For Immediate Release
Discover Helena, Treasure of the Treasure State
From its gold rush past to the present, Helena is a “gold nugget” for travelers seeking adventure, recreation and history. Vacationers can see the Gold Rush era come alive as they spend an afternoon, a week or an extended stay enjoying Montana’s state capital, the treasure of the Treasure State.
Modern visitors can stroll through the original gold discovery site, which is now Helena’s downtown area, while enjoying the walking mall on Last Chance Gulch. During the Gold Rush of 1864, four prospectors panned for gold on what is now Helena’s main street. They were down on their luck and considered this gold hunting expedition their last before giving up the quest. Their luck changed and the mining camp grew into a city.
Nearby lies Reeder’s Alley, named for Lewis Reeder, who built the small brick buildings as lodging accommodations for the growing number of miners in the area. Each of the structures is now restored and houses craftspeople, meeting rooms and retail businesses. A fully restored Pioneer Cabin is available during the summer season for weddings and parties. Two impressive gold displays, with a combined value of $800,000 are available for public viewing. Wells Fargo Bank is home to the Museum of Gold Collection. This impressive display of gold nuggets ranges from the size of dust to a 24.2 oz. piece, and is the largest display of gold nuggets in the northwest. The Federal Reserve Bank displays a private collection that boasts a 5.5 lb. nugget.
History enthusiasts may want to visit the Montana Historical Society and tour the Original Governor’s Mansion. This mansion is one of several mansions built during Helena’s gold rush history. The Last Chance Tour Train gives visitors a splendid tour of Helena’s magnificent mansion district, which was home to 50 millionaires in 1888.
Downtown Helena is guarded by the imposing twin spires of St. Helena Cathedral, whose interior is impressively adorned with genuine gold leaf. The recently renovated State Capitol building is also one of Helena’s visitor attractions. Summer visitors can tour the Montana Club, the oldest social club in the northwest, with its turn of the century architecture. The club is featured in the National Register of Historic Places.
Outdoor recreation is abundant in the many lakes and rivers near Helena. At Hauser Lake, adventure seekers can try their hand at gold prospecting or dig for sapphires. Today, Helena is the political center for the state. It is also a thriving cultural center that celebrates its rich and colorful past.
For more editorial information about visiting historic Helena, call Helena Chamber of Commerce, at (406) 447-1530 or visit their web site at www.helenaacvb.visitmt.com.
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