Helena

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.

There is a large rotunda with four circular paintings at the center of the capitol building.

These paintings were commissioned in 1902 and they depict the four prominent archetypes of society in early Montana. Enjoy and admire the painting of the gold miner, Native American, an explorer and fur trapper, and a cowboy.

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.

There are about 6,000 artifacts of Native American collection. Admire the early reservation era Blackfeet, Salish and Sioux materials on display. Visitors will be amazed at the collection of early immigrants’ costumes and textiles.

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.

It was commissioned with the generous patronage of Thomas Cruse, a local philanthropist. Built in the Gothic style, this cathedral has been rebuilt and renovated over the years.

Admire the beautiful stained glass windows that were installed by F. X. Zettler Firm of Munich, Bavaria.

These incredible windows tell the story of the fall from grace of Adam and Eve. The elaborate bronze altar canopy, the gilding of the interior and the grillwork behind the altar are sure to impress visitors.

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.

The 1906 Trail hugs the limestone cliff and is the easiest route to take.

The Backside Trail opens to grassy woodland of ponderosa pine, while the Hogback Trail is rather rocky and rough. Visitors may find the Prospector Shafts Trail to be challenging, but the good news is that all the trails offer panoramic sceneries.

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 was formed when gold was discovered in the Last Chance Gulch. A group of discontented miners took one last chance at finding gold at this gulch, and they were successful. Soon, it was flooded with miners who staked their claim to the land near the gulch. Last Chance was the name given to the camp.

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. One can also stroll through Reeder’s Alley and the Yee Wau Cabin, Colwell Building, and California Wine House to name just a few.

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.

They honor the uniqueness of their community by showcasing several contemporary regional artists. The permanent collection of contemporary Montana art exhibits work on themes like Winter and exhibits prints by artists such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, highlighting the cultural diversity.

There are tours organized for groups, and visitors are sure to be impressed with the Holter Museum Store that sells unique handmade gifts by local artists.

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.

This was founded in 1951 by brick maker Archie Bray as a place to stimulate the artistic and creative work in ceramics. The scenic setting of an old brick factory against the mountains has attracted several ceramic artists who come to the Bray to share their experiences and explore new ideas.

Famous ceramists like Val Cushing, Andrea Gill and Tre Arenz are among the 600 ceramic artists from around the world that have visited Bray.

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.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail covers 80 miles from Scapegoat to Deerlodge National Forest; Helena owes its existence to this region that is rich in mining history. Visitors can find the scenic rugged limestone canyons at the Big Belt Mountain Range.

With over 1000 miles of developed trails, take a hike, or even ride on horseback. Skiing and riding the snowmobile are popular sports in winter.

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

Last Chance Ranch is a private property on 80 acres of lush forests. Bird watching, photography or hiking along the historic 1870 route are some of the activities awaiting you. Enjoy the charming beaver ponds and the panoramic views of the Helena National Forest.

The Wagon ride dinners make a memorable evening as visitors are taken back in time through the forests on horse-drawn wagons all the way to the Moose Mountain Cabin.

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.

Covering an area of 1600 acres, this ski park stretches over three mountain peaks and three picturesque valleys.

This terrain park caters to riders of different ages and skill levels. Backyard beginners’ slope, Meadow Mountain, Wild West, and the Snow Zone have 90 fun features between them.

Find it at this Address: 7385 Belmont Drive, Marysville, MT 59640, 406-447-1310