Take a walking tour, visit museums or ride a historic trolley to learn about the fascinating heritage and thriving local culture of Montana’s state capital.
Known as the Queen City of the Rockies during the peak of its mining boom, Helena is a picturesque city sprinkled with gorgeous Victorian mansions and ornate civic buildings. The capital of Montana may have its roots in Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition and the 1864 gold strike, but it also features a modern flair. Check out excellent local art galleries, an exciting shopping precinct and culinary delights while exploring this attractive city.
Helena’s downtown area has a selection of beautiful architectural masterpieces. See the Cathedral of St. Helena, a turn-of-the-century Gothic-style church, or the Montana State Capitol building. The city is dotted with preserved historical areas, such as Reeder’s Alley and Last Chance Gulch. Go on a walking tour and spend some time admiring the heritage architecture and period shop fittings in these intriguing streets or see the sights from the old-fashioned train that tours around areas of interest. Get a deeper understanding of Helena’s history and mining wealth at the Montana Historical Society Museum, the Montana Military Museum or Lewis and Clark: the Montana Experience.
Explore Mount Helena City Park and discover a network of exciting wilderness trails, including paths that lead past limestone cliffs, prairie, woodland and pine forests. Hike or bike along these trails and reach the peak of Mount Helena to see expansive views of the city and surrounding area. More magnificent vistas can be found at the Gates of the Mountains, a rugged canyon that is especially breathtaking when admired from the water.
Helena is the crown of Southwest Montana. The city has its own regional airport and Missoula International Airport is just under 2-hours’ drive away. The city can be enjoyed year-round however, care must be taken on the mountain trails during the snowy wintertime. The city has a range of accommodation options, from comfortable motels and modern hotels to camping and trailer sites. Helena is situated halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, so include the city on your road trip through this scenic region.
