Here in Montana, there are a whole lot of things to see and do. Montana is home to beautiful mountains, pristine lakes and streams, lush forests, and stunning prairies. If you love the outdoors, I can't think of a better place to be than right here in Big Sky Country.

Did you know that we're also home to the 4th largest statue in the United States?

Our Lady of the Rockies stands on a peak above the city of Butte and has become a very popular tourist destination for both people of Montana and those from out of state. The statue was certainly a work in progress; the idea was born in 1979 as a gesture to a man's wife that was battling cancer. It soon turned into a monument that is dedicated to women everywhere, especially mothers.

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If the statue looks familiar, it should—it was made in the likeness of Mary the Mother of Jesus.

Credit: Buttearchives.org
Credit: Buttearchives.org
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It seems that the idea of the statue and the statue itself didn't come without some resistance; there were people in the community and state that didn't appreciate the idea of a "religious figure" overlooking the area. However, hundreds of folks from several different denominations came together to make Our Lady of the Rockies a reality.

The mission statement is as follows:

"To Recognize the Dignity of Motherhood and the Sacrificial Love a Mother has for her child, without regard to Nationality or Belief in a manner that honors All Women and lifts the human spirit in love, peace and joy, and to maintain the Statue and support facilities in such a way that future generations will treasure Our Lady of the Rockies for what it represents."

The statue is 90 feet tall, 48 feet wide, weighs 51 tons, and stands 8,510 feet above sea level. It took a pretty remarkable process to get such a monument atop a mountain.

While you can see the statue from far away, you also have the chance to tour it up close and personal with two daily tours available in the summer months, as well as tours in September and October as weather permits. All tours require reservations.

If you would like to know more about Our Lady of the Rockies, make sure you check out their website.

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