| Activities |
Lewis and Clark opened the way west as the original outdoor adventurers. In 1805, as they traveled up the Missouri River near Helena, Meriwether Lewis noted the steep canyon walls and splendor of the area, calling the spot Gates of the Mountains because the canyons seemed to open up like gates. Now, as the Lewis and Clark expedition commemorates its bicentennial, the Gates of the Mountains still inspire visitors on boat tours. (406) 458-5241. Visit http://www.gatesofthemountains.com.
Looking to explore Helena's rich history? Start at the Montana Historical Society Museum. Founded in 1865, the museum catalogs the rich history of the Treasure State and features works by the renowned cowboy artist Charlie Russell. (406) 444-4710. Visit http://montanahistoricalsociety.org.
Helena is home to fascinating, historical structures. See the recently restored Greek Renaissance State Capital building, which is topped with a massive copper dome.
(406) 444-2511. Or check out the Original Governor's Mansion, a Queen Anne style
house that was built in 1888 and housed ten Montana Governors from 1913 to 1959.
(406) 442-3115 (hours). (406) 444-4789 (group tours).
Or how about an expedition back to your childhood at the Great Northern Carousel. Reminiscent of the enchanting turn-of-the century carousels, the Great Northern Carousel is a handcrafted modern day masterpiece that will delight the child in all of us. The carousel features 37 different hand-carved animals including a wide variety of Montana’s indigenous animals. After riding the carousel, treat yourself to one of 30 homemade ice cream flavors in the adjoining Painted Pony Ice Cream Parlor, 924 Bicentennial Plaza. (406) 457-5353.
Ready to park it for a while? Our largest city park, Mount Helena, includes 630 acres of trails, many of which start at the base of the mountain and wind their way to the peak 1,000 feet above. The maintained hiking and mountain biking trails offer spectacular views of the city and the gulches south of Helena. We also have 42 other city parks, including Memorial Park and its large public swimming pool, playground, ice-skating rink and band shell. Not far away, Centennial Park is popular for its soccer fields. For more information on other parks in Helena, contact the City of Helena Parks Dept. (406) 447-8463.
For those of you looking for a scenic ride, there’s always the Last Chance Tour Train, a spectacular one-hour tour of Helena’s colorful history. If your group would like to have the train all to itself, it's also available for private bookings. Visit www.lctours.com.
If you're ready to bomb a hill, work on your Casperflip, and make fun of all the skaters pushing mongo, you'll want to visit the Helena Skate Park (at Centennial Park near the YMCA). It features ledges, banks and quarter pipes—all free to boarders and in-line skaters.
We even have a park that's sure to make a splash with everyone who visits: Centennial Waterslide Park, inside the Broadwater Athletic Club at 4920 Highway 12 West. The temperature-controlled slides and pools offer swimming and sliding fun for the whole family; full-day and half-day passes available. (406) 443-5777.
At the corner of Butte and Roberts adjacent to the Helena High School is the new Sherron Water-Splash Park featuring a variety of interactive water fountains and sprays.
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