Vacation Like a Local in Helena

Helena is known as Montana’s hometown because of how friendly and welcoming the locals are, treating everyone like their neighbor. About 30,000 people call Helena home and many of them are part of a long lineage of Montanans who have been living in the area for generations. These long-time residents know a lot about their history and they want you to know it too–as well as enjoy the easily accessible outdoors and grab a beer at the end of the day.

What is Helena, Montana Known For?

The area around Helena has always had a rich history, from the early roots of Blackfeet, Salish, Crow and Bannock peoples, to its frontier days and beyond. Callie Aschim, president of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, points out that, “Helena was founded on people taking risks.” Downtown is a reflection of this. It’s built around Last Chance Gulch, the exact spot where, in 1864, four lucky prospectors tried one last time to find gold in the area before moving on. They struck it big and the town of Helena was established shortly after.

Learn a Little Bit of Helena’s History

Go back in time to Helena’s pioneer days (Photo courtesy Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau)

The locals are proud of their history and they’ve made it easy for visitors to learn it too. Check out the Visitors Guide available at visithelenamt.com and put together the perfect day-long itinerary of historical sites. Or download the Open Audio Tours app and you can receive a guided tour at your own pace. The app will even ping you as you drive by historical markers, making it easy to know when and where historical gems are hidden. And if you enjoy the touch of an in-person guide, Foundation for Montana History offers four daily guided tours, both walking and seated, each summer.

Reeder’s Alley in Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana (Photo courtesy Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development)

No matter which route you go there are some spots you shouldn’t miss, like Reeder’s Alley. Located in the southwest corner of downtown, Reeder’s Alley was constructed in the 1870s and is the oldest, intact piece of Helena history, complete with an original pioneer cabin that has been meticulously restored. Walk down this vibrant and fun alley, stop in at Cotton Top Pastries (one of the many stores in the restored buildings) for a muffin and coffee, and swing by the Reeder’s Alley alley’s visitors center for more information at 101 Reeder’s Aly, just one block off of the Walking Mall.

Tip: the much anticipated Montana Heritage Center, soon-to-be home of the Montana Historical Society, opens in 2025. This brand new, world class destination will be free to the public and involve both state-of-the-art digital exhibits as well as artifacts from across Montana’s history.

Explore Helena on Foot, Bike or Boat

Explore plenty of trails near Helena, Montana (Photo courtesy Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Let your feet (or wheels) carry you out of town and back again, all in an easy day trip. Because of Helena’s convenient location at the bottom of Mount Helena, you can literally walk or ride right off the end of a street and onto a trail. The town boasts access to more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Go mountain biking near Helena, Montana (Photo courtesy Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau)

For a short, easy hike on Mount Helena check out the 0.8-mile Daisy Hill Trail. If you want something longer consider setting out on the 7.6-mile Tubbs Trail which will connect you to the Mount Helena Ridge Trail and beyond. Helena is also considered a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association, making it a popular destination for cyclists from all over the world.

Go fish in Helena, Montana (Photo courtesy Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau)

And if you need a dip on a hot day, Hauser Lake and Canyon Ferry Lake are both reservoirs on the Missouri River that are popular for boating, fishing and water sports. The tiny outpost of Lakeside, located on the west side of Hauser Lake has a beach, restaurant and day use spots, perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Grab a Beer to End Your Day

The best part about going on an adventure from Helena? The booming craft beer scene makes it easy to stop for a pint as you walk or bike back into town. In recent years numerous entrepreneurs have chosen Helena as the site for their brewing business and now they’re everywhere. Downtown is especially dense with fun spots to grab something refreshing, including Ten Mile Creek Brewing, a hometown favorite. Ten Mile Creek not only brews some good beer, but they are also an epicenter for live shows and fun summer events. Located on Last Chance Gulch, which is primarily a walking mall with no cars, you can grab a beer and lounge anywhere in the square, taking in the vibrant culture of downtown.

Speaking of culture, don’t miss Helena’s arts scene. From small boutiques scattered across town to the Holter Museum, a modern art museum with plenty of interactive fun for the kids, Helena has it all. And all this adventuring and art-appreciating is bound to make you hungry. Enjoy a special meal out at The Union, a James Beard Award nominated restaurant that bases their menu around sustainable farming and features a different cut of locally raised meat each night. Sometimes it’s nice to let the chef choose what you’ll be having for dinner.

Plan Your Visit

For More Information:
Visit Helena, MT
105 Reeder’s Alley,
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 449-2107
helenamt.com

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