Beautiful Helena

The capital of the US state of Montana is Helena and it’s also the county seat of Lewis and Clark county. During the Montana gold rush Helena was founded as a gold camp and established on October, 30, 1864.

The State Capitol has a tall dome and “Lady Liberty” is perched on top. The historic building has impressive granite columns. You can tour the interior including the Old Law Library, the Capital Rotunda, and see the painting adorning the walls.

Last Chance Gulch is a prosperous area of Helena and the place where the city got its start. Today it serves as the heart of a lovely downtown district. Businesses and storefronts line both sides of Last Chance Gulch and some locals refer to it as Main Street.

South of Sixth Street, Last Chance Gulch is a landscaped pedestrian mall and has become a popular place for strolling. The vehicle-free downtown area has historic buildings, statues, and a retired Trolley Car. In the evenings you can find a vibrant nightlife with entertainment.

Mount Helena is an iconic landmark and the flagship natural attraction of the city. Above Reeder’s Alley there are trail heads on the neighborhood hillsides. The park encompasses more then 600 acres and several miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the 1906 Trail leading to the summit for some spectacular views or take the steep Powerline Trail.

Reeder’s Alley has buildings dating back to the 1870s. It is located in the southwest corner of downtown and gives a look into Helena’s past. Today it has modern storefronts, a restaurant, office space, and the Visit Helena Montana office.

The Pioneer Cabin is the oldest registered domicile in the city and available for public tours.
The Montana Historical Society with large sculptures on the lawn is adjacent to the State Capitol. The society hosts the Montana’s Museum that features several exhibits and galleries.

Montana Historical Museum has collections detailing the time of Lewis and Clark in Montana and takes a look into the Montana frontier and past pioneers. A large portion of the museum is dedicated to the history and daily lives of the region’s indigenous populations.

The original Governor’s Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places near downtown Helena. The mansion was built as a private residence. The three-story Queen Anne mansion began hosting the Governor and his relatives in 1913 and housed nine different families over nearly 50 years. It is open for guided tours between May and September. You can have a look into the life of early 20th century Montana.

The Cathedral of Saint Helena has twin spires. The Gothic cathedral has gone through restorations. Guided tours are available. The cathedral has lovely stained-glass windows and you can walk around the property along the manicured green grass to truly see the beauty of the building.

Gates of the Mountain is located twenty miles north of Helena and managed by the Helena National Forest. Meriwether Lewis coined the name during an expedition when he saw how the Missouri River met up with limestone cliffs in this beautiful wilderness area. There are miles of hiking trails and picnic areas to relax and enjoy the view. Boat tours are available.

Holter Museum is a cultural hub of the city. It hosts regional, national, and international art exhibits. There are various events throughout the year like family trivia nights, fall art walks and more. You’ll find educational programs including classes and workshop for all ages.

Spring Meadow Lake State Park is located on the western edge of the city with great views of Mount Helena. The lake is the central attraction and you can swim, fish, or skate here depending on the season. Non-motorized boating is popular. The park offers free personal flotation device rental. There are shaded areas for picnics overlooking the water. A short nature trail will take you all around the lake and you can spot various wildlife.

https://www.planetware.com/montana/top-rated-attractions-and-things-to-do-in-helena-mt-us-mt-45.htm

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