Montana's capital city, Helena, is nestled between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Established during the Gold Rush of 1864, this charming modern city has managed to retain its history, providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. See the Montana State Capitol and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Helena, visit the Holter Museum of Art, the Helena Historic District and other unique attractions.
Getting to Helena, MT:
Fly to Helena Regional Airport and rent a car. Helena is 1 hr 35 min from Bozeman (98.4 miles via I-90 W and US-287 N).
Helena, MT Events:
- Helena Farmers Market
- Helena Events
Best time to visit Helena, MT:
Visit Helena, MT is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September.
Where to stay in Helena, MT:
- Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel
- Lamplighter Cabins & Suites
Tour the Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is built in a Greek neoclassical architectural style with local sandstone and granite. The dome is covered with copper and has a statue that is popularly called “Lady Liberty”. Take a tour and discover the architecture, art and history of this majestic building.
Find it at this Address: 1301 East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT, 406-444-4789
Learn about the local history at Montana's Museum
Montana's Museum preserves, interprets and collects historical, archaeological and ethnological artifacts of Montana’s rich history and culture. With over 50,000 artifacts on display, it has been honored by the American Association of Museums. Explore the numerous long-term and temporary exhibits that highlight the diverse history of this region.
Find it at this Address: 225 North Roberts, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT, 406-444-2694
View the Cathedral of St. Helena
The breathtaking building of the Cathedral of St. Helena was consecrated in 1924. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows that were installed by F. X. Zettler Firm of Munich, Bavaria.
Find it at this Address: 530 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, 406-442-5825
Hike in Mount Helena City Park
Hike in Mount Helena City Park, about 5,468 feet above sea level. This is a beautiful terrain that has several well designed trails. The Prairie Trail is famous for the beautiful wildflowers that bloom along the pathway, and boasts spectacular sceneries of cliffs and slopes.
Find it at this Address: 225 Cruse Avenue, Suite A, Helena, MT 59601, 406-442-4120
Best free thing to do: Tour the Helena Historic District
The Helena Historic District walking tour is the perfect way to explore this area. You may wish to visit the Pioneer Cabin and Caretaker’s House that is considered the oldest home in Helena.
Admire beautiful art at the Holter Museum of Art
The Holter Museum of Art believes that art is just not for display, but it is meant to be created, interpreted, taught and preserved.
Find it at this Address: 12 E Lawrence Street, Helena, MT 59601, 406-442-6400
Visit the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a historic building that is located against the backdrop of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Find it at this Address: 2915 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59602, 406-443-3502
Have a picnic in the Helena National Forest
The Helena National Forest has almost one million acres of distinctive terrain. There are picnic areas and campgrounds, and the adventurous can rent a rustic cabin for the night.
Enjoy live western music around the campfire at Last Chance Ranch
Feast on a gourmet meal and enjoy live western music around the campfire at Last Chance Ranch. There are rooms for rent at the lodge with modern facilities.
Find it at this Address: 2884 Grizzly Gulch, Helena, MT, 406-442-2884
Have fun at Great Divide Ski Area
Head to Great Divide Ski Area, a snow sports mountain park that has over 100 trails, skiing areas, glades and bowls.
Find it at this Address: 7385 Belmont Drive, Marysville, MT 59640, 406-447-1310
Take your kids to ride the Great Northern Carousel
The Great Northern Carousel is a must-visit if you are vacationing with children. Hand carved animals by a renowned Walt Disney World carver and breathtaking stained glass artwork is sure to make this an unforgettable ride.
Find it at this Address: 989 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, 406-457-5353
Have fun with hands-on exhibits at Exploration Works
Exploration Works is a science center in Helena which enables everyone to participate in many hands-on activities, and presents exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and math.
Find it at this Address: 995 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, 406-457-1800
Enjoy the view from the Kindrick Legion Field
The view when sitting at the Kindrick Legion Field, with Mount Helena as a backdrop, is quite beautiful regardless of which team is playing.
Find it at this Address: 1300 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601, 406-495-0500
Take a tour of the Original Governor's Mansion in Helena
Built in 1888 by entrepreneur William Chessman to showcase his wealth and influence in Helena, the Original Governor's Mansion was constructed in the Queen Anne style. Take a tour and admire the splendors of this extravagant mansion.
Find it at this Address: 304 North Ewing, Helena, MT 59620, 406-444-4789
Take the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
Take the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour and admire the stunning wilderness and rugged beauty.
Watch a show at the Myrna Loy Center
Watch a show at the Myrna Loy Center, a non-profit organization for theatre, music, performing arts, film, literature and dance.
Find it at this Address: 15 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, 406-443-0287
Have a family picnic in Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Situated on the western edge of Helena, the 30-acre Spring Meadow Lake State Park features new picnic shelters, as well as a group use shelter. It is also a popular destination for sunbathers, swimmers, and scuba divers.
Find it at this Address: 930 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59620, 406-495-3260
Sign up for one of the Kleffner Ranch Tours
Kleffner Ranch is not only popular as a wedding destination but also for special events such as company celebrations and family parties.
Find it at this Address: 305 Highway 518, East Helena, MT 59635, 406-495-9090
Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop
Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop is a premier Sapphire mine located along the banks of Lake Hauser. It is a fantastic mine that attracts many visitors who dig through the gravel tirelessly in search of sapphires.
Find it at this Address: 5360 Castles Road, Helena, MT 59602, 406-227-8989
Take a stroll along Reeder's Alley
Reeder's Alley is one of the best preserved heritage districts of Helena. Take a stroll along the pathway and admire the architecture of the houses.
Find it at this Address: 300 W. Wallace St, Virginia City MT 59755, 406-843-5247
Sample unique brews at Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company is dedicated to providing hand crafted and un-pasteurized beers to drink’s enthusiasts. Also featured are delicious menus of pizzas and bratwurst.
Find it at this Address: 1517 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Watch a performance at Grandstreet Theatre
Grandstreet Theatre is Montana’s premier Community Theatre. It has offered service to the residents of Montana and visitors for over 40 years.
Find it at this Address: 325 North Park, Helena, MT, 406-442-4270
Go skating at Helena Ice Arena
Founded in 2002, Helena Ice Arena offers skate rentals, hockey skills, hockey leagues, public skating lessons and sessions for all ages.
Find it at this Address: 400 Lola Street, Helena, MT 59601, 406-457-2817
Stop by the Blackfoot River Brewing Co
Blackfoot River Brewing Co has the reputation of having some of the finest traditionally brewed beers.
Find it at this Address: 66 South Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, 406-449-3005
