Helena Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Montana region, Helena is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located between the stunning Rocky Mountains and the picturesque Helena National Forest, this charming city is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of Helena is its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. The surrounding landscape is dotted with hiking trails that wind through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The nearby Missouri River is perfect for fishing and boating, while the nearby mountains provide ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

Beyond its natural wonders, Helena is also a city steeped in history. As the capital of Montana, it is home to the iconic Montana State Capitol building, which is a must-visit for history buffs. The building's stunning architecture and richly adorned interiors provide a glimpse into the state's past. The Montana Historical Society Museum is another must-visit attraction, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Montana's fascinating history.

For those interested in arts and culture, Helena has a thriving arts scene. The Holter Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, while the Myrna Loy Center for the Performing and Media Arts hosts a variety of concerts, film screenings, and theatrical performances throughout the year. The city also hosts the Last Chance Stampede and Fair, a popular annual event that celebrates Montana's western heritage with rodeo competitions, live music, and delicious local food.

In addition to its natural beauty and rich history, Helena is also known for its warm and welcoming community. The city's downtown area is filled with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants, offering a delightful mix of local and international cuisines. Whether you're exploring the historic Last Chance Gulch or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Helena's Walking Mall, you'll be greeted with friendly smiles and a sense of community that is truly unique to this Montana gem.

Alternative names: Population: 30.6 thous. (2019)Area: 16.54 mi²Elevation: 4075 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°35'27"N, 112°2'13"W

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MontanaUnited States

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Helena Top Attractions

Helena Attractions - What to See and Explore

Helena offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Montana State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Helena, Mount Helena, Montana Governor's Residence. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Government center with tours and a museum
Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is the state capitol of the U.S. state of Montana that houses the Montana State Legislature which is located in the state capital of Helena at 1301 East Sixth Avenue.
Grand, historic neo-Gothic church
Cathedral of Saint Helena
The Cathedral of Saint Helena is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana. Modeled by architect A.O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria, the construction began on the cathedral in 1908, and held its first mass in November 1914.
Park • Ski area • Mountain
Mount Helena
Mount Helena City Park is a 620-acre park in Helena, Montana. The park encompasses Mount Helena which rises 5,468 feet above sea level, overlooking the city of Helena 1,300 feet below. The park includes six trails up and around the mountain, some of which connect to other trails in nearby Helena National Forest.

Historical place • Museum • Architecture
Montana Governor's Residence
The Former Montana Executive Mansion, also known as the Original Governor's Mansion, is a property in Helena, Montana, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Cemetery
Home of Peace Cemetery
Home of Peace is a Jewish cemetery in Helena, Montana, founded in 1867 by the local Hebrew Benevolent Society, which formed on December 9, 1866. The Society formally purchased the land in 1875. The Home of Peace Cemetery Association now maintains the grounds.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Grandstreet Theatre
Grandstreet Theatre is a theatre in Helena, Montana. It is one of Montana's largest theatres. Located in historic downtown Helena, the community theatre presents several plays, musicals, and youth extravaganzas each year.
Synagogue • Romanesque architecture
Temple Emanu-El
Temple Emanu-El in Helena, Montana, United States, was the first Jewish synagogue to be constructed between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon. It was completed in 1891.
Park • Arenas and stadiums
Kindrick Legion Field
Kindrick Legion Field is a baseball park located in Helena, Montana which serves as the home field of three American Legion teams: the Senators, Reps, and Independents.
Cemetery
Benton Avenue Cemetery
The Benton Avenue Cemetery located in Helena, Montana was established by the Lewis and Clark County commissioners in 1870, and run by the county until management was turned over to the Benton Avenue Cemetery Association in 1922.
Civic center • Downtown Helena
Helena Civic Center
The historic Algeria Shrine Temple, now also known as the Helena Civic Center, is a Moorish Revival building in Helena, Montana that was built in 1920. The building served as a meeting hall for the Algeria Shriners and had civic functions. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
46°35'15"N • 112°1'59"W
Robert and Elizabeth Fisk House
The Robert and Elizabeth Fisk House is a historic home in Helena, Montana. Built in the mid 19th century by the Fisk family, the residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
46°35'11"N • 112°0'58"W
Montana Historical Society
History museum • Museum • Art gallery
Church
First Baptist Church of Montana
The First Baptist Church of Montana, located in Helena, Montana, is an historic church founded in 1880. It is Montana's oldest Baptist Church, located on 8th Avenue. It is associated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral is located in Helena, Montana, United States. It is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana. In 1990 the cathedral was added as a contributing property in the Helena Historic District.
46°35'12"N • 112°2'24"W
Birds & Beasleys
Museum • Shopping
46°35'51"N • 112°2'13"W
Great Northern Carousel
Theme park • Amusement park • Entertainment
46°35'22"N • 112°1'38"W
Wick-Seiler House
The Wick-Seiler House is a historic house in Helena, Montana. It was designed in the Italianate style, and built in 1888 for John Wick and his wife, née Philipia Offenbaker, two immigrants from Germany.
46°34'58"N • 112°0'25"W
T. H. Kleinschmidt House
T. H. Kleinschmidt House is a historic house in Helena, Montana. It was built in 1892 for T. H. Kleinschmidt, his wife and their six children. Kleinschmidt was a Prussian-born immigrant who invested in placer mining and later co-founded the First National Bank of Helena with Governor Samuel Thomas Hauser.
46°35'15"N • 112°2'2"W
Porter Flats Apartments
Porter Flats Apartments is a historic residential building in Helena, Montana. It was designed in the Italianate style, and built in 1884 by James Porter, a farmer, schoolteacher and real estate developer.

Things to See and Do in Helena by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Helena.

Active

Mount Helena
Helena
ParkSki areaMountain
Stonetree Climbing Center
Helena
Game and entertainment centerClimbing
Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course
Helena
Golf

Day trips

Helena – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Helena, it's worth seeing attractions such as: World Museum of Mining (Butte), Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area, Copper King Mansion (Butte).

47 milesSW
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
World Museum of Mining, Butte
The World Museum of Mining is a museum and memorial in Butte, Montana. Chartered in 1964 as a non-profit educational corporation, the Museum first opened its doors in July 1965.
24 milesN
National park
Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area
Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area is a non-motorized recreation area located on the west side of the Missouri River and Holter Lake located about 30 miles north of Helena, Montana.
46 milesSW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Copper King Mansion, Butte
The Copper King Mansion, also known as the W. A. Clark Mansion, is a 34-room residence of Romanesque Revival Victorian architecture that was built from 1884 to 1888 as the Butte, Montana, residence of William Andrews Clark, one of Montana's three famous Copper Kings.
36 milesW
Museum
Grant–Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Deer Lodge
The Grant–Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, created in 1972, commemorates the Western cattle industry from its 1850s inception through recent times.
45 milesSW
Monuments and statues
Our Lady of the Rockies, Butte
Our Lady of the Rockies is a 90-foot statue built in the likeness of Mary, the mother of Jesus, that sits atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte, Montana.

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Best Time To Visit Helena

Learn when is the best time to travel to Helena weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, November and December. Most of it rains in May and June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Helena?

The top attractions to visit in Helena are:

What is the best time to visit Helena?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.