Things to Do in Helena, MT: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Helena, Montana's capital, was founded during the 1864 gold rush in Last Chance Gulch and still shows off its mining wealth in grand Victorian buildings. Mount Helena's trails right from town, the State Capitol, the twin-spired Cathedral of St. Helena, the Gates of the Mountains on the Missouri River and nearby lakes make it a great base for outdoor lovers.
This guide covers the best things to do in Helena, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Helena
Last Chance Gulch
Downtown.
State Capitol
Copper dome.
Cathedral of St. Helena
Gothic Revival.
Mount Helena
Hiking.
Gates of the Mountains
Boat tour.
Archie Bray
Ceramics.
Governor's Mansion
Historic home.
Canyon Ferry Lake
Water sports.
Helena in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown
Walk Last Chance Gulch, the pedestrian main street built on the original gold strike, and ride the Last Chance Tour Train past mansions. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon tour the Montana State Capitol with its copper dome and Charles M. Russell's mural. In the evening try local beer at a downtown brewery.
2Day 2 · Mount Helena
Hike Mount Helena City Park, where trails start at the edge of downtown and reach the summit with views of the Helena Valley. Picnic lunch on the mountain. In the afternoon visit the Cathedral of St. Helena, modeled on Vienna's Votivkirche, and the Original Governor's Mansion. Dinner in the historic district.
3Day 3 · Gates of the Mountains
Take the boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains, a limestone canyon on the Missouri River named by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Lunch at the marina or on a picnic stop. In the afternoon visit the Montana Historical Society museum. In the evening dinner and live music downtown.
Helena in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Lakes
Spend the day at Canyon Ferry Lake for boating, fishing and swimming, or paddle on Hauser Lake. Lunch by the water. In the afternoon visit the Archie Bray Foundation, a renowned ceramics center with sculpture grounds and a gallery. Return to Helena for a relaxed dinner and a sunset walk.
5Day 5 · Ghost towns
Drive to nearby mining ghost towns such as Marysville or Elkhorn, with old saloons and churches. Pack a lunch, since services are scarce. In winter, ski or snowboard at Great Divide instead. Return to Helena for dinner and drinks on Last Chance Gulch.
Helena in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Hot springs
Soak at Broadwater Hot Springs on the west side of town, or drive to Boulder Hot Springs. Lunch nearby. In the evening enjoy a farewell steak dinner in Helena. Broadwater has indoor and outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, and Boulder Hot Springs is a historic 1880s resort.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a local café, shopping for Montana-made goods and art from the Bray, and a farewell lunch. Helena Regional Airport is about ten minutes from downtown, while Bozeman's larger airport is roughly 90 minutes away by car.
What to do in Helena on a weekend
Things to do in Helena, MT on a weekend? Saturday: downtown and Capitol. Sunday: Mount Helena and Gates of the Mountains.
Summer concerts and Last Chance Stampede in July.
What to do in Helena in the evening
In the evening, breweries on Last Chance Gulch.
Sunsets from Mount Helena.
Helena for couples
For couples, hot springs, Gates of the Mountains and downtown dinners.
Helena with kids
With kids, tour train, boat tour and lakes.
What to eat in Helena
Bison burger
Montana.
Huckleberry
Pies and ice cream.
Steak
Ranch beef.
Craft beer
Local breweries.
Pasties
Miners' food.
Where to stay in Helena: best areas
Downtown
Historic.
Westside
Hot springs.
Mansion District
Victorian.
Lakes
Cabins.
What to do in Helena when it rains
Things to do in Helena when it rains? Capitol, Historical Society museum and hot springs.
How much does a trip to Helena cost?
Expect $110–200 per night.
Practical tips for Helena
Best time to visit
June–September; December–March for skiing.
Getting around
Car and walking downtown.
Our practical tips
- Book the boat tour in summer.
- Car for day trips.
- Layers for mountain weather.
- Try huckleberry treats.
- Bear spray on remote trails.
- Check winter roads.
Mistakes to avoid
- Winter driving without preparation.
- Skipping Mount Helena.
- Feeding wildlife.
- Running out of gas on back roads.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Helena?
Last Chance Gulch, Mount Helena and Gates of the Mountains.
Is Helena walkable?
Downtown is.
How far is Glacier?
About three and a half hours.
Best time to visit?
Summer.