Things to do & places to visit in Helena, Montana, 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.

Helena city in Montana, United States. Timezone: America/Denver, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 8:21.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cathedral of St. Helena (612 reviews)
- Wow - great church
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

We had visited thenStatenCapitol so walked to see the Cathedral. And it was definitely worth it. The cathedral is large (certainly by US standards) and picturesque outside, but it’s the inside that’s really impressive. Sadly so many churches remain locked when not in use these days, but this one was open. The altar is stunning as is the vaulted roof but the most breathtaking part is the stained glass. Well worth a visit. See more..
5.0 Mount Helena (149 reviews)
- Park with great views
Mountains • Hiking Trails

Mountain good for hiking, biking, fishing and viewing wildlife. See more..
5.0 Montana Blue Jewel Mine (66 reviews)
- "Treasure Hunters for a Day" the Blue Jewel Mine
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Mines

This place is seasonally closed. We will be open May 2017. Check our website for updates! See more..
5.0 Archie Bray Foundation (58 reviews)
- A confessed Art UNappreciator Has a Blast at Archie Bray
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

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. See more..
5.0 Last Chance Ranch (26 reviews)
- Quaint, fun and fabulous activity!
Ranches

My husband and I went with a couple from Helena for an evening ride up the mountain in a truck, and a brief ride around the bend in a horse-drawn wagon. We weren't sure what to expect. Would it be hokey? Would the food be so-so? Would the entertainment be cheesy? None of these questions were what we experienced. The food was GREAT, the entertainment was EXCELLENT, and the whole experience wasn't hokey at all. It was unique, quaint and very memorable. The brothers who run the place were gracious, friendly and engaging. The musician brother, Bruce, is an outstanding guitar player and song-writer. We so enjoyed hearing his songs, stories and jokes. This is an experience I'll always treasure. See more..
5.0 Grandstreet Theatre (12 reviews)
- Everyone must see this beautiful place
Saturday: Theaters

Central Montana's premier performing arts theatre that provides the community with theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life. See more..
5.0 Martin's Wines (8 reviews)
- I think a must do for wine lovers
Wineries & Vineyards

Great little shop in the walking mall portion of Lanch Chance Gulch historic district. The walking mall is a great place to stroll and shop. If you are a wine lover this is a must do. He has wines from around the world and focuses on the obscur, plus some from local Montana vitners. Martin is the consummate wine merchant. He is knowledgeable about the locale of his home state, has worked at almost all the restaurants in town (we heard from the sommelier at one of his suggested restaurants) and as such he gave us several suggestions for restaurants based on their wine list/pairing options. Everyone of them a winner. What a prize in the heart of downtown Helena! See more..
4.5 Gates of the Mountains (645 reviews)
- A very informative tour
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Just north of Helena on the Missouri River. See more..
4.5 Montana State Capitol (497 reviews)
- Another good State Capitol
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Government Buildings

We visited the State Capitol building on a Tuesday, not long after it had opened to the public, so it was nice and quiet. There is a good amount of free public parking right outside and a great statue in front of the building. The building is quite large and impressive although the dome looks like it’s showing signs of ageing I (assume its copper because it’s turning a bit green). Inside it was great to see into (but not enter) the Senate and the House. You can get some good photos from the glass at the door. And it’s all free. Well worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Montana Historical Society Museum (288 reviews)
- Get ready to spend a couple of hours
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

This museum traces the history of the area from prehistoric to modern times. It begins with a large collection of fossils, including skulls of several mammoths. Another section is devoted to Native American relics which includes clothing, tools, and an account of their lives. The section on early settles includes a lot of firearms, but also tools and household items. There are depictions of homes over the decades. Beer! They grew acres and acres of wheat, so the early settlers made beer! Brewing was an important early industry, and a lot of space is devoted to it. Charlie Russell – there is also a large collection of his work. We planned to spend about 90 minutes there and ended up spending more than two hours. See more..
4.5 Great Northern Carousel (176 reviews)
- Don’t miss this!
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Historic Walking Areas • Rides & Activities

Located in Helena's Great Northern Town Center, this world-class, hand-carved work of art consists of 37 animals carved by a renowned Walt Disney World carver and 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork. In fact, the National Carousel Association said it is the finest carousel in the nation, if not one of the finest in the world. See more..
4.5 Lewis & Clark Brewing Company (97 reviews)
- What a great brewery!
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

The Lewis & Clark Brewery is a state-of-the-art brewing facility located in the heart of America’s last great place – Montana. The great explorers are the inspiration for our brewery’s name and in many ways our brewing style. Since our beginning, we have gone to the greatest of lengths to build one of the most efficient, sophisticated breweries around with one goal in mind: to produce the finest ales & lagers possible and serve them at their peak of freshness. Visit our Brewery & Tap Room open every day from noon-11. We feature at least 12 beers on tap with 9 flagship year-round beers and at least 3 rotating beers. We also have our 5 craft hard seltzers available. Come in and get a flight and find your favorite! You can also purchase cans and growlers in the Tap Room so you can take LC with you to your next destination. If you are looking for something to do at night this is the place to be! We have events and live music every week Wed-Sat. See more..
4.5 Blackfoot River Brewing Co (70 reviews)
- Fantastic
Saturday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Breweries

You will always find an intriguing line-up of hand-crafted beers, good friends and a great atmosphere at the Blackfoot taproom. Stop by and enjoy your favorite beer or try something new- the lineup changes daily. We offer beers served in 12 oz. glasses or for those who can't decide, try a sampler tray for a larger variety. Montana law does however, limit consumption to 48 ounces per person, per day and only until 8pm. But don't worry, the Blackfoot also sells growlers to go! Get one free 12oz. beer while your growlers are filled. Stop by the taproom and enjoy good friends a great atmosphere and really good beer! Growler Wednesdays & Sundays- Growler fills are $1.50 off, with one free 12oz. beer while you wait! See more..
4.5 Original Governor's Mansion (68 reviews)
- Great for anyone interested in history!
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Our tour guide was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and we appreciated both his calm presence and obvious enthusiasm for history. He gave my 5yo a map of the house on a clipboard and invited her to find all the paper dolls hidden around the house, which kept her engaged throughout the tour. We learned a lot and enjoyed our visit enormously. See more..
4.5 Missouri River (65 reviews)
- Gates of the Mountains
Bodies of Water

The Missouri River and the dams that form major lakes in the area provide great fishing opportunities. See more..
4.5 Holter Museum of Art (60 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Art Museums

If you would like to see some high-quality art in a restful setting, pay the Holter a visit. In early June, there was a wonderful exhibit of local ceramic artists from the Archie Bray Foundation, but there were paintings and sculptures to delight the eye and the soul. Good gift store, and a pleasant welcome from the receptionist on duty. The museum is free, but we were so delighted with it that we left a donation. See more..
4.5 MacDonald Pass (54 reviews)
- Stunning!
Hiking Trails

A cross-country skiing trail. See more..
4.5 Ten Mile Creek Brewery (49 reviews)
- Great beer, great ambiance, great people!
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Was there last month and completely loved the place. It’s very conveniently located and the facility is spacious and beautiful. The bartenders were super nice and open to a little chat regarding the city and state(I came from a different state). Oh, and the beer is delicious! See more..
4.5 ExplorationWorks (44 reviews)
- Encourages imagination
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums

Voted Best Place for Kids’ Fun since 2011 by the Helena Independent Record, ExplorationWorks has something for kids ages 1-100! Explore your way with our many interactive activities and exhibits focused on all things science, technology, engineering, and math. Major exhibit changes occur 3-4 times per year, so no two visits are exactly alike. *Please note that we will be closed May 15-19, 2023 for our exhibit changeout. We will re-open on Saturday, May 20th at 10am.* See more..
4.5 Great Divide Montana Ski Area (43 reviews)
- Great close family ski area
Ski & Snowboard Areas

This is the place to take kids to learn to ski - great programs for kids and racing. There are parks for the snow boarders and skiers to hone their skills on the jumps and rails and easy terrain, medium and hard terrain, friendly staff, great rental program and only 30 minutes from Helena! See more..
4.5 Helena National Forest (36 reviews)
- A Magnificant Drive!
Saturday: National Parks

This forest affords easy viewing of many different types of wildlife because of its proximity to the city. See more..
4.5 Spring Meadow Lake State Park (30 reviews)
- Fun little gem for swimming, sunning and fishing
State Parks

This is a great little lake on the edge of town to take kids swimming, fishing etc. Restroom facilities, tables, grass, shade, turtles, sunfish, bass etc. See more..
4.5 Hauser Lake (24 reviews)
- Great boat tour
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bodies of Water

Catch large salmon while ice fishing on this lake. See more..
4.5 Black Sandy State Park (22 reviews)
- Tooooo Amazing !
State Parks • Parks

Because the weather was not favorable in Alberta we headed down south to Great Falls to go camping. With the only camping in GTF being an RV park or Koa , we did some searching and came across Black Sandy State park , it is beautiful !! Besides camping right on the lake , there is fishing, canoeing and a short bike ride to Hauser Lake Dam. Another bonus is that it is located only 7 miles north of Helena. I look forward to camping there again next fall and bringing our kayaks . See more..
4.5 MontanaWILD (19 reviews)
- Free tour with live birds and fish
Saturday: Speciality Museums

A place for outdoor discovery and conservation education, the center is adjacent to Spring Meadow Lake in Helena, Montana. Learn about Montana's wildlife and wild landscapes through exhibits, videos, a native plant garden, a large aquarium with native fish, and community programs. You might even get to see one of the ambassador owls or eagles. *Free admission. See more..
4.5 Helena Civic Center (9 reviews)
- Awesome Building in Downtown Helena
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Civic Centres

The Helena Civic Center features a 1925 seat auditorium and 15,000 sq ft ballroom. The Civic Center hosts a wide array of events including performing arts, touring concerts, weddings, corporate functions, non-profit fundraisers, private functions and community gatherings. The Helena Civic Center does not offer formal tours due to frequent event activity, but guests are welcome in public areas from 8am-4:30pm Monday - Friday. The venue's staff is eager to share the building's rich history and unique features. Be sure to snap a photo from the designated Selfie Spot near the flagpole on the south plaza! See more..
4.0 Last Chance Gulch (146 reviews)
- Beautiful Architecture
Historic Walking Areas • Mines

The main street in the downtown business district, which takes its name from the four prospectors who discovered gold there in 1864. See more..
4.0 Reeder's Alley (104 reviews)
- Originally intended as housing for miners
Historic Sites

A restored miners' village modernized to include a restaurant and specialty shops. See more..
4.0 Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine & Gold Fever Rock Shop (69 reviews)
- A great outing you get to take home
Mines

We visited the Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and had such a great time. From my youngest who enjoyed the toy trucks and rocks to move around, to my older two that could not get enough sapphire hunting in, to grandma who also enjoyed the hunt. This was a great outing that we got to take home and keep working on as well See more..
4.0 Holter Lake (42 reviews)
- Drive on past the lake for an unforgettable camping experience!
Bodies of Water

The road will turn to gravel but just keep driving... You'll eventually run into Beartooth wildlife maintenance area. Can camp there in designated areas for free. Be prepared! My visit was very windy so I didn't care light a fire but experienced the most beautiful Montana night sky I've ever seen in my life! Mountain lions etc are in the area so don't get off the beaten track lol! Holter lake is also beautiful but crowded... Not many camping opportunities. See more..