Are you searching for a place you can spend your vacation? Have you ever heard of Helena in Montana? Well, there are plenty fun things to do in Helena, MT, and we will tell you about them in this article.
You will be thrilled by the beautiful attractions that the city has. Helena offers one of the most exciting options for any short or long-term holiday, irrespective of your choice of activity.
The city is popularly known for its different wonders that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
It features 75 miles of nearby trails itching to be explored or biked, historical roots like the Montana State Capitol building, Cathedral of St. Helena, and Great Divide Ski Area, amongst others.
Let’s quickly learn more about Helena, Montana!
Where is Helena, Montana?
Situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Helena is Montana’s capital city. It was founded during the Gold Rush of 1864, and it hasn’t stopped maintaining its rich history and ensuring visitors have an experience of the Old West.
Helena is more populated than many of the cities within and around Montana, not just because of its fantastic attraction centers but also due to its hospitable nature.
And this is why several people have continued to draw people far and near the city.
You’ll only have to worry about not returning, as the city can tempt you to stay permanently, even if you only came for a few days of vacation. There are several things to do in Helena, MT, and below are some of the highlights.
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Fun Things to Do In Helena, MT
1. Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is constructed in the neoclassical architectural pattern of the Greeks using local sandstone and granite.
The dome is wrapped in copper and features a statue called “Lady Liberty.” You can walk around it to explore its architecture, art, and history.
You will find a massive rotunda alongside four round-shaped paintings in the middle of the Capitol structure.
The paintings were commissioned in 1902 and signify the four popular archetypes of the society in early Montana. Feel free to enjoy and explore the portrait of the gold miner, Native American, an explorer and fur trapper, and a cowboy.
Address: 1301 East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 4789, United States
2. Montana Historical Society Museum
The Montana Historical Society Museum preserves, interprets, and collects historical, archeological, and ethnological artifacts of Montana’s great history and culture.
It features more than 50,000 artifacts awarded by the American Association of Museums, thanks to its spectacular ways of preservation.
Take a tour of the museum to see the many long-term and temporary features that show the diverse history of Helena. The museum also features over 6,000 artifacts from the Native American collection.
Explore the ancient reservation time Blackfeet, Salish, and Sioux items on show. You’ll be shocked at the old immigrants’ costumes and textiles collection.
Address: 225 North Roberts, P.O Box 201201, Helena, MT, United States
3. Cathedral of St. Helena
The Cathedral of St. Helena is a fascinating edifice consecrated in 1924. It was commissioned thanks to the kind patronage of Thomas Cruse, a local philanthropist.
The building was constructed in a Gothic pattern and has been reconstructed and renovated.
Feel free to explore the attractive stained glass windows fixed by F.X. Zettler Company of Munich, Bavaria. These breathtaking glass windows will remind you of the fall from the grace of Adam & Eve.
It also features a large bronze altar canopy. The gilding of the interior and the grillwork at the back of the altar will surely amaze you.
Address: 530 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States
4. Mount Helena City Park
Mount Helena City Park is around 5,468 feet above sea level. It is an attractive terrain featuring many well-constructed trails that will catch your fancy.
The park features Prairie Trail, famous for the gorgeous wildflowers that grow along the pathway, and prides itself in its majestic views of cliffs and slopes.
Meanwhile, the 1906 Trail embraces the limestone cliff and offers the safest route to follow. On the other hand, the Backside Trail features grassy woodland of ponderosa pine, whereas the Hogback Trail is perhaps rocky and rough.
The Prospector Shafts Trail is a bit difficult, but the most exciting part is that every one of the trails can give you panoramic views.
Address: 225 Cruse Avenue, Suite A, Helena, MT 59601, United States
5. Holter Museum of Art
The Holter Museum of Art believes that art is meant not only for show but also for creation, interpretation, education, and preservation.
The museum respects its locality’s unique nature, showcasing many contemporary regional artists.
It features a permanent group of contemporary Montana art exhibit work topics such as ‘winter’ and exhibits prints by artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, displaying the cultural differences.
Several planned tours for groups and guests will surely be amazed by the Holter Museum Store, which deals in unique handmade presents by local artists.
Address: 12 E Lawrence Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States
6. Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, established in 1951, is an ancient structure against the backdrop of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
It was named after its founder, Archie Bray, a brickmaker aiming to improve the artistic and creative work in ceramics.
This scenic setting has drawn many ceramic artists visiting Bray to share their experiences and get fresh and helpful ideas.
Almost 600 ceramic artists worldwide have seen Bray, including famous names such as Val Crushing, Andrea Gill, and Tre Arenz.
Address: 2915 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59602, United States
7. Last Chance Ranch
Another attraction center in Helena is the Last Chance Ranch, a private property that sits on 80 acres of lush forests.
It features several activities like birdwatching, photography, or hiking towards the historic 1870 route. You can have fun admiring the beautiful beaver ponds and the panoramic scenery of the Helena National Forest.
Wagon rides can take you back in time via the forests on horse-drawn wagons to the Moose Mountain Cabin.
Feel free to eat gourmet food while watching live western music around the campfire. Several rooms are available for rent at the lodge featuring modern facilities.
Address: 2884 Grizzly Gulch, Helena, MT, United States.
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8. Great Divide Ski Area
Occupying over 1600 acres of space, the Great Divide Ski Area is a snow sports mountain park featuring more than 100 trails, skiing areas, glades, and bowls.
This ski park extends to more than three mountain pinnacles and picturesque valleys.
The area’s features cater to riders of various ages and experience levels. These features include backyard beginners’ slope, Meadow Mountain, Wild West, and the Snow Zone, with over 90 fun exhibits between them.
Address: 7385 Belmont Drive, Marysville, MT 59640, United States
9. Great Northern Carousel
Great Northern Carousel is a place you shouldn’t miss out on if you travel with children for a vacation.
You will witness handcrafted animals made by the famous Walt Disney World carver and incredible stained glass artwork, which will undoubtedly contribute to your memorable trip.
As a rider, you have the opportunity to swivel and whirl around on any of the 37 amazing Montana animals of your choice like the Mountain Goat, Grizzly Bear, Cutthroat Trout, Bobcat, Bighorn Sheep, and Grey Wolf.
The carousel is also great for hosting birthday parties or a summer barbecue. It features an amphitheater where live music and food stalls dwell.
Address: 989 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, United States
10. Exploration Works
Are you looking for a place to have a little adventure or tour of knowledge? You can check out the Exploration Works in Helena.
It is a science center that gives everybody room to partake in numerous enjoyable hands-on activities and offers exhibits based on science, technology, engineering, and math. Hence, it is called Exploration works.
There are available facilities for children to play with, including playing at the water table and working with tubes and air pathways at the Air Maze. Pin Impression Board is also available for fun.
Exhibits change three to four times yearly, making each visit unique from the previous one. You can stop at the Explore Store to get gifts and projects as souvenirs back home.
Address: 995 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, United States
11. Kindrick Legion Field
Established in 1932, the Kindrick Legion Field is a center for the Helena Brewers, a minor league baseball team. It features a Memorial Park just west of the park and is a perfect atmosphere for family union or recreation.
While sitting inside the park, with Mount Helena as a backdrop, you will surely get stunning scenery irrespective of the team playing.
The Kindrick Legion field also features over 2,100 seats arranged so that everyone will get a good view of the stadium.
Address: 1300 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, United States.
12. Original Governor’s Mansion
Established in 1888, the Original Governor’s Mansion was constructed by William Chessman to display his riches and significant influence in Helena.
The Mansion was built using Queen Anne Pattern. It shows the wealthy lifestyle exhibited by the rich people at the time.
However, in 1913, the State of Montana assumed the ownership of the brick-made edifice as the living home of the first official governor.
And ever since, the Mansion has become the residence of nine governors and their families. You are free to walk around the Mansion and explore its wealth of features.
Address: 304 North Ewing, Helena, MT 59620, United States
13. Myrna Loy Center
The Myrna Loy Center is an organization that was named after the late Myrna Loy, late Montana’s First Lady of Film, who passed on in 1993.
It is a non-profit institution that features theatre, music, performing arts, film, literature, and dance.
The center features three significant theatres and one gallery: An auditorium that can host plays, films, concerts, conferences, and dance.
There’s also a Screening Room consisting of a 50-seat digital projection theater suitable for speakers, intimate shows, and films. It also features the Jailhouse Gallery.
Address: 15 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States
14. Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Located on the city’s western edge, the Spring Meadow Lake State Park is a 30-acre facility that houses new picnic tents, and a group uses tents.
It is also home to sunbathers, swimmers, and scuba divers. Because it records several birds, the park is always an attractive prospect for all, especially bird watchers.
The park features about 8 miles of trails for country skiing, canoeing, walking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. This State Park makes for a fantastic spring-season and winter-season destination, with exhibits for everyone.
You can walk along the trail in the winter, and if it’s too cold, you can go ice-skating on the lake. Important events are also planned during the year.
Address: 930 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59620, United States
15. Kleffner Ranch Tours
If you are looking to enjoy a memorable adventure, then you must not look past the Kleffner Ranch.
Situated one mile south of East Helena along with Montana City, the ranch is a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kleffner Ranch is a renowned center for hosting weddings and other special events like company parties or celebrations and family and church bashes. It is a popular venue for retreats and tours.
It features a prickly pear creek that will catch your fancy while you enjoy a guided burn tour. You can quickly enter the place from US Highway 12, South on Hwy 518.
Address: 305 Highway 518, East Helena, MT 59635, United States
16. Spokane Bar Sapphire & Gold Fever Rock Shop
This rock shop is a world-class Sapphire mine situated along the shores of Lake Hauser. Geologists named it on a mission to map out the Missouri River flowing into Helena, Montana.
It is a great mine that draws several visitors who dig through the gravel with great efforts in search of sapphires.
The Spokane Bar Sapphire & Gold Fever Rock Shop is made up of various colors of sapphires, with green-blue the most dominant of all colors.
Ruby, the red color sapphires, is the most expensive, while Garnets and Gold can also be seen. You can access the mine throughout the year. The mine also transports gravel worldwide through UPS if you can’t travel to Montana.
Address: 5360 Castles Road, Helena, MT 59602, United States
17. Reeder’s Alley
Among Helena’s most outstanding preservation heritage districts is the Reeder’s Alley. The alley was set up in 1863, and ever since then, the building has remained the way it was.
It is so popular that it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can walk along the pathway to explore the architecture of the buildings.
There are rooms available for visitors to rent to experience life in past times. Reeder’s Alley features other activities like a theater show, panning for gold, enjoying a ride on the ancient train, and exploring the old candy store for some treats.
You’ll surely experience the lives of early miners and the Chinese influence.
Address: 300 W Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755, United States.
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18. Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
Lewis & Clark Brewing Company was formerly a dormant Giant Brewing Company until 2001, when Max Pigman purchased it, thanks to his zeal for brewing, and changed its name to the current name in 2005.
He acquired the company to offer handcrafted and unpasteurized beers to brew lovers.
The company also serves tasty menus of pizzas and bratwurst. It boasts a taproom including a mezzanine, ideal for weekly live music, a game room with a pool table, foosball, shuffleboard, and a dart board table.
Less we forget, it also hosts comedy shows to entertain its visitors. Indeed! You are welcome to Helena.
Address: 1517 Dodge Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, United States
19. Grandstreet Theatre
Grandstreet Theater is Montana’s top premier Community Theater. It has served Montana locals and visitors all over the world for more than 40 years.
The theatre features a nationally renowned Grand Street Theater School that educates more than 400 students annually and breeds 10 to 12 plays and musicals.
It features a 200-seat Romanesque granite worship center and a 45 black box studio. It is nicely seated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and one of its goals is to create a spectrum of theater of top quality.
It looks to offer an organized program of educational experiences and collaborate with other community theaters in the spirit of mutual support and celebration.
Address: 325 North Park, Helena, MT, United States
20. Helena Civic Center
Along Neil Avenue, Helena Civic Center is a Moorish Revival building that you can’t afford to miss out on during your visit to Montana.
In 1919, during its opening, the structure was called “The Shrine Temple” before its name was subsequently changed to Helena Civic Center, currently owned and operated by Helena city.
It is a center that hosts big conferences and conventions, tradeshows, concerts, weddings, banquets, and other significant programs.
It is a towering skyscraper that houses a Ballroom exhibition hall of about 15,000 square feet and accommodates over 1,925 seats Auditorium Theater.
The ballroom features an inimitable second-floor mezzanine and a catering kitchen. In contrast, the Auditorium Theater features two upper-level changing rooms, two stage-level changing rooms, and a Green Room.
Address: 360 Neil Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, United States
21. Helena Ice Arena
Established in 2002, Helena Ice Arena provides visitors with several things like hockey skills, skate rentals,public skating lessons, hockey leagues, and sessions for every age level.
Skate rentals are affordable at $7 for adults and $4 for kids. At the same time, Bighorns Hockey prices stand at $6 for students, $9 for adults, and free for children of 4 years and around.
Skating is not just an activity for skilled skaters; you can also start as a learner. The Helena Ice Arena is a perfect center for groups and households to enjoy fun moments.
You are free to enter the snack bar for some food and drinks. You will never lack any fun things in Helena, as the city is ready to give you the unforgettable day you have ever desired.
Address: 400 Lola Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States.