Helena Montana: Explore the Great West

Nestled in between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, is Montana’s capital city, Helena. A modern city that has also hung onto a lot of its past, Helena is one of Montana’s top 5 interesting places to go. Explore Helena by hiking, site seeing, exploring and going back in time as you visit historical buildings. Here are our top 5 things to do in Helena, Montana.

Gates of the Mountains

Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark by visiting the Gates of the Mountains. Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Gates of the Mountains is a canyon on the Missouri River. The river, surrounded by cliffs, got it’s name when Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal, “I shall call this place: “Gates of the Mountains”. Boat tours run seasonally. Check the current schedule and reservations before visiting. This is a breathtaking site to see in Helena, Montana! Location: 3131 Gates of the Mountains Rd, Helena, MT 59602 Entrance Fee: See the operator’s current prices and age categories.

Cathedral of St. Helena

  Consecrated in 1924, the Cathedral of St. Helena was set aside for the exclusive worship of God. The beautiful 59 stained glass windows in the Cathedral tell the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. They were hand-crafted in Bavaria and shipped to Montana. The Cathedral spires rise 230 feet above street level and they can be seen from all points of the town. Check the Cathedral’s current tour information. Summer guided tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.; groups of 10 or more need a reservation. Make sure to explore the Cathedral of St. Helena next time you come to Helena, Montana!   Location: 530 N. Ewing St. Helena, Montana, 59601 Entrance Fee: Free

Mount Helena City Park

About 5,468 feet above sea level sits Mount Helena City Park. Park in the parking lot and then enjoy exploring down the 6 different trails across over 900 acres. Open year-round, Mount Helena City Park is a popular destination for hikers and bikers. If you are looking for an easy hike with a direct route up to the top of Mount Helena, then try out 1906 Trail! This is the perfect activity to do next time you visit Helena, Montana. Location: Mount Helena Park, Helena, MT 59601 Entrance Fee: Free

Montana Heritage Center

With exhibits about Montana’s people, history, and art, the Montana Heritage Center collects and preserves artifacts that pertain to Montana. Check current opening hours and tours before visiting; this is a common site that visitors and locals love to see. This museum is an essential part of your travel experience to Helena, Montana. Come and learn about the history of Montana while walking through the Montana Heritage Center. Location: 225 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601 Entrance Fee: Free admission

Montana State Capitol

  Built on 10 acres of land surrounded by beautiful lawns and other state buildings stands the Montana State Capitol. The main section of the Capitol was completed in 1902, while the two separate wings were finished in 1912. The Capitol is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a self-guided tour any time daily from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. You can also reserve a group tour! This is a site you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Helena, Montana!   Location: 1301 East 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 Entrance Fee: Free

Getting to Helena

Find pickup directions and booking options on our Helena Transit Depot stop page. Arrange local transportation from the depot to the attractions in this article.