Helena, Montana: Here Are Some Things To Do 

Just this past week, I was invited by the Southwest Montana Tourism Department and the Visit Butte, Montana Visitors Bureau to experience Southwest Montana. One of the places we visited is the capital city of Helena, Montana. Ever been?

 Most people who go to Montana head to Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park. However, there is so much more to Montana than these two popular places.

One thing to note is that Helena is 3,875′ (1,181.1m) elevation and some of the surrounding areas are 5,200’+ (1,584.9m) .so be mindful of mountain sickness due to the elevation. Drink lots of water and don’t exert yourself too much until your body gets used to the elevation.

Let’s see what I found when I visited Helena, Montana.

Where is Helena, Montana?

This capital city is located in the southwestern part of the state between Great Falls in the north, Missoula in the west and Butte in the south.

How To Get Here

There are many ways to to get to Helena, MT, let’s take a look:

By Air

The closest airport is the Helena Regional Airport (HLN). You may also fly into Great Falls (GTF), Missoula (MSO) or Butte (BTM).

The following airlines serve the Helena Regional Airport (HLN): Alaska Airlines (AS), Delta Air Lines (DL) and United Airlines (UA).

Helena Regional Airport in Helena, Montana (HLN)

The following airlines serve Great Falls (GTF): Alaska Airlines (AS), Allegiant Air (G4), Delta Air Lines (DL) and United Airlines (UA).
 
The following airlines serve Missoula (MSO): Alaska Airlines (AS), Allegiant Air (G4), American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Frontier Airlines (F9), Sun Country (SY) and United Airlines (UA).
 
The following airlines serve Butte (BTM): Delta Air Lines (DL) and United Airlines (UA).

By Car

Helena, MT is easily accessible by car. Use a mapping software such as Google Maps for directions.

By Train

There is no train station in the city. However, you can take the Amtrak Empire Builder service, stop at say Havre, MT and then rent a car and head south for Helena.

By Bus

Service is from Greyhound.

Things To Do

Visit Montana provides a lot of information on what to see and do in Helena. I did a walk on my own and found some gems. It is a small city, but really beautiful to walk and enjoy.

Ensure that you also check out the free Walking Tour App for Android and IOS.

Our Lady of the Rockies

The State Capitol

As with many U.S. States, the State Capitol Building has a dome similar to the one in Washington, D.C. This building is the seat of the state’s power. 

Located at 1301 E. 6th Ave., the first cornerstone was laid back in 1899 and the building was dedicated July 4, 1902. Learn More.

Here’s just a taste of the grandeur of the Capitol.

 

 

 

Cathedral of St. Helena

 

 

Take A Boat Tour of Gates of the Mountain

Just about 30 minutes down the road is one of the best attractions in the area. You’re taken on a boat tour down  river gorge with towering mountains on the sides. If you’re lucky, you can see some wildlife. I got to see an eagle high atop a tree and some Black cows which are all over Montana.

There are also recreational vehicles zipping along the gorge, such as speed boats and jet skis. You may also camp in the area.

 

Exploration Works!

If you have young children, they will have a wonderful time at Exploration Works! This is an interactive science museum.

 

Helena Civic Center

When you fist see this building, you will think it’s a mosque due to its architecture, but it’s not. It’s home to the Civic Center of Helena where concerts and arts and craft shows among other things are held. Learn More.

You Have To Visit Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

 This place is like a garden of Eden. It’s so peaceful and beautiful pls it has a stream running through it, and you can actually stay right in the middle of the garden just across from the owner’s log cabin in your own log cabin.

The owners Richard and Belva are amazing human beings. They truly love and know their craft. It was such a pleasure listening to them tell us about the area and their garden.

 

Where To Stay

I stayed at the Best Western Premier in the heart of downtown. It’s a very nice hotel and one of the newly refurbished Best Westerns. I do recommend staying there, plus it has a train that runs atop the check-in counter. Just ask the check-in clerk to turn it on for you.

 

You may also check the search box below to determine.

 

 

Where To Eat

I love this town as it’s quite small and quaint. There are a number of places to eat of course. We ate at a Sports Bar called Brewhouse which also had a downstairs section which is a wine bar. Later that night, I met a lady sitting outside of the place we had dinner and she recommended visiting the winebar.

If you want fast food, there is no shortage of that here. Interesting, as I did not really see fast food places around the other towns. There were a few in Billings, but not downtown.

Also ate at the Silverstar Steak Company, but I had the fish ;). We had steak at a place called the Windsor Bar in Boulder the night before. A very good meal and atmosphere at both places actually. Service was a little slow at the Silverstar as they were crowded and I’m guessing that someone did not show up for work. It’s a college town, so that may have been the reason. Our waitress did her best though.

Here are some other places:

 

Additional Information

 Visit Helena

Southwest Montana

Have you been to Helena, Montana or visited any other state capitols? Please leave a comment below if you have or if you have any comments.