Helena, Montana Community Information

  • State Capitol

    Photo courtesy: Barry Houser

  • Cathedral of St. Helena

    Photo courtesy: Barry Houser

  • Fire Tower

    Photo courtesy: Barry Houser

  • Spring Meadow Park

    Photo courtesy: Barry Houser/p>

Helena owes its existence to the discovery of placer gold, quartz gold, silver, and lead. Helena became the "Queen City of the Rockies" with the boom brought on by the 1864 gold strike. In 1864 a group known as the "Four Georgians" (John Cowan, Daniel Jackson Miller, John Crab, and Reginald, or Robert Stanley) stumbled upon gold in what is now Helena's main street. The claim was staked and named "Last Chance Gulch."

In 1875, the territorial capital was moved from Virginia City to Helena. When Montana became a state, the fight for the location of the state capital pitted 'Copper King' Marcus Daly of Anaconda against rival William A. Clark, who supported Helena. Helena won, and in October 1898, ground was broken for the State Capitol Building.

Helena's glorious past can also be seen in the spectacular 19th-century mansions, historic Last Chance Gulch businesses, and restored pioneer dwellings. The Last Chance Tour Train features informative, entertaining tours of the city. The tour begins at the Montana Historical Society. A one-hour train ride provides a spectacular tour of the Capital City, complete with a lesson in Helena's colorful history. Other impressive historical landmarks include the St. Helena Cathedral, an imposing edifice, overlooking the downtown area, it is modeled after the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, and a replica of the Votive Church in Vienna and the Original Governor's Mansion constructed in 1888, it contains 20 rooms all restored to turn-of-the-century elegance and furnished with antiques.

For a unique western experience Last Chance Ranch Wagonride offers horse drawn wagon dinner rides to authentic teepee above town.

The Montana Historical Society, founded in 1865, houses one of the country's most important collections of Charles M. Russell art in the Mackay Gallery; the Haynes Gallery features the life and work of noted frontier photographer F. Jay Haynes.

The Helena area is known for sapphires as well as gold. By 1888, an estimated 50 millionaires made Helena their home. Last Chance Gulch produced an estimated $3.6 billion (in today's dollars) in gold over a 20-year period. The Spokane Bar Mine is one of half a dozen digging sites, and numerous old mines and settlements exist nearby.

The Archie Bray Foundation was established in 1951 on the site of a brick factory and attracts artists from around the world. Tour the studios and grounds of this unique endeavor in the ceramic arts.

Nearby the Missouri River flows with several lakes within a short driving distance. Holter Lake and Hauser Reservoir perfect for outdoor recreation including fishing, swimming, camping, water-skiing and boating. Canyon Ferry Reservoir, just 20 minutes east of Helena, is a large reservoir on the Missouri River offering outdoor recreation. In the winter ice sailing can be viewed on the lake. As Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri River in this area, Meriwether Lewis was struck by the steep canyon walls and noted 'The Gates of the Mountains' in his journal. Boat tours are available at the Gates of the Mountains, 16 miles north of Helena off I-15.

Elevation: 4,090 feet.

Related Links

Best Western Helena Great Northern Hotel (Helena)
http://www.gntowncenter.com/

Best Western Helena Great Northern Hotel is themed reminiscent of the Great Northern Railroad days. Conveniently located in the Great Northern Town Center.

Birds & Beasleys (Helena)
http://www.birdsandbeasleys.com/

Comfort Suites (Helena)
http://comfortsuiteshelena.com

Exploration Works! (Helena)
http://www.explorationworks.org

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott (Helena)
http://www.marriott.com

Hampton Inn (Helena)
http://www.helena.hamptoninn.com

Helena Chamber of Commerce (Helena)
http://www.helenamt.com

Surrounded by the rugged grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, home to an endless variety of wildlife, rich in history, alive with arts and entertainment, Helena is a city which invites you to visit.

Helena Inn Conference Center (Helena)
http://holidayinn.com/helenadowntown

Helena Tourism Business Improvement District (Helena)
http://www.travelhelena.com

Jorgenson's Inn & Suites (Helena)
http://www.jorgensonsinn.com/

For many years, Jorgenson's has been home to Helena visitors. Our guests enjoy a full service property with newly renovated clean, quiet and comfortable rooms. But it's our hospitality and family dining that keep them coming back.

Last Chance Ranch Bed and Breakfast (Helena)
http://www.lastchanceranch.biz

Last Chance Ranch Wagonride Dinners (Helena)
http://www.lastchanceranch.biz

Enjoy a gourmet meal, such as prime rib with fresh garden salad, homemade rolls, potatoes du jour, and fresh vegetables, topped off with huckleberry cheesecake and cowboy coffee, served family style. Live western entertainment featuring Montana's own Bruce Anfinson rounds out the evening. Great western fun!

Last Chance Tour Train (Helena)
http://www.lctours.com

Ride the Last Chance Tour train through the streets of Helena, Montana. Take an hour of your time to experience Helena's colorful past.

Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds (Helena)
http://lccfairgrounds.com

Montana Historical Society (Helena)
http://montanahistoricalsociety.org

The Montana Historical Society houses the ‘Montana Homeland’ exhibit that traces 12,000 years of history under the Big Sky. Its Mackay Gallery has one of the premier Charles M. Russell art collections. Special exhibits are rotated regularly.

Montana River Outfitters (Helena)
http://www.montanariveroutfitters.com

Red Lion Colonial Hotel (Helena)
http://www.redlion.com

Visit Big Sky Country! Enjoy great skiing destinations, hiking in Glacier National Park and world renowned fishing. The Red Lion Family of Hotels is right in the middle of it all!

Reeder's Alley (Helena)
http://www.reedersalley.com

Begun in the early 1860's, Reeder's Alley was carefully constructed of native materials and brick, brought to the new mining camp from Fort Benton to the north. Today, Reeder's Alley is a restored miner's village consisting of office rentals, a restaurant and a restored and furnished miner's cabin.

Residence Inn by Marriot (Helena)
http://www.residenceinnhelena.com

Wingate by Wyndham (Helena)
http://www.wingatehelena.com/

Built for business and more!

For FREE Gold West travel information call 1-800-879-1159 or request online.
1105 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722

For information on linking to the Gold West Country website, click here.

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