Thompson Park

Thompson Park is located nine miles south of Butte on Hwy 2. It is a municipal recreation area with 25 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The park is co-managed with the City-County of Butte-Silverbow. Experience the backcountry as well as past mining activity, rock formations, incredible scenic vistas, and wildlife.

The historic Milwaukee Railroad (Milwaukee Road) serves as the park's backbone to meandering trails heading off in every direction. This gently sloping 4.5-mile trail extends from the Forest boundary south to Pipestone Pass and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, passing through two tunnels and over a 600-foot steel trestle along the way.

The Sagebrush Flats, Lion's Den, and Lower Eagles Nest picnic areas and the Eagles Nest trailhead offer convenient trail access and are equipped with cooking grills and restroom facilities.

An 18-hole disc golf course, Eagles Nest Disc Golf, is located within the park. It was one of the first disc golf courses registered in the United States over 25 years ago, and one of three disc golf courses in Butte.

Current Conditions

During the winter months the gates are closed, however, you may ski or walk in to recreate.

General Information

Thompson Park gates are open May 1st through October 31st. Gates are open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm May 1 through Labor Day or September 30th, depending on weather conditions. After that, gates are open until October 31st from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. When the gates are closed, the public can park at the entrance gates or at the Lion's Den to access trails and the disc golf course for fall and winter activities.

May 1st to October 1st

Address: 1820 Meadowlark Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-494-2147
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From Butte, take Harrison Avenue south to Montana Highway 2. Continue approximately four miles to the junction with Continental Drive. Continue on Montana Highway 2 for one mile. The first entrance to the park will be on the right.