Remember the old water fountains on Harding Way?

Anyone looking for a scenic drive need not travel much further than a few miles south of Butte on Montana Highway 2 over Harding Way on the way to Whitehall.  Scenic does not really do it justice.

Named for former President Warren G. Harding, who visited Butte in 1923 during his "Voyage of Understanding" Tour, the road twists through the Southwest Montana mountains, winding its way through trees, springs and cliffs and once served as the primary roadway between Butte and Whitehall, and eventually to Bozeman.

When traveling over Harding Way you will find several access points to an intricate trail system and while challenging, are accessible and family friendly.  Even if you don't feel like a hike, there are several areas that are perfect places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a summer lunch.

One thing you will notice on Harding Way, and some of you may even remember, are the water fountains that you will find on your way up the hill.  Does anybody remember getting water from these old beauties?

When you pull over you can easily hear the rustling springs that still gurgle behind the old fountains, but the pipe systems have long since been disconnected and the basins sit dry.

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Especially in the summertime, a drive over Harding Way can be a refreshing break in the day and even lead to a day of outdoor adventure.

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