Helena MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Helena, Montana.
1. Gates of the Mountains
SCENIC HISTORIC WATERWAY
Gates of the Mountains offers a scenic boat tour through historic waterways named by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Visitors can enjoy close-up wildlife encounters while cruising between towering limestone cliffs. The tour provides enlightening narratives on local history and natural landmarks, making it one of Helena's most popular attractions.
2. Cathedral of Saint Helena
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Cathedral of Saint Helena is a stunning Gothic Revival church featuring breathtaking stained glass windows imported from Bavaria. Its twin spires dominate Helena's skyline and the interior boasts a stunning altar and vaulted roof. Visitors are welcome to explore this architectural gem that has been serving the community since its completion in 1924.
3. Montana State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Montana State Capitol is a neoclassical building completed in 1902, featuring a grand dome capped with a statue of Lady Liberty. Visitors can take self-guided tours using provided brochures to explore the beautifully preserved interior, including the impressive rotunda with murals depicting Montana's history. The Capitol houses the original Charles M. Russell painting, 'Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians,' located in the House of Representatives chamber.
4. Montana Historical Society Museum
STATE'S OLDEST MUSEUM
The Montana Historical Society Museum houses extensive collections that tell the story of Montana's rich cultural heritage and natural history. Founded in 1865, it's Montana's oldest museum and serves as the starting point for the Last Chance Tour Train during summer months. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and significant artworks depicting Montana's development.
5. Last Chance Tour Train
HISTORIC CITY TOUR
The Last Chance Tour Train offers a roughly hour-long guided tour of Helena's most significant landmarks and historical sites. Departing from the Montana Historical Society Museum during summer months, the train takes visitors through the Historic Walking Mall with views of the Guardian of the Gulch fire tower, the Cathedral, and the State Capitol Building. Passengers learn about Montana's incredible history while getting a comprehensive overview of the Capital City's attractions.
6. Great Divide Ski Area
LOCAL MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Great Divide Ski Area is a backyard ski mountain located just 30 miles northwest of Helena in Marysville. The area offers over 100 trails spread across three peaks and three distinct valleys, suitable for everyone from beginners to enthusiasts. Located along the Continental Divide, this quieter alternative to larger resorts provides excellent terrain with shorter lift lines and a local atmosphere.
7. Helena Historic District
PRESERVED VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE
Helena Historic District showcases the city's gold rush heritage through well-preserved Victorian architecture and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through the downtown area and Walking Mall to see structures dating back to the 1800s when Helena was known as 'Last Chance Gulch.' The district includes the iconic Guardian of the Gulch fire tower and numerous buildings that reflect the city's wealthy mining past.
8. Montana Blue Jewel Mine
HANDS-ON MINING EXPERIENCE
Montana Blue Jewel Mine offers visitors a chance to try their hand at mining for sapphires and other gemstones. Operating seasonally, the mine provides an authentic experience of Montana's gemstone mining heritage. Visitors can keep what they find, often discovering sapphires, garnets, and other semi-precious stones.
9. Canyon Ferry Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Canyon Ferry Lake is a 35,200-acre reservoir on the Missouri River that offers year-round recreational opportunities just minutes from Helena. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and camping along its 76 miles of shoreline during summer, while winter brings ice fishing and other cold-weather activities. The lake is known for excellent walleye, trout, and perch fishing, with stunning views of the Big Belt Mountains as a backdrop.
10. Tizer Botanic Gardens
COLORFUL BOTANICAL HAVEN
Tizer Botanic Gardens is Montana's only full-time botanic garden and arboretum, located just south of Helena in Jefferson City. The gardens feature themed areas including a rose garden, children's garden, and wildflower walk spread across several acres of beautiful landscape. Visitors can explore winding paths along Prickly Pear Creek while enjoying thousands of plant species that thrive in Montana's climate.
11. Broadwater Hot Springs
HISTORIC THERMAL RELAXATION
Broadwater Hot Springs offers visitors a chance to soak in naturally heated mineral waters that have attracted wellness seekers for generations. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures, as well as a fitness center and dining options. The springs provide a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring Helena's attractions, continuing a local tradition of therapeutic bathing that dates back to indigenous peoples.
12. Reeder's Alley
HISTORIC BRICK LANE
Reeder's Alley is Helena's oldest intact neighborhood, featuring brick buildings constructed in the 1870s by stonemason Louis Reeder. The narrow, brick-lined alley once housed miners during the gold rush and now contains shops, offices, and a visitor center. This well-preserved historic area offers a glimpse into Helena's past while providing a charming place to shop and explore.
13. The Parrot Confectionery
HISTORIC CANDY SHOP
The Parrot Confectionery has been serving homemade chocolates and classic soda fountain treats in downtown Helena since 1922. This family-owned establishment maintains its vintage atmosphere with the original marble countertop, wooden booths, and antique fixtures. Visitors can enjoy hand-dipped chocolates, milkshakes, and legendary Huckleberry sundaes while experiencing a genuine piece of Helena's culinary history.
14. Exploration Works
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE CENTER
ExplorationWorks is an interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Located in the Great Northern Town Center, the museum encourages scientific discovery through play and experimentation with regularly rotating exhibits. Families particularly enjoy the engaging activities that make science accessible and fun while promoting STEM education.
15. Ten Mile Creek Brewery
DOWNTOWN CRAFT BREWERY
Ten Mile Creek Brewery is a popular downtown Helena taproom offering locally crafted beers named after nearby landmarks and features. The brewery provides a casual, welcoming atmosphere where visitors can sample flights of Montana-inspired brews while enjoying occasional live music and events. Their outdoor seating area allows guests to enjoy Helena's historic downtown while sampling award-winning craft beer created with locally sourced ingredients.