Helena is the capital city of Montana. It is also the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. If you’re visiting the area, there are a number of things you must see. You may be surprised by how much this city has to offer. From Native American artifacts to museums, Helena has something for everyone.
Historic Reeder’s Alley
Reeder’s Alley is one of Helena’s oldest sections and features many historical buildings. The alley is also home to the Montana Historical Society Museum, which is open year-round and offers exhibits for all ages. Explore the alley’s interactive map for more information.
This pedestrian mall features a variety of shops and restaurants. It also features sculptures highlighting the history of Helena. There are also custom art galleries, microbreweries, and entertainment venues. Cultural and arts events take place here on the weekends. Concerts and other entertainment are also held on a regular basis.
Historic Reeder’s Alley is located on the slope of Mount Helena. This alley was once home to clairvoyant Daniel J. Schraier, who hung his shingle here in 1899. The cabin is now owned privately.
If you’re looking for an interesting and educational visit to Helena, try to take a walking tour. This 200-foot-long alley is full of interesting history. It is one of the best places to visit in the city.
Another of the best places to visit in Helena is the Governor’s Mansion, which was once home to the Montana governor and is now a historical house museum. You can take a walk up the hill from there to explore the mighty mount that dominates the city.
Another great place to visit in Helena is the Holter Art Museum. It features a variety of art pieces and has a research and education center. A variety of artists from around the state and region are represented in the museum’s permanent collection.
Museums
Museums in Helena are an important part of the community and reflect the unique character of the city. They are excellent family attractions and feature exhibitions that focus on the humanities. Here are some of the best ones in the area. Visit their overview pages for more information, reviews, and discount cards. The Helena Museum District is home to many wonderful museums.
The Helena Nature Center is adjacent to Spring Meadow Lake. It features an aquarium filled with native fish and a native plant garden. The Nature Center also has fun activities and programs for the community. The center also has ambassador eagles and owls, which are available to view for free.
The Montana State Capitol is one of the most notable buildings in Helena. It is surrounded by stately neighbourhood buildings and manicured hillsides. Inside, you can see the famous statue of Lady Liberty. The Greek-style architecture and copper dome make the building a striking landmark. Four circular paintings and pictures depicting early Montana society are among the highlights of the interior.
The Historical Society Museum is another museum in Helena that highlights the history of the city. It houses over 50,000 artifacts and features Native American artifacts. The museum’s goal is to preserve Montana’s history. It also runs two historic mansions, the Moss Mansion in Billings and the Original Governor’s Mansion in Helena. The Museum also hosts numerous educational classes, and is a great place to learn more about the state’s history.
The city is also home to the historic Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. This park is filled with large limestone caverns and is an ideal destination for families or groups seeking to learn about the area. During the day, visitors can hike and mountain bike through the park. Camping is also an option in Helena.
City park
Located on the west side of Helena, Mount Helena City Park is a 620-acre green space. Visitors from downtown can reach it by taking Park Avenue south to Clarke Street. From there, take a left onto Benton Avenue and then a right onto Adams Street. Once you reach the parking area, you’ll see kiosks that provide information on park regulations and hiking trails.
Whether you’re a biker or hiker, the park has many trails to suit your abilities. The Easy Rider Trail/Archery Range Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that begins and ends at the Beattie Street trailhead. This trail is ideal for families and beginners alike, and is easy to navigate and moderate in difficulty.
The park offers a variety of hiking trails and connects to the West End Trail and the Mount Helena Ridge Trail. The Ridge Trail offers an 11-mile out-and-back route. Rock climbers can also take advantage of the many limestone cliffs in the city park. All of the routes are single-pitch and range from 5.6 to 5.4.
The city park’s trails are multi-use, and the area is also popular for mountain biking and hiking. There are several trails designated for this purpose. Some of the trails are even accessible to horses. Hiking is the most popular recreational activity at Mount Helena City Park, and the park is home to five developed crags.
Native American artifacts
The Helena National Forest has prehistoric American Indian sites and artifacts. These sites include caves and rockshelter habitations. There are also tipi rings and raw tool stone quarries. These sites are irreplaceable for studying past human cultures in the state of Montana. They are protected by federal law.
The NMAI also has a collection of contemporary Native American art. These works reflect the ingenuity of Native artists in coping with social changes. The staff of the museum has worked with various indigenous groups to increase the collection’s diversity. The collaborations have also provided opportunities and contacts for further enhancements.
There are over 100 types of artifacts on display at the museum, all belonging to Native American tribes. The artifacts date back to 12,000 years. You’ll find thousands of arrowheads, primitive stone tools, pottery, and native clothing. The museum also houses original paintings by famous western artists, including Charles M. Russell’s “The Scouts.” The museum’s collection includes an array of artifacts from different tribes.
Early inhabitants of the Vineyard Valley shared many characteristics with the people of today. However, these early inhabitants were plagued by flooding. The area’s floodplain has changed over geologic time. The river was once closer to downtown St. Helena, but the Napa River has since meandered. This area was once home to a wide range of animals and plants, including mastodon.
The Montana Historical Society Museum is another place you should visit in Helena. This museum contains hundreds of artifacts and records the history of the people of the state. It also features the Charlie Russell Gallery, which features many unique collections. Its collection of artifacts represents many tribes, including Blackfeet, Sioux, and Salish artifacts.
Great Northern Carousel
The Great Northern Carousel is one of Helena’s most popular attractions. It is an art carousel that features 37 hand-carved Montana animals. It is a must-see for those who are enchanted by beautiful art.
The rounding boards of the Great Northern Carousel feature local scenes like the Helena Civic Center, the State Capitol Building, the Historic Blue Stone Castle, the Sleeping Giant, and Lewis and Clark’s Gates of the Mountains. The carousel is a popular spot for birthday parties, company social events, and private parties. The Great Northern Carousel is also a perfect place for a family outing.
For an enjoyable family day out, visit the Great Northern Carousel in Helena. This attraction is fun for kids and adults alike, and you can even get a punch card that allows you to ride the carousel 12 times. The Great Northern Carousel also holds events and features ice cream and other delicious treats.
The Great Northern Carousel is located in the Great Northern Town Center. The hand-carved animals and glass pieces are beautiful. Guests can ride the carousel in the evenings, or spend the day taking photos and playing games on the playground.
The Great Northern Carousel is a unique attraction that is a must for kids and adults alike. There are 37 hand-carved Montana animals that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. It is a favorite place for birthday parties and summer barbecues. It is also home to live music and food stalls.
The Montana Historical Society is another place to visit in Helena. The museum houses artifacts from the state’s history, including information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which traveled through Helena. You can also explore the museum’s library, which is filled with historical newspapers and photographs.
