Helena, the capital of Montana, traces its roots back to the 1800s Montana Gold Rush. The town grew from a mining camp, called Last chance Gulch that still exists downtown today. Serving as the state capital since 1875, one year once Montana received its statehood, the city is wealthy with history around every turn. The capital city is additionally a significant commercial enterprise destination to fancy the Montana nice Outdoors. The hard-to-miss Mount Helena backdrops the whole city, and provides miles upon miles of hiking trails to explore. Encompassing the city limits, picture Montana landscapes, like Gates of the Mountains, named by Meriwether Lewis, lure guests for bigger adventures.
Enclosed by manicured hillsides and stately neighborhood buildings, the State Capitol has with pride overlooked Helena for over one hundred years. The tall dome and “Lady Liberty” perched on prime give the Capitol Building extra presence, and also the granite columns aboard the classical architecture facilitate lend a way of importance to this currently historic building. The $64000 beauty and craftsmanship of the Capitol is found at intervals the interior, however, and any member of the general public is welcome to tour the house throughout daily operational hours. Specific areas of interest within the capitol embrace the old Law Library, the Capitol Rotunda, and also the several items of statehood paintings and art that adorn the whole facility.
The prosperous area of Helena called Last chance gulch is where the city got its start. Here, in 1864, prospectors found gold in the gulch and started the city’ modern history. Today, the area continues to be rich with culture, and is the heart of a captivating downtown district. Businesses and storefronts span each side of Last chance Gulch that some locals might ask as Main Street. South of Sixth Street, Last likelihood gulch is an improved pedestrian mall and a passing fashionable place to walk around. Many aesthetic options intersperse this vehicle-free downtown area, together with historic buildings, statues, and a retired trolley Car.
Mount Helena is an iconic landmark of Helena and also the flagship natural attraction of the city. With trailheads on the neighborhood hillsides higher than Reeder’ Alley, the park encompasses over 600 acres and several other miles of hiking trails. One among the foremost popular routes, the 1906 path, results in the summit for dramatic views. The 1906 Trail is some 1.6 miles long with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Too steep and long to be considered easy, the path will give a challenge, however the views are value it. Another route to the highest includes the incredibly steep Powerline path that traverses an equivalent elevation in 0.7 miles.
With buildings and architecture dating back to the 1870s, Reeder’ Alley within the southwest corner of downtown presents a totally immersive look into Helena’ past. It’ the oldest intact piece of Helena’ early history. Today, the historic Reeder’ Alley is currently conjointly stuffed with fashionable storefronts, together with a restaurant, workplace space, and also the Visit Helena Montana office. Interpretative signs and data enhance a stroll through the area, and also the moment you step the brick walkway, it sounds like moving into the past. The adjacent Pioneer Cabin is that the oldest registered domicile within the city and available for public tours.
Adjacent to the State Capitol and hard to miss, with massive sculptures on the lawn, the Montana Historical Society with pride celebrates the state’ wealthy heritage. The Historical Society hosts the unbelievably elaborate Montana’ Museum, includes many exhibits and galleries. Well-liked permanent exhibits include a Charles M. Russell Gallery, collections detailing Lewis and Clark’ interactions with Montana, and an immersive look into the Montana frontier and its past pioneers. An outsized portion of the museum is additionally dedicated to the history and daily lives of the region’ autochthonic populations.
Close to downtown and also the old Governor’ Mansion, the twin spires of the Cathedral of Saint Helena have overlooked the city for over a century. It absolutely was damaged during a 1935 earthquake, and this Gothic cathedral has seen significant restorations and enhancements over the years. However the sheer subject presence of this place of worship has forever been a process feature. Any traveler will attend public services at the cathedral, and guided tours are on the market throughout the week between Decoration Day and Labor Day. The cathedral’ huge assortment of stained-glass windows are reason enough to visit, and easily walking round the exterior of the property on the manicured green grass is a fun way to soak up the beauty of the building.
Twenty miles north of Helena and managed by the Helena National Forest, Gates of the Mountain is steeped in history and natural beauty. Meriwether Lewis coined the name during the Corps of Discovery expedition in reference to however the river meets stone cliffs at this beautiful wilderness area. And a way of grandeur is straight away obligatory on anyone who visits. Miles of hiking trails wind throughout the area, and encompassing picnic areas encourages guests to fancy lunch with a view. Boat tours are a well-liked means that of experiencing Gates of the Mountain and are on the market throughout the summer. Tours embrace a guided narration concerning the history and dramatic geology of the area.
Centennial Park is a sprawling landscaped space stuffed with several family- and canine-friendly attractions simply north of downtown. Baseball fields and thick field house comprise abundant of the park, connected by a path system lined with varied fitness equipment. The “Paws Park” dog park may be a fashionable place to go to at intervals Centennial, providing 2 separate areas for large and small dogs to play independently. Water spigots, benches, and simple obstacles intersperse throughout the dog park.