Most of Yellowstone National Park’s facilities are open at the start of September, but some begin to close as the month goes on. With fewer bugs and people than are visiting Montana in the summer months, September is still an optimal time to hike in Yellowstone and see its many geysers. Operating Dates: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/operating-dates.htm Current Conditions: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Campgrounds: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm Fees & Passes: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fees.htm Passes and camping reservations: www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2988 Distance from West Yellowstone Information Center Helena: 3 hours Boulder: 2 hours 30 minutes Butte: 2 hours 30 minutes Bozeman: 1 hour 45 minutes Missoula: 4 hours 12 minutes Things to see Old Faithful: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/exploreoldfaithful.htm Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River: www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/canyonplan.htm
Glacier is one of our favorite spots and just about every direction you look is beautiful! It’s important to note that the park’s main attraction, Going-to-the-Sun Road, may possibly close sometime in September, depending on when the first snowfall comes. Operating Dates: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hours.htm Current Conditions: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Campgrounds: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping.htm Fees & Passes (need a entrance pass + vehicle reservation pass): www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/fees.htm Passes and camping reservations: www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2725 Going to the Sun Road status: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/directions.htm Distance from West Yellowstone Information Center Helena: 3 hours 20 minutes Boulder: 3 hours 42 minutes Butte: 4 hours Bozeman: 4 hours 45 minutes Missoula: 2 hours 30 minutes Things to see https://nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
The Sip ’N Dip is an experience you’ve never seen before! This bar/lounge is tiki themed and showcases real life mermaids each night starting at 6:00 pm. Make a day trip to Great Falls to have a drink with the mermaids. Distance from Helena: 1 hour 30 minutes
Located 20 miles north of Helena we are one of Montana’s not to miss destinations. For over 125 years guests have been following in the path of Lewis and Clark exploring the “Gates of the Mountains”. Note: Closing day for this tour is September 15 but if you will be in town before the wedding it really is an amazing tour! (I’ve been on it three times and always have a great time - Keni) Adults $20/person Senior $15/person Child (3-17) $10/person
Check out Helena from a Birds Eye view! Mount Helena has several trail access points; however, the primary access point is the Mount Helena Trailhead, which is located at the end of Reeders Village Drive. The Mount Helena Trailhead features several trails but is highlighted by the popular 1906 trail. This is a moderately difficult trail that will take you to the summit of Mount Helena, a hike that can be expected to take approximately 2 hours to complete. A note from Keni: Do not do the power line trail on your first try - it will kill you (ask me how I know).
If you’re in town before the wedding, hit the rodeo road with Colter and Keni for the last few weeks of rodeo in Montana! Colter is a member of the NRA and we spend most of our summers traveling across Montana participating in rodeos in some of the coolest towns in Montana. The last rodeo of the season happens on Labor Day weekend in Helmville (1 hour from Helena), which is one of favorite rodeos of the year!
Fun fact: Montana Stockgrowers Association (where Keni works) owns a Charlie Russel print that is on display at the Montana Historical Society. It might still be under construction in September but it is a really cool place to visit!
My very favorite museum filled with old western art! - Keni
Ten Mile in Helena hosts a yoga class every Sunday at 11:00 am. After class you get a token for a free beer! $15/person
Okay - when you go here you're going to think your in a dive bar but trust us.. they have the best steaks in town! It's truly a hidden gem and the steaks are huge.
A good place for fried chicken
The best dive bar for an after party
Home of Colter's favorite beer - Miner's Gold
Good mexican food is hard to come buy in MT but this little taco stand is awesome!
Montana's closest thing to Blue Bell!
Such a fun bar and grill right on Hauser Lake!
A unique clock/antique jewelry shop and I love to shop at! - Keni
This place is a maze full of antique treasures!