HelenaMontana

A recreation hub with deep western roots

Situated between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, Montana’s capital city is a welcoming community well positioned for outdoor adventure. The former mining town is filled with historic buildings and unique attractions from breweries to top-rated trail systems. Spend a day downtown admiring the architecture or hop on a trail for hours of hiking and biking thrills. Visit Helena in any season and find festivals, tours and plenty of fun things to do.

Historic Helena Landmarks

Helena was founded as a mining camp during the Montana gold rush and officially established in 1864. The town quickly blossomed into a trading hub for gold, and both millionaires and hopefuls made their homes along the gulch. From the modest miners’ quarters in historic Reeder’s Alley to the grand mansion district in the Mount Helena foothills, the city’s architecture reflects its early settlers.

Other points of interest include the Montana State Capitol Building, the Cathedral of St. Helena and the “Guardian of the Gulch,” Helena’s Old Fire Tower. The official city landmark has overseen Helena since the late 1800s, after fires tore through the town’s wooden buildings. Guided and self-guided tours are available at historic sites across the area. Take the Last Chance Tour Train to see the sights from an open-air train car.

Outdoor Adventures

Four seasons and a diverse landscape make Helena a haven for recreation all year long – from snowshoeing in winter to stand-up paddleboarding in summer. Helena’s old prospector paths lend themselves to world-class hiking and biking. More than 129 kilometers of multi-use trails stem from the city, feeding a total of 644 kilometers of trails in the area.

The varied terrain and impressive scenery have earned Helena a silver-level rating from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. For an unforgettable mountain biking experience, ride your way through the South Hills Trail System. Accessible from several of Helena’s southside streets, the network encompasses more than 120 kilometers of cross-country terrain. For an easier outing, try the Waterline Trail Loop in Mount Helena City Park. The scenic, 4-kilometer route is popular with joggers, mountain bikers and birdwatchers. Visit in June to seeMontana wildflowers in bloom.

Arts and Culture

Helena’s historic streets connect a thriving downtown where independent businesses offer authentic local experiences. The city’s Walking Mall is a charming place to eat, shop and enjoy art and music outdoors. A manmade creek runs along the promenade, paying tribute to the gold rush that started it all.

The arts are alive at destinations like Montana’s State Museum and the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bray, as it’s known locally, is an educational institution and a gathering place for ceramic artists. It provides free access to fine art just a few kilometers from downtown. A full calendar of festivals and events ensures entertainment all year long. In July, Helena’s annual Symphony Under the Stars unites community and classical music, while the Last Chance Stampede & Fair celebrates Montana’s Western culture.