Helena is the state capital of Montana, in the Western Central part of the state.
Get in
By car
Interstate 15 runs north and south through Helena's eastern edge. US-12 runs east-west, and is the quickest connection from the Missoula area; US-12/287 leaves Helena to the southeast, towards Townsend and eastbound I-90 and Billings.
By plane
By bus
The main bus station for the 'Blue Line' route of the local public transportation and intercity buses is at the Helena Area Transit Center/Depot 📍 on N Montana Ave (SR-229) & Bozeman St:
Get around
A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.
See
- Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St, 46.590123°, -112.033626°, +1 406 442-5825. Daily except during services; Summer tours on Tu W Th. 2021-11-08
- The Great Northern Carousel and Ice Cream Parlour is a must do when visiting the historic town of Helena. A hand-carved carousel was built in 2002 with a wide variety of native Montanan animals. They also feature delicious homemade ice cream with flavors like Missouri River Mud, Frog Mint, and Buffalo Jump.
- Montana State Capitol, 1301 E. 6th Ave, 46.585759°, -112.018438°. Summer: M-Sa 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, noon, 1PM and 2PM, Su noon, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM; winter: Sa only 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, noon, 1PM and 2PM; self-guided tours: tours M-Sa 8AM-5PM. Free
- Gates of the Mountains, 3131 Gates of the Mountains Road (20 min N of Helena, take exit 209), +1 406 458-5241, tours@gatesofthemountains.com. Hours can vary monthly, check website for schedule. Enjoy the beauty of the Gates of the Mountains from aboard one of two tour boats - the "Sacajawea" (named after the only woman and indigenous person on the Expedition), and the "Hilger Rose" (named after Nicholas Hilger, who began the tours in 1886 on a vessel named "Rose of Helena"). The 105-minute cruise starts at the marina, just 3 miles off Interstate 15 in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. 2021-11-08
- Reeder's Alley historic mining district, Reeder's Alley.
- Old Fire Tower, 46.585201°, -112.039225°. Built in 1876.
Do
- Visit ExplorationWorks interactive science museum in the Great Northern Town Center, Downtown Helena.
- Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course, 2201 N Benton Ave, +1 406 442-2191. 18-hole course, open and thriving since 1925.
- Mount Helena. Hike, a large city park overlooking the city.
- Great Divide Snow Sports, +1 406 447-1310. A ski/snowboard area north of Helena.
- Last Chance Gulch Pedestrian Mall, 46.586°, -112.039°, +1 406-447-1535. A walking mall including a walk though Helena's history, a small playground and an old train car.
Buy
Eat
Drink
- Blackfoot River Brewery, 66 South Park Ave, 46.586294°, -112.041802°, +1 406 449-3005, brewers@blackfootriverbrewing.com. Daily 2–8PM. 2016-02-27
- The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, 46 N Last Chance Gulch, 46.588447°, -112.039085°, +1 406-282-0111. Bottle shop with a tasting room, fine wines with a down to earth touch. 2016-02-27
- Lewis and Clark Brewing, 1517 Dodge Ave, 46.600388°, -112.021790°, +1 406-442-5960, max@lewisandclarkbrewing.com. Daily 2-8PM. Local brewery, makes ales and lagers 2016-02-27
- Rialto, 52 N Last Chance Gulch, 46.588465°, -112.038500°, +1 406-442-1890. Popular downtown bar, with live music and DJs. 2016-02-27
Sleep
- Elk View Bed and Breakfast, 88 Howard Beer Rd, Clancey (12 mi south of the city, along I-15), +1 406 442-1224. Check-in: 4PM-7PM, check-out: 11AM. A four-room guest lodge built with logs and set on 450 acres that feels like a park. The lodge has three large fireplaces, a hot tub and sauna. The breakfasts are recommended. $100-125
- Jorgenson's Inn & Suites, 1714 11th Ave (between 11th Ave and Prospect Avenue at Lamborn Street (next to Capital Hill Mall)), 46.590149°, -112.009829°, +1 406-442-1770. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A friendly hotel in the city center. Highlights of the property include free breakfast with every room, a fun bar and casino, an indoor pool, business center and Free Wifi in the main building, free on-site parking, round-trip airport shuttle, laundry facilities, coffee in the lobby, a microwave in the lobby, complimentary newspapers in the lobby and air conditioning in all rooms and public areas. $69
- The Sanders - Helena's Bed & Breakfast, 328 N Ewing St, 46.588435°, -112.034575°, +1 406-442-3309. 2016-02-27
Connect
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