Archie Bray Foundation Montana State Capitol Downtown Walking Mall Helena National Forest Gates of the Mountain Original Governor’s Mansion Helena Hiking Trails

Things to do in Helena, Montana

Helena, Montana is the perfect vacation spot for travelers who like to divide their time between urban and wilderness experiences.

Ski, hike, fly fish, or float a boat down the Missouri River by day. Enjoy live theatre and delicious dinners by night in Montana’s capital city.

Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is an internationally acclaimed arts center for ceramics artists situated three miles outside of Helena. The Foundation is located on the former site of the Western Clay Manufacturing Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galleries, workshops and classes are offered. Visit www.archiebray.org.

Holter Museum of Art. The Holter Museum of Art is dedicated to showcasing regional art in a diverse range of mediums. The museum houses a permanent collection of 1,000 artworks and features five exhibition galleries, Collections and Research Center, and an Education Center. Twelve contemporary art exhibitions are presented annually. Visit www.holtermuseum.org.

Montana Historical Society. The Montana Historical Society is the oldest organization of its kind west of the Mississippi. It was established in 1865. The Society comprises a museum, research center, education and outreach, and various publications dedicated to the history and preservation of Montana’s people, artifacts, events and more. Visit www.his.state.mt.us/default.asp.  [Top]

Montana State Capitol. The copper-domed Montana State Capitol is located in the heart of Helena. Tours of the building are an experience in classic, ornate architecture and the legislative process. Self-guided tours are available, or visitors can learn about the legislative structure and democratic process during the legislative session. Visit www.montanacapitol.com.

Carroll College. Carroll College in Helena is a small, private Catholic liberal arts college that was ranked by US News and World Report in 2007 as the Second Best Western Regional Comprehensive College. Carroll College’s athletic teams compete at the NAIA Division I level. Visit www.carroll.edu.

Myrna Loy Center. The Myrna Loy Center is the hub of performing and media arts in Helena. Live music and theatre performances, and contemporary and independent films are shown in various theaters of the Myrna Loy Center. Visit www.myrnaloycenter.com.  [Top]

Downtown Walking Mall. Helena’s popular Downtown Walking Mall is a three-block long shopping district that meanders along the original Last Chance Gulch. A fountain runs the length of the mall, simulating Last Chance Creek.

Cathedral of St. Helena. Helena’s most notable landmark is the Cathedral of St. Helena that was built in 1914. The cathedral is modeled after the cathedral in Cologne, Germany and Votive Church in Vienna, Austria. Mass is held daily. Visit www.sthelenas.org.

Missouri River. Traveled by American explorers Lewis and Clark, the Missouri River flows near Helena and offers countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Holter, Hauser and Canyon Ferry Lakes are among the lakes found on the Missouri River. Visit http://travel.state.mt.us/categories/city.asp?City=Helena&SiteID=1.  [Top]

Helena National Forest. Helena National Forest straddles the Continental Divide and encompasses approximately 1 million acres of pristine wilderness surrounding Helena. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and wildlife viewing are among the outdoor pursuits available in the Helena National Forest. Visit www.http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/.

Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is the grandfather of all U.S. national parks. It was the first national park established in the United States and is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Countless hot springs and small geysers are noticed throughout the park, as well as wildlife including bison, elk, brown bears and grizzly bears. Yellowstone spans Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Visit www.nps.gov/yell/.

Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park in Montana offers over 700 miles of hiking trails and backcountry access for outdoors enthusiasts. Glacier also features six mountain peaks over 10,000 feet. One of the park’s highlights is the scenic Going-to-the Sun Road that stretches 50 miles through the park’s wild interior. Visit www.nps.gov/glac.  [Top]

Gates of the Mountain. Meriwether Lewis of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition coined Gates of the Mountain when he passed the towering limestone cliffs flanking the Missouri River near Helena. Commercial boat tours through the Gates are offered in the summer. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/special_events/gates.shtml.

Old Fire Tower – Guardian of the Gulch. Helena’s historic fire tower, Guardian of the Gulch, stands 25-feet tall and is one of only five such fire towers still standing in the United States. A hiking trail off Broadway in downtown Helena winds its way up to the tower where visitors are treated to panoramic city and mountain views. Visit http://travel.state.mt.us/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordId=11404.

Helena Civic Center. The Helena Civic Center houses an auditorium and ballroom for sizeable meetings, conferences, conventions, banquets and other special events. The auditorium features 1,741 permanent seats and a total seating capacity for 2,000. The ballroom accommodates up to 800 people for banquet style seating, or up to 1,500 standing. Visit http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/index.php?id=279.  [Top]

Original Governor’s Mansion. The Queen Ann-style Original Governor’s Mansion was built in 1888 by wealthy entrepreneur and city leader William Chessman. The State of Montana acquired the brick mansion in 1913 as the governor’s mansion. Nine Montana governors lived in the mansion between 1913 and 1959. Guided tours are offered year-round. Visit http://visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=376&SiteID=1.

Great Divide Ski Area. Great Divide Ski Area in Helena offers an exceptional mix of terrain for intermediate and experts skiers and snowboarders. The modest facilities are testimony that what truly matters at this mountain resort is the sport. Visit www.greatdividemontana.com.

Helena Brewers Baseball. Catch minor league baseball action when the Helena Brewers host home games on their turf at Kindrick Field. Visit www.helenabrewers.net.  [Top]

Mount Helena Hiking Trails. Access nearly 20 miles of hiking trails minutes from downtown Helena at Mount Helena City Park. Trail 373, Hogback Trail and Prospect Shafts Trail are popular routes. May - October are the best times to hike Mount Helena’s trails. Visit http://travel.state.mt.us/falcon/Hike67_Mount_Helena_Ridge_final.htm.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Lewis and Clark Caverns is Montana’s first state park and home to one of the most highly fascinating limestone caverns in the Northwest. Guided tours wind two miles through the caverns past stalactites, stalagmites and other geologic formations. The park also features a visitor center, hiking trails, amphitheater, and picnic areas. Visit http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_281895.aspx.  [Top]