in Montana seems to form the biggest cheerleading squad for the town when it's brought up in conversation.

So, we started that conversation - What businesses or industry could make Butte, Montana it's new center of the universe? What can Butte hang it's hat on next?

Recent filming of movies and TV shows is cool and definitely creates a few local jobs and injects some cash into the economy. But that kind of stuff obviously doesn't have lasting power. This list was meant to come up with much longer term, permanent injections into the Butte economy.

IMPORTANT NOTE: None of the following ideas or proposals have been vetted for real-world practicality. There was no lengthy discussion of whether or not a particular industry or business could actually take hold in Butte - meaning, there were some cool ideas that just might not be at all feasible. It was simply an exercise in coming up with options.

Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash
Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash
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Become the American Flag Making Capital of America - Pretty cool suggestion for a town known as "Butte, America". Flags, banners, all things patriotic. This is a huge industry and Butte could be a perfect hub.

Become a Solar Panel & Solar Shingle Manufacturing Hub - Not sure how feasible this is in terms of start-up costs, but lobbying existing manufacturers to relocate to Butte could certainly happen. (That would be the case for a few of these suggestions.)

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Develop a World Class High Altitude Training Facility - No need to build ski jumps and crazy expensive luge courses - but a multi-discipline facility that could be marketed to all kinds of athletes. (Some) winter sports, lots of summer sports. Comfortable dorm setting...could be a real money-maker if marketed right. Young athletes, college level, Olympic hopefuls, etc.

Finlen Hotel Butte - Facebook
Finlen Hotel Butte - Facebook
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Become the Ancestry/DNA Research Capital of The West - Although there are a couple cities across the country who sort of cater to that area of research, we couldn't think of a place aside from Ellis Island that really stood out. Given the fascinating and diverse history of Butte, teaming up with one of the existing ancestry/DNA testing companies might fly.

Entice a Culinary Institute/Fine Cooking School to Locate Itself in Butte - We loved this suggestion. Montana as a whole produces so many important meats, grains, dairy products, and so much more. Butte is centrally located in the northwest right on I-90. Why NOT have a culinary institute there? It could be high caliber without the big city cost of New York or San Francisco. The ultimate in affordability to get the same level of training.

Riverside Historic Train Car Airbnb Cascade, Montana

Montana Riverside Historic Train Car Airbnb

Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren

19 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess

7 Celebrity Weddings in Montana

There are plenty of celebrities who have visited Montana recently, and sure, there are lists of celebrities who have made their home here, but what about the celebrities who plan their special day in the Big Sky State? Here’s a list of celebrity weddings that occurred in Montana, as well as one we’re not sure about, and one that had to change locations. 


Gallery Credit: Ashley Warren

20 Montana Distilleries You Have to Visit

The Montana distillery scene is certainly taking off, and with the access to local ingredients, you can feel good about supporting these establishments all across the state. Here are 20 distilleries that are worth a visit.

Gallery Credit: Ashley Warren

Cities in Montana That Have a Symphony Orchestra

Montana cities are packed with true, big city talent within their symphony orchestras and programs. We even have a support organization for all of the separate symphonies across the state. Treat yourself to a performance soon - you will not be disappointed.

Gallery Credit: mwolfe