Helena, Montana, is a destination that deserves a closer look. From what I could tell during my visit there, the majority of tourists in Helena typically are coming from or heading to Yellowstone National Park or Glacier National Park. In fact, most I spoke with were genuinely surprised at how cool they found Helena to be.
Plan a visit to Helena, and not just as a quick pass-through on your way to somewhere else.
Last Chance Tour Train – Start your visit with a faux train ride. The ride lasts around an hour, and the narration by the driver is entertaining and educational. You will learn a lot about Helena in a very short time and get a feel for the where the key sights in the city are. Hang onto your ticket since it brings discounts and freebies to places you will likely visit during the rest of your stay in Helena.
Montana’s Museum – Either before or after your train ride, plan on a couple of hours to enjoy this relatively small 67,000-square-foot museum. Inside, you will gain an understanding of and glimpse into a Montana’s rich past through a number of excellently curated exhibits. I loved the Mackay Gallery of Russell Art where approximately 80 pieces of original art from famed “cowboy artist” Charles M. Russell are housed. Ask about a combo ticket to visit the Original Governor’s Mansion to save money.
Montana State Capitol Building – Fit in a visit into the Capitol before or after your train ride and museum visit – you’re right there. It is open every day for self-guided tours. Tour brochures are available at the information desk on the first floor. Plan on about 30 minutes here, and don’t miss the Charles M. Russell painting hanging in the House of Representatives.
Original Governor’s Mansion – Built by Helena entrepreneur William Chessman in 1888, this Queen Anne style mansion has quite a storied history, eventually becoming the official residence of the governor of Montana in 1913. The mansion is only open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, and tours are offered each hour on the hour from 12PM to 3PM.
Cathedral of St. Helena – Don’t miss taking a peek inside this amazing cathedral. If you have been to Europe, you will immediately see a resemblance to cathedrals there, both outside and inside. The Cathedral of St. Helena is open to the public anytime other than during regular Mass.
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Experience – Enjoy a fun outdoor exhibit at the Great Northern Town Center not far from downtown Helena and the Last Chance Gulch walking mall. Designed in cooperation with the Lewis and Clark Trail Commission, you can follow Lewis and Clark’s progress through Montana in the 1800s with interpretive signs to guide you.
Last Chance Gulch – This is downtown Helena, where much of the area is pedestrian-only (other than the Last Chance Train, which makes its way through here). You’ll find it is a fun place to wander, sit, shop a bit and grab a bite to eat. From here, you’ll also want to check out Reeder’s Alley and the Women’s Mural.
The Old Fire Tower – While you can’t climb up the fire tower anymore, though there is talk of restoring it, there is no missing this 25-foot-tall icon that stands guard over downtown Helena. There is a hiking trail up to the fire tower off Cruse Avenue, just above the Last Chance Gulch walking mall. At the top there is a simple little park with lovely views out over Helena and to the distant Sleeping Giant mountain range.
Holter Museum of Art – Entry is free. This art museum offers a wonderful venue for local and regional artists in Montana to display their work, and it is a good place to spend up to an hour wandering.
Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour – This is a marvelous adventure and an absolute must-do if you are visiting Helena, especially if you are interested in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The marina where the two-hour boat tours depart is located approximately 20 miles north of Helena. The open-air boats, covered if there is rain, cruise down the Missouri River and into the gorge with towering limestone cliffs on either side.
Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum – Located approximately 18 miles south of Helena, the gardens sit along Prickly Pear Creek and offer six acres and about a half-mile of trails to wander.
Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel offers a delicious, hot breakfast for guests to enjoy. For lunch, dinner and perhaps a coffee break along the way, check out the local General Mercantile on Last Chance Gulch for a coffee or ice cream soda. For dinner one night, try the Silver Star Steak Company adjacent to the Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel.
Offering hotels all over the world, it’s worth remembering that Today’s Best Western is the perfect destination for any traveler. Make your next trip unforgettable by booking your trip to Helena at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed.
Hi Travel Tales, Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian, are husband-and-wife senior travel experts. The two are veteran journalists, award-winning writers and photographers with a lifetime of globetrotting behind them. Together, the pair offers readers a glance at popular destinations and uncommon places. From mountain trails and remote islands to urban neighborhoods and small villages, their backgrounds blend together to create a compelling travel blog that not only sparks inspiration but educates the reader about the world around us all. Stay connected to Hi Travel Tales by visiting their blog.