Butte, Alaska facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Butte, Alaska
CDP
View looking south from atop Bodenburg Butte
Location in Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the state of Alaska
Country	United States
State	Alaska
Borough	Matanuska-Susitna
Area
• Total	34.87 sq mi (90.31 km2)
• Land	33.79 sq mi (87.52 km2)
• Water	1.08 sq mi (2.79 km2)
Elevation	92 ft (28 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	3,589
• Density	106.21/sq mi (41.01/km2)
Time zone	UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-8 (AKDT)
ZIP code	99645
Area code(s)	907
FIPS code	02-09710
GNIS feature ID	1416898

Butte is a small community in Alaska, United States. It is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Butte is considered a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a special area set up by the U.S. Census Bureau for collecting population data.

Butte is part of the larger Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2020, about 3,589 people lived there. This was an increase from 3,246 people in 2010. The community is found between the Matanuska River and the Knik River. It is about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Palmer. You can reach Butte by using the Old Glenn Highway.

Education in Butte

Butte has its own elementary school for younger students. However, older students attend Palmer High School. This high school is located in the nearby town of Palmer.

Fun Things to Do in Butte

Butte offers many outdoor activities and fun places to visit. The community is named after a special hill called Bodenburg Butte. This hill is also known as Hutnaynut'i in the local Dena'ina language.

Exploring Bodenburg Butte

You can hike to the top of Bodenburg Butte. It's about 900 feet (274 meters) high. From the summit, you get amazing 360-degree views. You can see the entire Matanuska Valley and even the distant Knik Glacier.

Knik River Public Use Area

The Knik River Public Use Area (KRPUA) is located within Butte. It's a great spot for outdoor fun. You can enjoy many activities here, including:

• Riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs)
• Hunting and fishing
• Target shooting
• Boating and flying planes
• Horseback riding and biking
• Hiking and camping
• Watching wildlife

Alaska Raceway Park

Butte is home to the Alaska Raceway Park. This track has been open for over 50 years. Races are held from Mother’s Day until Labor Day. The track has a 1/3 mile asphalt oval. It is certified for NASCAR races in the Whelen All-American Series.

Williams Reindeer Farm

On the south side of Bodenburg Butte, you'll find the Williams Reindeer Farm. It has been operating since 1987. This farm was even featured on the TV show Dirty Jobs.

Butte's Economy

The main part of Butte's economy is farming. There are many farms that grow produce. The State of Alaska Plant Materials Center is also located here. These farms, both organic and traditional, supply fresh produce. They sell their goods at local farmer's markets in the surrounding areas.

Butte also has other small businesses. These include:

• Equestrian centers (places for horse riding)
• Coffee shops and restaurants
• Auto and fleet repair shops
• Butte Municipal Airport
• A boat builder
• Two fire stations

Butte's Location and Size

Butte is located at coordinates 61°32′53″N 149°1′36″W.

The community covers a total area of about 41.0 square miles (106.2 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 40.3 square miles (104.4 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 0.7 square miles (1.8 square kilometers) is water.

Butte's Population History

Butte first appeared in the U.S. Census in 1960. Back then, it was listed as a small, unincorporated village. In 1980, its name was changed to "Bodenburg Butte" and it became a census-designated place (CDP). However, in 1990, the name went back to just Butte.

Over the years, Butte's population has grown steadily. In 2000, there were 2,561 people living in the CDP. By 2020, the population had increased to 3,589. This shows that more people are choosing to live in this Alaskan community.

See also

In Spanish: Butte (Alaska) para niños