Location: Helena
Top Things to do in Helena
Top 10 Things to do in Helena, United States
Although the once glittering Last Chance Creek has long dried up, Helena's Gold Rush history is reflected in its preserved architecture, from the spires of St. Helena Cathedral and the Queen Anne style Original Governor's Mansion to the restored miner's village of Reeder's Alley and the oldest house in the city, Pioneer Cabin. For those seeking adventure, the paths of Mount Helena Park provide ample activity. Helena also offers much in the way of arts and culture with theaters and galleries.
Restaurants in Helena
1. Gates of the Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Just north of Helena on the Missouri River.
Reviewed By magicmomentfamily - Wyoming
While visiting family in Helena, we had the opportunity to take a boat tour. We had three little children with us which came with its ups and downs. For the most part, it was a beautiful and informative tour. Our tour guide was really into the history that he seemed to linger on particular subjects which didn't help our children warm up to the tour. But, some of the time, he would direct his attention to all the kids on the boat and ask them questions about what they could see in the rocks and if they could identify particular wildlife. The highlight of the tour for me was stopping off at the boat only access park where we could look around, stretch our feet and read more about the history of the area. However, the highlight for our children was getting a chance to steer the boat. Be prepared to take in sun on this tour and drink plenty of water. Our tour was on a beautiful day, but we were a little exhausted from the heat by the end. I do recommend this tour, especially if you love stories of miraculous wildfire stories, ancient pictographs, and a chance to see some amazing scenery.
2. Montana Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By MicheleColette - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For an English person this was incredibly informative and so very interesting. My husband and I spent three hours learning so much more than we imagined and I left after buying numerous books on Indians. We loved the Russell paintings how fortunate to have someone there at the time to react to the life around him. Particularly liked the pictures in drawers with his letters and comments. Thank you so much Historical Society
3. Cathedral of St. Helena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Reviewed By Rita P
This is definitely a must see for anyone and everyone. Our eyes just were in wonder with the beauty of the architecture, landscape. The stained glass windows were breathtaking. Definitely would like to return for a mass as we were just passing through the city.
4. Mount Helena
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
Mountain good for hiking, biking, fishing and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By Chad w - Helena, Montana
The West trails up Mount Helena are great with much less people on them. This is a steeper climb to top with a elevation gain of about 1300 feet to top of peak in approximately a 2 mIle hike to top, depending on which west trail you use. The difficulty varies but considering elevation gains it is a good workout. Once to top, or close to top the backside views off Mount Helena are amazing as well as views overlooking Helena Valley on front.
5. Great Northern Carousel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Alexbutleavemealone - Sacramento, Ca
Lots of great characters to ride. Even 'rings' to try to grab (they collect them after the ride). The adjoining snack shop (mostly ice cream) was nice.
6. Montana State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Brightievictoria - Victoria
What a magnificent building, worthy of a beautiful State. We were able to tour quietly by ourselves, enjoying particularly the stained glass windows, and peeping into the main rooms. The view from the first floor are spectacular. Wheelchair friendly too.
7. Lewis & Clark Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Visit our Brewery & Tap Room open Sun-Wed from noon-10pm and Thurs-Sat from noon-11pm. We feature Live Music Thursday & Saturday nights and we now have a snack bar that serves artisan pizzas (made with the spent grain from our daily brews in the crust) along with beer brats made with our Scottish ale. We offer free samples of our hand-crafted beers (normally 10-12 on tap) and tours by appointment. If you are a wine lover we have 4 wines on tap and a selection of wines by the bottle as well. We also have a gift shop featuring many beer gifts such as T-shirts, Hats, Patches, Belt buckles, beer signs and much more. Also visit our art gallery featuring art for sale from local artists.
Reviewed By Mtarmygriz - Missoula, Montana
Best in Helena for craft brewing, music, entertainment, and light meal. This has easily become our go to brewery for craft beer and pizza. Shuffleboard or pool in the game room are great but live music is over the top. Went back to one of the other local breweries and just didn't enjoy it like we do L&C.
8. Archie Bray Foundation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (Bray) is a nonprofit, educational institution dedicated to the enrichment of the ceramic arts. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located three miles from downtown Helena, Montana. Founded in 1951 on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company, the Bray was the first artist residency program in the United States devoted solely to ceramics. For over sixty years ceramic artists from around the world have come to the Bray to make artwork, share experiences and explore new ideas. The Bray also offers community ceramics classes for adults and children, exhibitions and special events throughout the year as well as specialized workshops in ceramics. The Bray’s facilities include year-round and seasonal artist studios, a community ceramics studio, sales gallery, rotating exhibition spaces, kiln facilities, and a retail ceramic supply business. The 26 acre grounds also display site-specific sculpture and artwork left by past resident artists.Galleries and grounds are open and free to the public throughout the year for the exhibition and sale of artwork by resident artists. The Sales Gallery is open Monday–Saturday from 10 am–5 pm and Sunday from 1–5 pm. A self-guided walking tour of the grounds is available anytime during daylight hours. Guided tours for larger groups are available by appointment. The Bray is located at 2915 Country Club Ave., just 1/3 mile West of Spring Meadow Lake.
Reviewed By artmatterspgh - pittsburgh pa
had heard of this place for ages and never dreamed i would visit. loved walking around the grounds to see all the outdoor sculpture, the broken and not perfect pieces left around buildings as if part of an archeological site. galkkery space, sales gallery. visit the artist studios. wonderful visit
9. Last Chance Gulch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
The main street in the downtown business district, which takes its name from the four prospectors who discovered gold there in 1864.
Reviewed By Kay M - Augusta, GA
We love the pedestrian areas with nice shops, and this has a lot. It is the historic area where gold was first discovered in Montana in 1864. You can take a walking tour of the historically significant buildings and areas or you can just enjoy the shopping and eating. We walked through and rode through on the Last Chance train tour.
10. Missouri River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The Missouri River and the dams that form major lakes in the area provide great fishing opportunities.
Reviewed By Jan S - Sun City, Arizona
The significance of the Missouri River is unparalleled in American History. Lewis and Clark, trappers, traders, Indian dug out canoes, Paddle Steamers, modern camping, fishing, boating etc. It thrills me overtime I see this river.
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