Helena (Montana)

Helena is the state capital of Montana, in the Western Central part of the state. Visitors come to see Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch, and its mansion district once home to Helena’s gold mining millionaires. The city has 75 mi (121 km) of running or biking trails. The mighty Missouri River is not far, with opportunities for rafting and fly-fishing. == Understand == Helena was founded as a mining camp during the Montana gold rush of 1864, following the discovery of gold at Last Chance Gulch. Helena quickly became a wealthy city, with approximately 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888, more per capita than in any other city in the world. This large concentration of wealth lead to fine residences and ambitious architecture. Helena has been the capital of Montana Territory since 1875 and the state of Montana since 1889. Many working Helenans work for agencies of the state government. At about 32,000 people, it is one of the smallest state capitals, but still the 6th most populous city in Montana. A number of communities surround Helena, including East Helena, but have few amenities. The majority of small communities are to the south in Jefferson County. === Tourist information === Visit Helena (Visitor Center), 105 Reeder's Alley (at the base of Reeder's Alley), ☏ +1 406-449-2107. (updated Jul 2026) == Get in == === By car === Interstate 15 (I-15) runs north and south through Helena's eastern edge. U.S. Route 12 (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 === 1 Helena Regional Airport (HLN IATA) (3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of downtown Helena, via Cedar St from I-15 Exit #193). The following airlines serve Helena with some connecting through Great Falls: Horizon Air as Alaska Airlines (Seattle); Skywest as Delta Connection (Salt Lake City); Skywest as United Express (Denver) (updated May 2025) There is no public transportation available from the airport into town. You can go by taxi, ride hailing (Uber is available) or rental car. === By bus === 2 Capital Transit Complex (City Transit Center), 1415 N Montana Ave (at SR-229 & Bozeman St), ☏ +1 406-447-8080. The main bus station for the 'Blue Line' route of the local public transportation and intercity buses. (updated Jul 2026) Salt Lake Express, ☏ +1 208 656-8824. Travels primarily on I-15 from Salt Lake City through Idaho Falls to Great Falls via Dillon, Butte, Basin, Boulder, Helena, and Craig in Montana. Passengers transfer in Butte, Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City to get to additional destinations. Transfer to Jefferson Lines in Butte. (updated Jul 2015) == 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 == 1 Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St, ☏ +1 406 442-5825. Daily except during services; Summer tours on Tu W Th. (updated Nov 2021) 2 Holter Museum of Arts, 12 E Lawrence St, ☏ +1 406 442-6400. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su noon-4PM, closed M. Variety of art exhibits in 5 galleries. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Montana State Capitol, 1301 E. 6th Ave, ☏ +1 406-444-3064. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-3PM. This neoclassical building was constructed between 1896 and 1902 out of Montana sandstone and granite. The dome is covered with copper and topped with a feminine statue affectionately dubbed Montana. Much of the building is accessible to visitors, and an information desk offers brochures and occasional walking tours. Inside, four circular paintings surround the massive rotunda, surrounded by paintings depicting Montana's early history. More artwork decorates the House and Senate chambers. Free. (updated Jul 2026) === Last Chance Gulch === On July 14, 1864, the discovery of gold in a gulch off the Prickly Pear Creek led to the founding of a mining camp along a small creek in the area they called "Last Chance Gulch". The original streets of Helena followed the paths of miners, making city blocks of various shapes and sizes in the historic city center. Today, the oldest stretch of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrianized street that meanders through several blocks of shops and historical markers towards Pioneer Park. 4 Old Fire Tower (Guardian of the Gulch), 111 S Cruse St (at State St). A wooden fire tower originally built in 1874 overlooking the downtown district, in response to a series of devastating fires that swept through the early mining camp. When a 2016 arson attack severely damaged the tower, it was rebuilt using the same methods as in its original construction. (updated Jul 2026) 5 Reeder's Alley, 101 Reeder's Alley. In the 1870s, a brick and stonemason named Louis Reeder built over 30 brick and stone one-room tenements for miners. This hillside pocket avoided redevelopment over the years, leaving it the oldest intact piece of early Helena. It now houses offices, non-profits and a few artist studios. Tours available. (updated Jul 2026) == Do == 1 Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course, 2201 N Benton Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-2191. 18-hole course, open and thriving since 1925. 2 ExplorationWorks!, 995 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406 457-1800, info@explorationworks.org. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM, closed M. Interactive children's science museum $9 ages 2+. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Great Divide Snow Sports, 7385 Belmont Dr, ☏ +1 406 449-3746, info@dkigd.com. A ski/snowboard area north of Helena. 1,500 acres (610 hectares) with summit elevation of 7,330 feet (2,230 m). (updated Jul 2023) 4 Great Northern Carousel, 989 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406 457-5353, manager@gncarousel.com. W Th 11AM-6PM, F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. Hand-carved carousel, featuring native Montanan animals. They also feature delicious homemade ice cream with flavors like Missouri River Mud, Frog Mint, and Buffalo Jump. $3 per ride, one scoop $3.50. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Helena Bighorns, 400 Lola St, ☏ +1 406 457-2817, sales@helenabighorns.com. See website for current season schedule. Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the Helena Ice Arena. The Bighorns play in the NA3 hockey league. (updated Aug 2023) Helena Skatepark. Built by Alltec 6 Mount Helena (end of Reeders Village Dr), ☏ +1 406 447-8000, communication@helenamt.gov. Large city park featuring several hiking trails, also suitable for mountain biking. The 1906 trail takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 7 South Hills Disc Golf Course (Hyzer Hills), 3187 Cabernet Dr. Open sun-up to sun-down. Disc golf course with 18 holes. Variety of holes make it a good course for most skill levels. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 8 Gates of the Mountains, 3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd (20 min N of Helena, 3 mi (4.8 km) off I-15 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 in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. (updated Nov 2021) 9 Canyon Ferry (20 miles (32 km) east). Montana's third largest lake. You can enjoy all the water activities from the marina, or one of several campsites. (updated Apr 2026) == Buy == 1 Last Chance Gulch Pedestrian Mall, ☏ +1 406 447-1535. A walking outdoor mall including a walk through Helena's history, a small playground and an old train car. == Eat == 1 Planet Gyros, 1421 11th Ave, ☏ +1 406 449-2550. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, closed Su. Traditional Greek lunch menu (updated Aug 2023) 2 R-B Drive-In, 932 Helena Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-7482. M-Sa 11A-7PM, closed Su. Classic drive-in doing business since 1948. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Ristorante Bella Roma, 22 N Last Chance Gulch (in the Double Tree), ☏ +1 406 495-0677, info@ristorantebellaroma.com. Authentic Italian restaurant. Multi-course meals with menu changing to make use of in-season fresh produce. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended, can be booked on website. (updated Aug 2023) 4 Silver Star Steak Company, 833 Great Northern Blvd, ☏ +1 406 495-0677. M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM; Lounge M-Sa 4-11PM. 6 categories of main courses. 5 types of steaks with different portion size options. Extensive wine list. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Windbag Saloon & Grill, 19 S Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 443-3520. M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight. The last bordello in Helena. Pub-style food. Several microbrews. Outdoor seating available. (updated Aug 2023) 6 Staggering Ox, 400 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 406 443-1729. M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Deli lunch spot. == Drink == 1 Fire Tower Coffee, 422 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 495-8840, coffee@firetowercoffee.com. M-F 6:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 7AM-3PM, closed Su. Artisan roaster. Beans available for retail purchase. (updated Jul 2023) 2 General Mercantile, 413 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 461-6028, thegeneralmerc@gmail.com. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Coffee shop. 3 The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, 46 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 282-0111. Bottle shop with a tasting room, fine wines with a down to earth touch. (updated Feb 2016) 4 Rialto, 52 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 442-1890. Popular downtown bar, with live music and DJs. (updated Feb 2016) === Microbreweries === 5 Blackfoot River Brewery, 66 South Park Ave, ☏ +1 406 449-3005, brewers@blackfootriverbrewing.com. M-Th 2–8PM, F Sa Su noon-8PM. Hand-crafted beer. Outside food is welcome. Pets allowed in downstairs outdoor area. (updated Jul 2023) 6 Copper Furrow Brewing, 2801 N Roberts, ☏ +1 406 422-5975, info@copperfurrow.com. Daily noon-8PM. Locally sourced ingredients. Casual, family-friendly. 5 flagships plus rotators. (updated Jul 2023) 7 Lewis and Clark Brewing, 1535 Dodge Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-5960, max@lewisandclarkbrewing.com. Daily 2-8PM. Makes ales, lagers and seltzers. Best known for award winning Miner's Gold. Live music and game room. (updated Jul 2023) 8 Mt Ascension Brewing, 317 N Cruse (inside the Independent), ☏ +1 406 442-9501. Open daily, M Tu W 2-8PM, Th-Su noon-8PM. Balcony views. (updated Jul 2023) 9 Speakeasy 41, 685 Barney St, Suite A, ☏ +1 406 422-1841. Open daily, M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa Sun noon-9PM. Occasional market days featuring small local businesses, live music every so often. (updated Jul 2023) 10 Ten Mile Creek Brewery, 48 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 502-1382. Daily noon-8PM. Live music and events. Featuring variety of ales, sour, and fruit flavors. (updated Jul 2023) 11 Gulch Distillers, 4 W. Lawrence St, ☏ +1 406-449-2393. M-Sa 2PM-8PM. Distillery and cocktail bar using local ingredients. (updated May 2025) == Sleep == 1 Budget Inn Express, 524 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 442-0600, toll-free: +1 800 862-1334. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 11AM. Basic hotel with good location at the city center. Microwave/fridge in room. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Best Western Helena/Capitol Hotel, 1714 11th Ave (between 11th Ave and Prospect Ave at Lamborn St, next to Capital Hill Mall), ☏ +1 406 442-1770. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A friendly hotel in the city center with breakfast, bar/restaurant, casino, and indoor pool. 3 The Sanders - Helena's Bed & Breakfast, 328 N Ewing St (near historic district), ☏ +1 406 442-3309. Restored mansion filled with authentic items. Each room has a private bath, gourmet breakfast. (updated Aug 2023) == Connect == You will find most restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to have free Wi-Fi for customers. 1 Helena Chamber of Commerce, 225 Cruse Ave. Suite A, ☏ +1 406 442-4120, info@helenachamber.com. == Go next == Butte Great Falls Missoula