If you’re planning a trip to Helena, then chances are you’re going to want to make the most of it!
This gorgeous city is packed full of stunning scenery and interesting activities – so how on earth do you decide what to do during your visit?
This is where I come in. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my top ten handpicked activities that you must try when visiting Helena. From museums to breweries, I’ll be giving you the inside scoops on all of the best spots in the city!
The activities that I’ll be taking a look at today are:
- Visit the Montana State Capitol Building
- Explore Helena’s Parks
- Take a Stroll Through Downtown Helena
- Visit the Montana Historical Society Museum
- Hike Mount Helena
- Check Out the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
- Visit the Cathedral of St. Helena
- Explore the Helena Blue Jewel Mine
- Catch a Show at Grandstreet Theatre
- Grab a Drink at Blackfoot River Brewing Co
Let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
Visit the Montana State Capitol Building
- Location: 1301 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 1-3 hours
- Best time of day to visit: Morning to midday
- Perfect for: Architecture and art
Explore the stunning architecture, art, and sculptures of the Montana State Capitol Building by participating in a self-guided tour using the booklets that are available at reception.
If you want a more structured tour, the Legislative Services division offers guided tours of the building during the months of June, July, and August. These run Monday to Friday at 9:45 am and 12:30 pm.
Touring this building is not only a great opportunity to see some beautiful art and architectural work, but is also a wonderful way to learn about some of the history of the city!
If you are visiting with children, staff-led scavenger hunts are available at the first-floor information desk.
Tips:
- Tour the building using either a guide or a self-led touring booklet
- Check that the building is open before visiting – occasionally it will be closed to the public for maintenance.
Explore Helena’s Parks
- Location: Varied
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 1-3 hours
- Best time of day to visit: Morning
- Perfect for: Outdoor adventures
One of the best parts of Helena is the various beautifully maintained parks.
There are a total of 30 parks throughout the city, each of them boasting incredible features such as playground equipment, bike trails, tennis and basketball courts, skate parks, and much more.
While most of these parks are dog-friendly, there are also dedicated dog parks that you can check out if you want to treat your furry friend to a day of fun and excitement!
Not only are these parks a great free activity for the whole family, but they are spread out all over the city. This means that no matter where you are, there is sure to be a park close by for you to visit.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – many of these parks are large and have a lot of space to explore
- Bring water – particularly if it is a hot day.
Take a Stroll Through Downtown Helena
- Location: 330 N Jackson Street Helena, Montana 59601 406-447-1535 (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 2+ hours
- Best time of day to visit: Any time
- Perfect for: Shopping and sightseeing
There is something for everyone when visiting downtown Helena.
Ice cream shops, clothing stores, restaurants, breweries, and gorgeous art galleries – you are sure to find something that catches your eye!
The buildings and streets themselves are stunning and packed with history.
You will also often be able to find several events being held in downtown Helena such as art walks, craft fairs, or even free live outdoor concerts.
Whether you want to do a bit of window shopping or some real shopping, downtown Helena is definitely worth a visit.
Tips:
- Research what events are being held downtown before you visit – you may find something that catches your eye!
- Support locally owned stores – become a part of the community by shopping at one of the many local businesses in downtown Helena.
Visit the Montana Historical Society Museum
- Location: 225 N Roberts St, Helena, MT 59620, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 2+ hours
- Best time of day to visit: Morning to afternoon
- Perfect for: History and culture
Exploring a museum is one of those activities that I think can be incredibly entertaining and interesting, particularly when visiting a new area!
The Montana Historical Society Museum is no exception. This museum is packed full of culture and history, collecting and presenting artifacts that are relevant to Montana’s history.
If you are on the hunt for a more relaxed activity while in Helena, then this museum is definitely the way to go!
With over 50,000 artifacts, it is easy to spend an entire day getting lost in the history of Montana.
Tips:
- Check the website before visiting – this museum may be closed for renovation at times
- Take a museum tour – this will provide expert insight on all of the exhibits.
Hike Mount Helena
- Location: 87 Reeders Village Dr, Helena, MT 59601, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 2+ hours
- Best time of day to visit: Morning
- Perfect for: Stunning views
When it comes to outdoor activities, hiking the Mount Helena trail is an absolute must.
This is a moderately difficult trail and can be completed by most fit people regardless of hiking experience!
The entire hike takes around two hours, so make sure you bring along a bottle of water and a pair of comfortable shoes.
This hike provides absolutely stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as the local flora and fauna.
If you are looking to spend some time outdoors during your visit and are willing to sweat a little, then hiking Mount Helena is a must. This is a truly unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to all visitors.
Tips:
- Prepare well for the hike – wear appropriate shoes and bring some water
- Check the weather – you don’t want to get caught in a downpour!
Check Out the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts
- Location: 2915 Country Club Ave, Helena, MT 59602, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 2+ hours
- Best time of day to visit: Any time during opening hours (11 am – 5 pm)
- Perfect for: Art enthusiasts
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a nonprofit organization that provides free access to some of the nation’s finest ceramic art.
You can visit The Bray and view these pieces of art with the provided self-guided tour map.
There is also a 2-hour clay experience class available to those wanting to try their hand at creating some ceramic art of their own!
If you are an art lover, then The Bray is an absolute must-visit location in Helena.
Tips:
- Double check the opening hours before visiting – The Bray is closed on Mondays and Sundays, as well as public holidays
- Book your clay experience class in advance – a minimum of two weeks’ notice is required for bookings.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Helena
- Location: 530 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: Free
- Time needed: 1-3 hours
- Best time of day to visit: Any time
- Perfect for: Gothic architecture
The Cathedral of St. Helena is an absolutely gorgeous building, described on their website as ‘a symphony of color & light’.
The stained glass windows, white marble altars, authentic gold leaf decorations, and hand-carved sculptures make this cathedral a breathtaking sight to behold.
Tours of the cathedral are available for groups of ten or more people on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 1 pm and 3 pm.
For individuals or groups less than ten, you can explore the cathedral yourself any time Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm.
Tips:
- Book ahead for tours of ten or more people – advanced notice is required for tours
- Research events at the cathedral before visiting – certain events will often be held in the cathedral, details of which are available on their website
Explore the Helena Blue Jewel Mine
- Location: 5582 Four Cee’s Rd, Helena, MT 59602, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: $125 for 6 screened 5-gallon buckets
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time of day to visit: Any time
- Perfect for: Mining experience
This is an underrated activity that you can participate in when visiting Helena: jewel mining!
The Helena Blue Jewel Mine is a bit of a drive, about 45 minutes out of the city, but the experience is well worth this. At this mine, you can dig and mine for your own sapphires!
The staff are incredibly helpful and will let you know exactly what to look for.
Keep in mind that this is a seasonal attraction, with the mine being closed for the winter. Updates on the availability of this mine are posted on their official website and their Facebook page.
Tips:
- Bring appropriate footwear (no open-toed shoes) and sun protection – mining can take a while, meaning you’ll be out in the sun for extended periods of time
- Book ahead of time – this mine only has 6 sapphire gravel screening stations, so be sure to book early to get a slot!
Catch a Show at Grandstreet Theatre
- Location: 325 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Price: $17-$27
- Time needed: Show dependant
- Best time of day to visit: Evening
- Perfect for: Theater lovers
If you’re looking to catch a show while visiting Helena, then the Grandstreet Theatre is the place to be.
You can check out what musicals and plays are currently showing on the Grandstreet Theatre website.
Take a moment to appreciate the local talent of Helena by catching a show at the theater. Not only is the show sure to be entertaining, but the building itself is absolutely gorgeous!
Tips:
- Keep an eye on upcoming shows – there are some incredible musicals and plays going on at Grandstreet Theatre!
- Buy tickets in advance – tickets to all shows can be purchased online through the Grandstreet Theatre website.
Grab a Drink at Blackfoot River Brewing Co
- Location: 66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States (Open in Google Maps)
- Must try: Blackfoot Amber Ale
- Reservation: Not required
- Price range: Approximately $25 – $80
- Hours of operation: 2 pm-8 pm (Monday to Thursday), 12 pm-8 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Blackfoot River Brewing Co. is an incredible brewery in Helena that I would highly recommend to all visitors to the area.
When you walk into this brewery, you are greeted with free popcorn and can then choose your favorite beer or house-made sparkling water.
With a huge range of beer on tap as well as a range of different flavored house-made sparkling waters, you are sure to find something that appeals to you at Blackfoot River Brewing Co.
Outside food is welcome in this establishment, and you can even bring your pets along in the downstairs outdoor areas.
Tips:
- Check the daily and weekly specials – this is a great way to try something unique that you may not ordinarily order
- Arrive early – this place is very popular and can fill up quickly, so make sure you turn up early for your choice of table.