As a vacation spot, Helena, Montana, is a top-notch travel destination. If you’re looking for the top attractions and fun things to do in Helena, Montana, then look no further than Helena, Montana. Scroll down, and you’ll find our top travel suggestions for Helena, Montana, for the best places to visit in Helena, Montana. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.
Table Of Content
- Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
- Cathedral of St. Helena
- Exploration Works
- Gates of the Mountains
- Grandstreet Theatre
- Great Divide Ski Area
- Great Northern Carousel
- Helena National Forest
- Holter Museum of Art
- Kindrick Legion Field
- Last Chance Gulch
- Last Chance Ranch
- Original Governor’s Mansion
- Parrot Confectionery
- Montana Historical Society Museum
- Montana State Capitol
- Mount Helena City Park
- Myrna Loy Center
- Reeder’s Alley
- Spring Meadow Lake State Park
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
Anyone interested in art has to check out the ceramic art display at the Archie Bray Foundation.
The Archie Bray Foundation of the Ceramic Arts is in a historical building surrounded by the foothills of Rocky Mountain.
In 1951, the site was where a former business called the Western Clay Manufacturing Company conducted its business. Soon, a brick mark named Archie Bray took over the spot to create a place to ignite the interest in creative and artistic works of ceramics.
Today, the Archie Bray Foundation is now an educational institution and non-profits to enhance sharing of the art of ceramics with others.
It is near the Rocky Mountains of Helena over 3 miles. It is even part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The Archie Bary Foundation has had works of ceramic art for more than 60 years and from various parts of the world.
Besides just showcasing ceramic arts, this foundation provides ceramic classes to the community for both children and adults.
There are even special events and exhibitions offered every year, including a specialized workshop focused on ceramics.
So come to learn the world of ceramic art.
Address: 2915 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59602, United States
Cathedral of St. Helena
The Cathedral of St. Helena is one of the top attractions in Montana.
Visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Helena, built-in 1924.
It is near the Old Governor’s Mansion and in downtown Helena.
For over a century, this cathedral has had twin spires that have overlooked this city.
In 1935, there was an earthquake that damaged the cathedral. Over the years, this Gothic cathedral had to go under various improvements and restorations.
Though, its defining feature is its architectural design, even as a place to pray and worship.
Visitors who plan on visiting can the guided tours and public services of the cathedral during the weeks between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
The cathedral has many collections with stained glass windows installed. Some of these windows show the story of Adam and Eve and other interiors.
People get to explore to see its exterior, including its outdoor manicured green grass, to enjoy and take in all as you look around at this iconic spot.
This cathedral is a building worth seeing.
Address: 530 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Exploration Works
The Exploration Works has a lot to offer with areas to learn and cover technology and science.
It is a science museum showcasing hands-on exhibits and a discovery area for children.
Exploration work has allowed many to join exhibits and activities focused on math, science, technology, and engineering.
There are other fun areas in the Exploration works, particularly for children, such as their Pin Impression Board ad the Air Maze to work with air pathways and tubes and play on the water table.
It has exhibits that change every year around three to four times to improve and a different experience for visitors visiting compared to when they last came.
There are other things to enjoy, such as the educational workshops, summer camps, and community groups that Exploration Works provides.
Be sure to come to their family-friendly events, such as the TinkerLabs, an event that lets families see and enjoy watching science experiments.
So come to Exploration Works if you want to learn about the world of science.
Address: 995 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, United States
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Gates of the Mountains
The Gates of the Mountains is one of the best things to do in Montana.
Just beyond the Missouri River on North Helena is the stunning Gates of the Mountain you have to see.
Gates of the Mountain is a natural beauty and place full of history over 20 miles of north Helena between the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone.
During an expedition from the Corps of Discovery, Meriwether Lewis named this place the Gates of the Mountain based on the surrounding wilderness area as the Missouri River connects between the limestone cliffs.
The Gates of the Mountain has surrounding areas with hiking trails and picnic areas for anyone wanting to eat while enjoying the scenic view of this place.
It has tours with a guided narration to explain the dramatic geology and history of the Gate of the Mountains.
Those wanting to have a memorable experience can take boat tours every summer.
Visitors can then cruise and enjoy admiring its rugged beauty and wilderness.
Anyone visiting this place may get struck by a sense of grandeur.
Address: Helena, MT 59602, United States
Grandstreet Theatre
The Grandstreet Theater debuts a live-filled theater with a lot to offer for theatergoers to be pleased.
This place is a community theater premiering in Montana.
It has worked for over 40 years, offering its services to the residents and visitors in Montana.
The Grandstreet Theater was also once a library and a church. But today, the theater is a hub and playhouse to show the creative spirit of the city of Helena.
It has theatrical performances showcasing American culture by playing live orchestrates and musicals and creating entertainment all year.
The Grandstreet is recognized as the Grandstreet Theater School since it has trained over 400 students in K-12 per year.
They produce over 10-12 musicals and play a year with a Romanesque granite church with 200-seats and a black box studio with 45 seats.
Even though the Grandstreet theater is in a small community near the Rocky Mountains, it has a thriving art community with public support for producing some of the best live theater performances in Northwest America.
For a breathtaking theatrical experience, you have to visit this place.
Address: 325 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States
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Great Divide Ski Area
With over 100 trails and other areas, the Great Divide Ski Area is a vast area to enjoy snow sports experiences on snow.
This ski area extends over three valleys and mountain peaks of over 1,600 acres.
As a snow mountain park, it has areas to enjoy skiing in the skiing glades, bowls, skiing areas, and many trails.
The Grete Divide is known famous for its reputation of being family-friendly and having a fair value.
Anyone can ride or go skiing regardless of skill level or age, making it suitable to go to this terrain snow park.
Be sure to buy their few specials and discounts every year, such as going to the Girls Fun Fridays or College Break Specials to find other amusements.
If you want to stay cozy and warm, the mountain has a nearby Base Lodge that sells drinks and food.
So come to the Great Divide and enjoy the cold snow with your family and friends.
Address: 7385 Belmont Drive, Marysville, MT 59640, United States
Great Northern Carousel
You can take a vacation alongside your children by visiting the Great Northern Carousel.
If you want an unforgettable ride experience, this place has beautiful stained glass art pieces and hand-carved animals from a carver in the Walt Disney World.
It is not any ordinary carousel since a visionary named Alan Nicholson wanted to build various businesses full of entertainment, eateries, boutiques, and a carousel, since his love for riding a carousel as a young child.
Eventually, he made his dream a reality in 2002, and this carousel has been famous since then with a variety of animals hand-carved.
It has riders for anyone riding to whirl around with uniquely made Montana animals like riding the Grey wolf, Bobcat sheep, the Mountain Goat, the Grizzly Bear, and many more.
Besides just having a carousel, its venus is famous for hosting children’s events and birthday parties.
There is even an amphitheater with food stalls and live music for anyone wanting to watch and eat at the Great Northern Carousel.
So come to the Great Northern Carousel to have a wonderful experience.
Address: 989 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Helena National Forest
If you are looking for a natural green spot to visit, Helena National Forest will leave you breathless with its beautiful terrain.
This forest is public land stretching over mountain ranges from central Montana’s eastern edges to the Continental Divide.
In this forest, visitors can view the Big Belt Mountain range and the rugged limestone canyons as they stroll around.
If you want to work yourself, the forest has developed over 1000 miles of trails for people to do activities here, such as horseback riding and taking a hike.
During the winter, visitors can do some popular sports like riding a snowmobile or skiing around the Helena National Forest.
There are other things to enjoy, such as renting a rustic cabin during the night and going to the campgrounds or picnic areas to admire the scenic surroundings of this forest.
That is why you have to see the natural beauty of the Helena National Forest.
Address: Montana 59601, USA
Holter Museum of Art
Make a pit stop at the Holter Museum of Art if you want to see some classic works of art.
As an art museum, this is the city of Helena’s cultural hub for hosting international, national, and regional exhibits.
To showcase and honor the community, they show their uniqueness by displaying contemporary works by various artists.
The museum has many permanent installations and modern sculptures to show different kinds of art.
It is open to donations and has free admission for anyone planning to visit. It has organized tours for visitors going to the museum.
The museum hosts several events yearly, such as the artist’s speaker series, family trivia nights, and fall art exhibitions.
The museum has educational programs with workshops and classes for anyone of any age wanting to learn about art.
There is even a Holter Museum Store for anyone wanting to buy handmade products and gifts made by local artists.
So come and experience the world of art in Helena.
Address: 12 E Lawrence St, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Kindrick Legion Field
Are you looking for a place to watch baseball?
The Kindrick Legion Field in Helena, Montana, should be on your list of sites to visit.
From 1932 to 1935, Kindrick Legion Field was where the famous minor league baseball team called the Helena Brewers played their games.
It is now where baseball teams such as the Independents, Helena Senators, and Reps play.
The Kindrick Legion Field is known for its grandstand being old-fashioned with the typical amenities of any baseball game. Visitors can also see the stunning view of the Big Sky sunsets and Mount Helena City Park.
It has over 2,100 seats structurally angled in the stadium for everyone to have a nice view as the baseball players play around the stadium.
It is near a memorial park around the west, making it a family-friendly environment to watch baseball with nearby parks to go around.
So if you want to see some baseball, go on down to the Kindrick Legion Field.
Address: 1300 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601, United States
Last Chance Gulch
The Last Chance Gulch is one of the many places in Helena with a rich history.
People used to ask if this place was the Last Chance or Main Street; people call this place both either way.
In 1864, The Last Chance Gulch was named as such to be an actual gulch where they discovered gold.
The Gluch, now, is the center of a district downtown and is still a place filled with rich culture.
They had a thoroughfare built in the Gulch, so they called this Main Street.
Last Chance Gulch today is a pedestrian mall that is landscaped and located on Sixth Street in the south.
There are many storefronts and businesses around Last Chance Gulch.
It has other stunning features, including statues, historic buildings, an old trolley car, and a vehicle-free downtown area.
Visitors can go on walking tours to explore and see around the place.
Therefore, you should visit the historic Last Chance Gulch.
Address: 33-99 S Last Chance Gulch St, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Last Chance Ranch
With a lush forest of over 80 acres, you have to visit the private property of the Last Chance Ranch.
The Last Chance Ranch is a place known to rehome, rescue, and rehabilitate any neglected animals with support from the public and a few volunteers.
This place is ideal for doing activities like hiking, bird watching, and photography. It has a historic route from 1870 for anyone curious or adventurous enough to hike around.
If you are into nature-observing, check in and enjoy the gorgeous view of Helena National Forest and the beaver ponds on the Ranch.
To anyone curious, if this place has an area to eat, there is by providing wagon ride dinners. It comes with horse-drawn wagons from the Moos Mountain Cabins to bring you a cherishable moment as you eat and go around the forest.
It has modern facilities with rooms to rent and campfires to enjoy haring western music and feat on a delicious meal.
Last Chance Ranch is a must-see to glimpse the outdoor forest.
Address: 2884 Grizzly Gulch Drive, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Original Governor’s Mansion
Have you ever thought about what it might be like inside a residential home of a governor?
If you are curious to see it yourself, go to the Original Governor’s Mansion as one of your top places to visit in Helena, Montana.
In 1888, an entrepreneur named Willian Chessman built this mansion to show off Helena’s influence and wealth.
During the period, it focused on showing an affluent lifestyle of wealth. This mansion had a Queen Anne style of architecture.
In 1913, the state of Montana took over as the official residence of the first governor of Montana.
For over fifty years, the mansion has had nine governors who have previously lived in this place alongside their families.
It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Montana Historical Society is managing it.
It is open from May to September for guided tours.
So come and see what it is like inside a governor’s home.
Address: 304 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Parrot Confectionery
Since it opened in 1922, Parrot Confectionery has been a family-owned business dedicated to operating as a soda fountain and a candy store that is old-fashion.
The Parrot has been known worldwide for its hand-dipped chocolates made with quality, natural ingredients, freshness, and over 10 tons of chocolate made each year.
If you love eating candy, look out, as the Parrot Confectionery has over 130 types for you to choose from, including even original recipes made by the owners of Parrot.
It has delectable sweet treats to eat, such as eating their almond butter toffee, nuts, chews, a parrot dessert that is a confection looking like a turtle, and many other desserts.
Another thing to look out for is their soda foundation with different flavors like caramel cashew sundaes and cherry phosphates, some made from old recipes.
Whatever sweets or soda you may be craving, It is worth going to the Parrot Confectionery.
Address: 42 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Montana Historical Society Museum
The Montana Historical Society Museum is the place to visit and learn more about the past and present of the state of Helena.
The museum has many temporary and long-term exhibits with extensive historical knowledge.
People can go to the Montana Homeland exhibit to give people knowledge per timeline of each object figure on display to learn in sequence the timeline and what has transpired in the history of Montana.
Besides being a museum that collects, it also interprets and preserves historical artifacts and collections.
The American Association of Museums has given it an award for having more than 50,000 artifacts on display.
Out of the many collections on display, it has over 6,000 artifacts from the Native Americans.
There are collections of textiles and costumes from early immigrants that will amaze visitors. Among its iconic displays to see and book early reservations are displays such as the Sioux materials, Blackfeet, and Salish.
To get to know the state of Montana, a trip here is worth a visit.
Address: 225 North Roberts, P.O. Box 201201, Helena, MT, United States
Montana State Capitol
If you are looking for an iconic historical landmark to visit, the Montana State Capitol has overlooked the city of Helena for a hundred years.
This Capitol is unique in its architectural design, using a Greek Neoclassical style using granite and local sandstone.
Among the things to see and notice when visiting the Montana State Capitol are its copper dome and a statue of “Lady Liberty” placed on top of the building.
If you go to see the interior of the Capitol, you have to go for a tour to see the history, art, architecture, and craftsmanship of this one-of-a-kind building.
As you explore the Capitol, it has a large rotunda leading to four paintings in the middle.
The four paintings showcased are from 1902 and portray four archetypes in Montana during those times. They are paintings of a Native American, a cowboy, a fur trapper, and an explorer.
To discover more about Montana, head to the Montana State Capitol.
Address: 1301 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Mount Helena City Park
Mount Helena City Park is one of best places to visit in Montana.
With a height of over 5,468 feet, Mount Helena City Park is the place to visit to get a bird’s eye view of the city of Helena.
This city park is known for its stunning terrain, with a few well-designed trails for any visitor to be amused.
You can walk to the easiest route, such as the 1906 Trail filled with surrounding limestone cliffs.
If you want to observe nature in Mount Helena City Park, you can try going to the Prairie Trail, famous for its lovely wildflowers blooming and stunning scenes of the slopes and cliffs as people walk along this pathway.
There is the Backside Trail with its ponderosa pine forest as woodland and a grassy place for anyone who loves green nature.
If you want to challenge yourself, see the Hogback Trail for its rough and rocky surface when walking.
Explore the many trails here at Mount Helena City Park.
Address: Mount Helena City Park, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Myrna Loy Center
Are you looking for a place with tons of entertainment to enjoy?
Then, the Myrna Loy Center ought to be at the top of your list of places to visit.
This center is a place full of performing arts: music, dance, literature, theater, and film.
It got its name after Myrna Loy, a person who died in 1993 and is known to be the first lady of film in Montana.
If you go inside the Myrna Loy Center, check out its two galleries and three unique theaters.
The gallery features a gallery called “The Auditorium” for performances such as dancing, filming, conferences, and concerts. The other is called the Jailhouse gallery.
As for its three theaters, check out the screening rooms with digital projection theaters with over 50 seats suitable for activities for films, concerts, and speakers.
It has other things to offer and see, such as having a pub, live performances, Myrna soundstage, and much for visitors to enjoy.
The Myrna Loy Center is a must-visit with a lot to offer.
Address: 15 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, United States
Reeder’s Alley
Ever since 1863, Reeder’s Alley has not changed since then to be a preserved district to visit in the city of Helena.
Located southwest of downtown Helena, this alley has had architecture and buildings since the 1870s.
It is the oldest historical structure that is still intact in the city of Helena.
This alley has modern storefronts such as visiting the Helena Montana Office, office spaces, and restaurants for any visitors wanting to go around.
Among the things to see around the alley, check out the Pioneer Cabin, built-in 1864. The Pioneer Cabin is a place registered as the oldest domicile open to anyone for tours to the public.
Visitors can get see the surrounding architecture and walk around the pathways.
But wait, there is more, as other activities are being hosted, such as searching for gold, visiting an old candy store, watching a theater show, and many more.
So take a stroll and get to explore Reeder’s Alley.
Address: 300 W. Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755, United States
Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Around the edge, near the west of the city of Helena, lies Spring Meadow Lake State Park, a park to enjoy the outdoors.
It is over 30 acres and features shelters for group use and picnics.
As a park, Spring Meadow is a popular spot for people who are scuba divers, sunbathers, and swimmers.
This park is a must-see for bird enthusiasts or bird-lovers because it has a history of many birds passing through.
There is even an 8-mile trail in the park for anyone wanting to do fishing, walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
It is much better to visit Spring Meadow Lake State Park during the spring and winter seasons to have a better experience.
Especially during the winter, people can walk around the frozen trails and even do ice-skating as the lake will turn frozen in the winter.
Special events are even hosted in the park for people to enjoy a year.
This park is a must-visit to enjoy the outdoors.
Address: 930 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59620, United States
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Consider helping at a local shelter for abandoned animals. Unlicensed bredding and irresponsible pet owners have created a severe pet overpopulation problem. Extreme measures like culling are required to reduce the rising number of strays and homeless cats and dogs. There is a need for animal shelters to address the challenges posed by the overpopulation of stray animals and abandoned pets.
You know that wonderful, warm feeling you get when you realize that you did something altruistic that would significantly brighten another person’s day? This prize will be given to you each time you assist a stray or abandoned animal who is ill or in distress.
If you don’t have much time but still want to contribute, consider donating your old towels and bedding to rescue groups or the humane society. The shelter animals are constantly in need of warm bedding. If your children are no longer using their baby blankets, a dog or cat may find comfort in them. Cat and dog food, kitty litter, leashes and collars, and toys are always useful to rescue organizations and humane societies.
Help out in your community by visiting one of these animal shelters in Helena, Montana.
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