Quick Summary: Montana's capital city, Helena, is nestled between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Established during the Gold Rush of 1864, this charming modern city has managed to retain its history, providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. See the Montana State Capitol and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Helena, visit the Holter Museum of Art, the Helena Historic District and other unique attractions.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Tour the Montana State Capitol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tours
Tour the Montana State Capitol | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com

2. Learn about the local history at Montana's Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Learn about the local history at Montana's Museum | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Montana's Museum

3. View the Cathedral of St. Helena

View the Cathedral of St. Helena | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Courtesy of Gonzuller - Fotolia.com

4. Hike in Mount Helena City Park

Category: Activities
Hike in Mount Helena City Park | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Mount Helena City Park

5. Best free thing to do: Tour the Helena Historic District

Tours
Best free thing to do: Tour the Helena Historic District | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Courtesy of Sue Smith - Fotolia.com

6. Admire beautiful art at the Holter Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Admire beautiful art at the Holter Museum of Art | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Holter Museum of Art

7. Visit the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts

Category: Museums & Culture
Visit the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts

8. Have a picnic in the Helena National Forest

Category: Activities
Have a picnic in the Helena National Forest | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Helena National Forest

9. Enjoy live western music around the campfire at Last Chance Ranch

Enjoy live western music around the campfire at Last Chance Ranch | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Last Chance Ranch

10. Have fun at Great Divide Ski Area

Category: Activities
Have fun at Great Divide Ski Area | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Great Divide Ski Area

11. Take your kids to ride the Great Northern Carousel

Category: Activities
Take your kids to ride the Great Northern Carousel | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Great Northern Carousel

12. Have fun with hands-on exhibits at Exploration Works

Have fun with hands-on exhibits at Exploration Works | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Exploration Works

13. Enjoy the view from the Kindrick Legion Field

Enjoy the view from the Kindrick Legion Field | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Kindrick Legion Field

14. Take a tour of the Original Governor's Mansion in Helena

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Take a tour of the Original Governor's Mansion in Helena | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Courtesy of rsooll - Fotolia.com

15. Take the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour

Tours
Take the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Gates of the Mountains Boat Tours

16. Watch a show at the Myrna Loy Center

Category: Attractions
Watch a show at the Myrna Loy Center | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Myrna Loy Center

17. Have a family picnic in Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Category: Kids & Family
Have a family picnic in Spring Meadow Lake State Park | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Spring Meadow Lake State Park

18. Sign up for one of the Kleffner Ranch Tours

Tours
Sign up for one of the Kleffner Ranch Tours | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Kleffner Ranch Tours

19. Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop

Category: Shopping
Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop

20. Take a stroll along Reeder's Alley

Take a stroll along Reeder's Alley | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Reeder's Alley

21. Sample unique brews at Lewis & Clark Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Sample unique brews at Lewis & Clark Brewing Company | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Lewis & Clark Brewing Company

22. Watch a performance at Grandstreet Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Watch a performance at Grandstreet Theatre | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Grandstreet Theatre

23. Go skating at Helena Ice Arena

Go skating at Helena Ice Arena | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Helena Ice Arena

24. Stop by the Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Category: Activities
Stop by the Blackfoot River Brewing Co | Things to Do in Helena, Montana
© Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Summary & FAQ Tour the Montana State Capitol Learn about the local history at Montana's Museum View the Cathedral of St. Helena Hike in Mount Helena City Park Best free thing to do: Tour the Helena Historic District Admire beautiful art at the Holter Museum of Art Visit the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts Have a picnic in the Helena National Forest Enjoy live western music around the campfire at Last Chance Ranch Have fun at Great Divide Ski Area Take your kids to ride the Great Northern Carousel Have fun with hands-on exhibits at Exploration Works Enjoy the view from the Kindrick Legion Field Take a tour of the Original Governor's Mansion in Helena Take the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour Watch a show at the Myrna Loy Center Have a family picnic in Spring Meadow Lake State Park Sign up for one of the Kleffner Ranch Tours Spokane Bar Sapphire and Gold Fever Rock Shop Take a stroll along Reeder's Alley Sample unique brews at Lewis & Clark Brewing Company Watch a performance at Grandstreet Theatre Go skating at Helena Ice Arena Stop by the Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Getting to Helena, MT:
Fly to Helena Regional Airport and rent a car. Helena is 1 hr 35 min from Bozeman (98.4 miles via I-90 W and US-287 N).

Helena, MT Events:
- Helena Farmers Market
- Helena Events

Best time to visit Helena, MT:

Visit Helena, MT is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September.

Where to stay in Helena, MT:
- Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel
- Lamplighter Cabins & Suites

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