Helena is the state capital of Montana, in the Western Central part of the state. Visitors come to see Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch, and its mansion district once home to Helena’s gold mining millionaires. The city has 75 mi (121 km) of running or biking trails. The mighty Missouri River is not far, with opportunities for rafting and fly-fishing.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Helena was founded as a mining camp during the Montana gold rush of 1864, following the discovery of gold at Last Chance Gulch. Helena quickly became a wealthy city, with approximately 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888, more per capita than in any other city in the world. This large concentration of wealth lead to fine residences and ambitious architecture.
Helena has been the capital of Montana Territory since 1875 and the state of Montana since 1889. Many working Helenans work for agencies of the state government.
At about 32,000 people, it is one of the smallest state capitals, but still the 6th most populous city in Montana. A number of communities surround Helena, including East Helena, but have few amenities. The majority of small communities are to the south in Jefferson County.
Tourist information
[edit | edit source]- Visit Helena (Visitor Center), 105 Reeder's Alley (at the base of Reeder's Alley), ☏ +1 406-449-2107.
Get in
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By car
[edit | edit source]Interstate 15 (I-15) runs north and south through Helena's eastern edge.
U.S. Route 12 (US-12) runs east-west, and is the quickest connection from the Missoula area.
US-12/287 leaves Helena to the southeast, towards Townsend and eastbound I-90 and Billings.
By plane
[edit | edit source]- 1 Helena Regional Airport (HLN IATA) (3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of downtown Helena, via Cedar St from I-15 Exit #193). The following airlines serve Helena with some connecting through Great Falls: Horizon Air as Alaska Airlines (Seattle); Skywest as Delta Connection (Salt Lake City); Skywest as United Express (Denver)
There is no public transportation available from the airport into town. You can go by taxi, ride hailing (Uber is available) or rental car.
By bus
[edit | edit source]- 2 Capital Transit Complex (City Transit Center), 1415 N Montana Ave (at SR-229 & Bozeman St), ☏ +1 406-447-8080. The main bus station for the 'Blue Line' route of the local public transportation and intercity buses.
- Salt Lake Express, ☏ +1 208 656-8824. Travels primarily on I-15 from Salt Lake City through Idaho Falls to Great Falls via Dillon, Butte, Basin, Boulder, Helena, and Craig in Montana. Passengers transfer in Butte, Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City to get to additional destinations. Transfer to Jefferson Lines in Butte.
Get around
[edit | edit source]A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.
See
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- 1 Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St, ☏ +1 406-442-5825. Daily except during services; Summer tours on Tu W Th.
- 2 Holter Museum of Arts, 12 E Lawrence St, ☏ +1 406 442-6400. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su noon-4PM, closed M. Variety of art exhibits in 5 galleries. Free.
- 3 Montana State Capitol, 1301 E. 6th Ave, ☏ +1 406-444-3064. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-3PM. This neoclassical building was constructed between 1896 and 1902 out of Montana sandstone and granite. The dome is covered with copper and topped with a feminine statue affectionately dubbed Montana. Much of the building is accessible to visitors, and an information desk offers brochures and occasional walking tours. Inside, four circular paintings surround the massive rotunda, surrounded by paintings depicting Montana's early history. More artwork decorates the House and Senate chambers. Free.
Last Chance Gulch
[edit | edit source]On July 14, 1864, the discovery of gold in a gulch off the Prickly Pear Creek led to the founding of a mining camp along a small creek in the area they called "Last Chance Gulch". The original streets of Helena followed the paths of miners, making city blocks of various shapes and sizes in the historic city center.
Today, the oldest stretch of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrianized street that meanders through several blocks of shops and historical markers towards Pioneer Park.
- 4 Old Fire Tower (Guardian of the Gulch), 111 S Cruse St (at State St). A wooden fire tower that was built in 1874 overlooking the downtown district, in response to a series of devastating fires that swept through the early mining camp. When a 2016 arson attack severely damaged the tower, it was rebuilt using the same methods as in its original construction.
- 5 Reeder's Alley, 101 Reeder's Alley. In the 1870s, a brick and stonemason named Louis Reeder built over 30 brick and stone one-room tenements for miners. This hillside pocket avoided redevelopment over the years, leaving it the oldest intact piece of early Helena. It now houses offices, non-profits and a few artist studios. Tours available.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course, 2201 N Benton Ave, ☏ +1 406-442-2191. 18-hole course, open and thriving since 1925.
- 2 ExplorationWorks!, 995 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406-457-1800, [email protected]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM, closed M. Interactive children's science museum $9 ages 2+.
- 3 Great Divide Snow Sports, 7385 Belmont Dr, ☏ +1 406-449-3746, [email protected]. A ski and snowboard area north of Helena. 1,500 acres (610 hectares) with summit elevation of 7,330 feet (2,230 m).
- 4 Great Northern Carousel, 989 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406-457-5353, [email protected]. W Th 11AM-6PM, F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. Hand-carved carousel, featuring native Montanan animals. They also feature delicious homemade ice cream with flavors like Missouri River Mud, Frog Mint, and Buffalo Jump. $3 per ride, one scoop $3.50.
- 5 Helena Bighorns, 400 Lola St, ☏ +1 406-457-2817, [email protected]. See website for current season schedule. Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the Helena Ice Arena. The Bighorns play in the NA3 hockey league.
- Helena Skatepark. Built by Alltec
- 6 Mount Helena (end of Reeders Village Dr), ☏ +1 406-447-8000, [email protected]. Large city park featuring several hiking trails, also suitable for mountain biking. The 1906 trail takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. Free.
- 7 South Hills Disc Golf Course (Hyzer Hills), 3187 Cabernet Dr. Open sun-up to sun-down. Disc golf course with 18 holes. Variety of holes make it a good course for most skill levels. Free.
- 8 Gates of the Mountains, 3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd (20 min N of Helena, 3 mi (4.8 km) off I-15 exit 209), ☏ +1 406-458-5241, [email protected]. Hours can vary monthly, check website for schedule. Enjoy the beauty of the Gates of the Mountains from aboard one of two tour boats - the "Sacajawea" (named after the only woman and indigenous person on the Expedition), and the "Hilger Rose" (named after Nicholas Hilger, who began the tours in 1886 on a vessel named "Rose of Helena"). The 105-minute cruise starts at the marina in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
- 9 Canyon Ferry (20 miles (32 km) east). Montana's third largest lake. You can enjoy all the water activities from the marina, or one of several campsites.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Last Chance Gulch Pedestrian Mall, ☏ +1 406-447-1535. A walking outdoor mall including a walk through Helena's history, a small playground and an old train car.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Planet Gyros, 1421 11th Ave, ☏ +1 406-449-2550. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, closed Su. Traditional Greek lunch menu
- 2 R-B Drive-In, 932 Helena Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-7482. M-Sa 11A-7PM, closed Su. Classic drive-in doing business since 1948.
- 3 Ristorante Bella Roma, 22 N Last Chance Gulch (in the Double Tree), ☏ +1 406-495-0677, [email protected]. Authentic Italian restaurant. Multi-course meals with menu changing to make use of in-season fresh produce. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended, can be booked on website.
- 4 Silver Star Steak Company, 833 Great Northern Blvd, ☏ +1 406+495-0677Phone with wrong format. M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM; Lounge M-Sa 4-11PM. 6 categories of main courses. 5 types of steaks with different portion size options. Extensive wine list.
- 5 Windbag Saloon & Grill, 19 S Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-443-3520. M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight. The last bordello in Helena. Pub-style food. Several microbrews. Outdoor seating available.
- 6 Staggering Ox, 400 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 406-443-1729. M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Deli lunch spot.
Drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Fire Tower Coffee, 422 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-495-8840, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 7AM-3PM, closed Su. Artisan roaster. Beans available for retail purchase.
- 2 General Mercantile, 413 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-461-6028, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Coffee shop.
- 3 The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, 46 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-282-0111. Bottle shop with a tasting room, fine wines with a down to earth touch.
- 4 Rialto, 52 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-442-1890. Popular downtown bar, with live music and DJs.
Microbreweries
[edit | edit source]- 5 Blackfoot River Brewery, 66 South Park Ave, ☏ +1 406-449-3005, [email protected]. M-Th 2–8PM, F Sa Su noon-8PM. Hand-crafted beer. Outside food is welcome. Pets allowed in downstairs outdoor area.
- 6 Copper Furrow Brewing, 2801 N Roberts, ☏ +1 406-422-5975, [email protected]. Daily noon-8PM. Locally sourced ingredients. Casual, family-friendly. 5 flagships plus rotators.
- 7 Lewis and Clark Brewing, 1535 Dodge Ave, ☏ +1 406-442-5960, [email protected]. Daily 2-8PM. Makes ales, lagers and seltzers. Best known for award winning Miner's Gold. Live music and game room.
- 8 Mt Ascension Brewing, 317 N Cruse (inside the Independent), ☏ +1 406-442-9501. Daily M Tu W 2-8PM, Th-Su noon-8PM. Balcony views.
- 9 Speakeasy 41, 685 Barney St, Suite A, ☏ +1 406-422-1841. Daily M-Th 4-9PM, F-Su noon-9PM. Occasional market days featuring small local businesses, live music every so often.
- 10 Ten Mile Creek Brewery, 48 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-502-1382. Daily noon-8PM. Live music and events. Featuring variety of ales, sour, and fruit flavors.
- 11 Gulch Distillers, 4 W. Lawrence St, ☏ +1 406-449-2393. M-Sa 2-8PM. Distillery and cocktail bar using local ingredients.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Budget Inn Express, 524 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406-442-0600, toll-free: +1 800 862-1334. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 11AM. Basic hotel with good location at the city center. Microwave/fridge in room.
- 2 Best Western Helena/Capitol Hotel, 1714 11th Ave (between 11th Ave and Prospect Ave at Lamborn St, next to Capital Hill Mall), ☏ +1 406-442-1770. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A friendly hotel in the city center with breakfast, bar/restaurant, casino, and indoor pool.
- 3 The Sanders - Helena's Bed & Breakfast, 328 N Ewing St (near historic district), ☏ +1 406-442-3309. Restored mansion filled with authentic items. Each room has a private bath, gourmet breakfast.
Connect
[edit | edit source]You will find most restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to have free Wi-Fi for customers.
- 1 Helena Chamber of Commerce, 225 Cruse Ave. Suite A, ☏ +1 406-442-4120, [email protected].
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Helena |
| Great Falls ← Wolf Creek ← | N  S
|
→ Butte → Idaho Falls |
| Missoula ← Garrison ← | W  E
|
→ Townsend → Miles City |
| Choteau ← Wolf Creek ← | N  S
|
→ Townsend → Three Forks |