Location: Helena
Top Things to do in Helena
Countries
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Helena, Montana (MT)
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. Mount Helena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Mountain good for hiking, biking, fishing and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By paulapJ6772GE
Helena is the only city in the US that has a mountain top for a city park. The activities abound. (I should know—I live on the border of the park and have a ringside seat.) People walk their dogs. Trail bikers whiz by. There are hikers galore on the many trails that lead to the top of the mountain or under the wonderful rock formation. My daughter hikes up and down whenever she comes to visit. I should add that there are are variety of trails for the easy to the challenging.
2. Last Chance Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 454 reviews
This is a one hour tour of Helena including the history of Helena and Last Chance Gulch. You will see the Capital Complex, the historic homes on Helena's West Side and the early day mining district. The trains depart just outside the Montana Historical Museum, which is located on the East side of the Capitol Building.
3. Archie Bray Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 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 GabrielleP278
This is a must visit place - contemporary ceramics with brick making history - a walking sculpture tour and a funky gallery - definitely worth a visit
4. Summer Star Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Montana’s cowboys and cowgirls spend most of their time on horseback, and no trip to Montana would be complete without a trail ride! While on trail, along with our breathtaking mountain views, you may see black bear, elk, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep and mountain goats which roam freely in this wilderness area. Enjoy Montana’s “Big Sky” as you can only experience on horseback.
Reviewed By IBackThePack
My wife and I had to change our plans a couple of times and Star was very gracious about accommodating our needs. Upon our arrival we went directly to our glamping tent and Star met us there shortly after to make sure we were settled in and to see if we needed anything! The tent was amazing! It had a western decor which fit in perfect with the surroundings. It had a large comfortable bed, beautiful tiled shower, as well as an outdoor shower! We also took the trail ride with Matt as our guide. The scenery was beautiful, the horses were calm to ride, and Matt was very informative about the ranch and surrounding areas. I wish we had thought to take time to get more pictures! Star was very helpful with suggesting activities and attractions in the area as we were continuing on with our travels after our stay, We stayed at the ranch on August 2nd which was in the middle of a heatwave. Star arranged to have a large fan dropped off to help cool the tent during the day, The evening hours were very pleasant and perfect for sleeping! We would definitely recommend staying at the Summer Star Ranch if you are in the area,
5. Missouri River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
The Missouri River and the dams that form major lakes in the area provide great fishing opportunities.
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
I like the Missouri River. It is one of the biggestrive and I liked the mountains nearby while we were in a boat. I stood outside the whole time. Naturally, the Missouri River is way attractive with sunshine. This is a must see!
6. Helena National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
This forest affords easy viewing of many different types of wildlife because of its proximity to the city.
Reviewed By ChrisAmy
Was such a beautiful drive on the back 2 lane roads. Breathtaking!! Could have driven more of the roads through here.
7. Hauser Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Catch large salmon while ice fishing on this lake.
Reviewed By camjille67 - Idaho Falls, United States
We crossed the dam and took the trail down to the river below the dam. It was beautiful and clean. The dam looked amazing and it was just a wonderful experience on a very gorgeous day. The campsites on the lake looked so nice too! We may come back and camp another time!!
8. MacDonald Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A cross-country skiing trail.
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
The MacDonald pass is located west of Helena and we passed through it on our way out to Missoula. It crosses the Continental Divide at an altitude of 6,312 feet and was originally a toll road operated by a Mr. MacDonald. This highway affords the traveler another view of the spectacular scenery Montana is known for: majestic mountains and beautiful plains along the way. You see so much of this beauty along the way that sometimes you have to remind yourself to slow do, top and soak it all in.
9. Holter Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Art museums come in all shapes and sizes and designs and with many different philosophies and missions. It's not always about paintings and photographs and sculpture. The Holter Museum of Art in Helena, Montana, which opened in 1987, offers a different but very interesting and educational point of view. And it also offers free admission to experience it all. Its mission is to display and experience contemporary art in Central Montana. But it is more than that. It is a showcase for local, regional and national artists. And it has 17,000 square feet, five exhibition galleries, an educational center, a research center and over 20 rotating exhibitions a year to tell its story to visitors. Among its current exhibits are Rivers of Flame: Montana Tributaries, a wood fire exhibition curated by Tara Wilson; Sweet Dissent, ceramic works from Shalene Valenzuela with illustrations by Courtney Blazon and Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate, a fascinating study that showcases the diverse work of 46 artists who transformed thousands of anti-Semetic and racist books into uplifting and dynamic works of art. Located at 12 East Lawrence Street, the Holter Museum of Art is well worth a visit.
10. Gates of the Mountains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 604 reviews
Just north of Helena on the Missouri River.
Reviewed By MTGAL1
Highly recommend taking the time to take this boat ride and see the absolute pristine scenery and wildlife along with the story regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition. Talk about an incredible experience!!!!!!
