Things To Do
Tizer Botanic Garden & Arboretum
Just 25 minutes south of Helena is Tizer Gardens, Montana’s only full-time botanical garden and arboretum. It’s got six acres of gardens to wander through, with roses, vegetables, herbs, and wildflowers, plus a children’s garden, a meditation garden, and others. You’ll feel like you’re bathing in nature.
Cotton-Top Pastries
If Cotton-Top is open, there’s a line – but I promise you, it’ll be worth the wait. The owner went to pastry school in France, and every pastry she sells is like a work of art. They’re all small-batch and made with local ingredients whenever possible (and always with Wheat Montana flour).
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
Nestled half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks sits the Gates of the Mountains. Boat tours operating since 1886.
Cathedral of Saint Helena
Tours are available by request/reservation for parties of 10 or more Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 1 pm and 3 pm. If you have less than 10 you may still view the Cathedral on your own time.
Reeder's Alley
Historic brick complex built in the 1870s to house local miners, open for tours & events.
ExplorationWorks
Contemporary museum featuring a variety of science-related exhibits & educational programs. Mainly geared towards kids.
Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.
For over 20 years, Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. has been crafting delicious beers in Montana’s capital city, Helena.
Mount Helena
Mount Helena City Park at its peak is 5,468 feet above sea level and about 1,300 feet above the Last Chance Gulch Mall. Parking lot with information kiosk available at the trailhead. There are 6 different trails to choose from.
Last Chance Tours
If you visit Helena in the summer, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the Last Chance tour train rolling through town. These open-air, multi-car “trains” take visitors on a one-hour tour that goes past all the main sights in town.
Canyon Ferry Lake
Carry Ferry Lake is the Helena area’s go-to spot for all kinds of water activities. A massive reservoir in the Missouri River, the closest access points are on its north end, about 30 minutes east of town.