| Day Trips |
In Montana, getting to your destination is more than half the fun. Helena is surrounded by endless opportunities for outdor fun, as well as other special towns. Take a day to do some exploring, then return to Helena for a relaxing evening in one of our many hotels.
Marysville – A small community northwest of Helena that was once a booming gold camp known as the Drumlummon. See a few of the original buildings. To get there, take the Lincoln Exit, head north of Helena for approximately 20 miles and take the Marysville exit.
Sapphire Hunting – The Helena area is known for sapphires as well as gold. The Spokane Bar Mine near Hauser Lake is one of the digging sites.
Townsend – Located at the end of Canyon Ferry Lake, Townsend is great camping, hunting and fishing country. To get there, just head south on U.S. Highways 12/287 directly to Townsend.
Canyon Ferry Management Area – This is an excellent place to view waterfowl and other wildlife. Ducks, geese, swans and osprey can be found in abundance.
Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area – Managed by the National Forest Service, this 129,000-acre area is home to many indigenous animals, including big game. To get there, take I-15 south from Helena to get to Boulder. Look for the Boulder exit. From Boulder travel south and look for the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area signs.
Boulder Hot Springs – This bed-and-breakfast resort is listed on the National Historic Register. Relax in the hot mineral waters. Take I-15 south from Helena to get to Boulder. Look for the Boulder exit.
Elkhorn Ghost Town – An excellent example of frontier architecture during the silver boom of the 1880's, this once-vibrant town had its own mill and smelter producing $30,000 worth of ore per month. The cemetery provides a fascinating memory of those who lived here. Head south of Helena on I-15 to Boulder. Follow signs to Elkhorn State Park, which is approximately seven miles south of Boulder.
East Loop Scenic Driving Tour – Explore the extraordinary recreation and wildlife area of Canyon Ferry Lake, along the Lewis & Clark trail. From Helena, head southeast on U.S. Highway 12/287. As you get near Townsend, watch for antelope and deer. You’ll see the Big Belt Mountains to the east and the Elkhorn Mountains to the west. The area just north of Townsend is a Wildlife Management Area with great opportunities for wildlife viewing. Follow Highway 12 as it goes east until you reach Highway 284, turn North. This will take you along the eastern shore of the lake where there are plenty of water recreation opportunities. Watch for the historic St. Joseph’s Canton Church and cemetery. Then, you can stop at the visitor’s center before you cross Canyon Ferry Dam and return to Helena.
Tizer Gardens – Located on three acres of land in the shadow of the Elkhorn Mountains since 1998. To control the spread of noxious weeds, the resident gardeners planted large swaths of cosmos, poppies and other wild flowers. Along with those seeds, an idea was planted: an idea that has since blossomed into Tizer Gardens, featuring thousands of flowering plants, seven separate themed gardens and trails, an event center (courtesy of a restored gold mining homestead) and unique events such as back massages. To get there, head south on I-15 to the Jefferson City exit. (406) 933-8789. Visit http://www.tizergardens.com.
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