Helena-West Helena, Arkansas is the county seat and largest city of Phillips County. It was amalgamated from the former cities of Helena and West Helena. There are several places to visit in Helena-West Helena, including the Cathedral of St. Helena, Holter Museum, and Tizer Gardens.
Mount Helena City Park
Mount Helena City Park is located just minutes away from downtown Helena, Montana. The park features numerous trails for hiking and biking. The most popular is the 1906 Trail, which takes visitors to the summit of Mount Helena, which sits 1,300 feet above the town. Other trails include the Prairie Trail, Backside Trail, and Prospector Shafts Trail.
Located on a hillside, Mount Helena City Park is a 620-acre park with many hiking and biking trails. It offers breathtaking views of the Helena-West Helena area and a chance to experience the surrounding area. This park also boasts a limestone cliff, which provides a perfect location for rock climbing. It features several routes, ranging in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.13, including Ansley’s Way, a two-pitch 5.6 at Sunset Slab.
Visitors can also enjoy fun indoor and outdoor activities at the Exploration Works, a science center located in the city of Helena. With a variety of interactive exhibits that focus on STEM subjects, this museum is great for the whole family. It also offers educational programs and souvenirs.
The city of Helena boasts a variety of cultural attractions and landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the South Hills Trail System, a network of walking and hiking trails that connect the city with surrounding wilderness. The park is also home to the Helena Visitor Center, which provides information about attractions and local activities.
Visitors can also take a boat tour of the area’s wilderness area. Lewis and Clark were impressed with the river’s navigation and named the area the Gates of the Mountains. Visitors can take a two-hour tour of the area.
Holter Museum
If you’re looking for an indoor activity in Helena-West Helena, consider spending a day at the Holter Museum of Art. This contemporary art museum features works by local and national artists. Its mission is to tell the story of the northwest through art. Visitors can view rotating exhibits and permanent installations. It also offers education opportunities.
Holter Museum is located in downtown Helena. It’s located on the site of a former gravel pit. The museum is open year-round and features a theater. The auditorium is suitable for plays and concerts. The museum also houses a jailhouse gallery. The surrounding park is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also a popular spot for swimmers, divers, bird watchers, and hikers.
The museum is filled with rare art collections, as well as information on the Lewis and Clark expedition, which passed through Helena. The museum also has an extensive library of historical newspapers and photographs. Visitors are encouraged to plan a couple of hours for the museum.
Children will enjoy the children’s play area, which is 13,000 square feet and filled with educational exhibits. The museum also offers classes and events for visitors of all ages. The Great Northern Carousel, which features 37 hand-carved animals, is another great place to bring the kids.
Helena is surrounded by the famous Rocky Mountains, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor activities. The town is close to Yellowstone National Park and has many hiking trails. You can also take a boat tour.
Tizer Gardens
If you are traveling to the Helena-West Helena area and are looking for something to do, you should take a trip to Tizer Gardens. This arboretum and botanical garden is a beautiful six-acre venue. It offers a variety of educational opportunities throughout the year. There is also a children’s garden and gnome garden. The gardens are open from May to October. You can also stay in a rustic cabin for the night and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Other attractions in Helena-West Helena include the Montana State Capitol, which is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The state capitol is a historic building that was built after a gold strike, and it features many different artifacts and tours. You can also participate in a scavenger hunt inspired by Lewis and Clark, which is a fun way to learn about the state’s history.
Another great attraction in Helena is the Holter Museum of Art, which is a museum of local artists. The museum houses paintings and photographs that depict the history and culture of the area. The museum also hosts a yearly art show.
Other attractions in Helena-West Helena include the beautiful Spring Meadow Lake State Park. During the winter months, the park freezes over and serves as an outdoor ice rink. Anyone with skates can skate on the frozen lake, while those without skates can make laps at the lake.
If you love nature, Tizer Gardens is another must-see in Helena-West Helena. The gardens are internationally accredited arboreta and botanical gardens and contain over 500 species of deciduous, conifer, and perennial plants. The Tizer Gardens are also the northernmost testing grounds for the Plant Select and All American programs.
Cathedral of St. Helena
The Cathedral of Saint Helena is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana. It was built in 1908 and was designed by architect A.O. Von Herbulis based on the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria. It held its first mass in November 1914.
The architecture of the cathedral is unique and beautiful. It was built on a location chosen by Bishop John Carroll in 1905. Von Herbulis’ design was influenced by cathedrals in Europe and was completed by Columbia Construction Company. The cornerstone was laid in October 1908, and the first Lord’s Supper was celebrated in the partially completed church in November 1914.
The cathedral is located downtown, close to other Helena-West Helena attractions. The Gothic-revival structure has steeply pitched roofs, spires, and an impressive nave. The interior has stained-glass windows, which are a highlight of the cathedral.
Another interesting place to visit in Helena-West Helena is the historic State Capitol building. The state capitol building is the state’s seat of government. It is surrounded by manicured hillsides and topped by Lady Liberty, a statue that has been overlooking the city for over 100 years.
While visiting Helena-West Helena, you should take the time to explore its quaint downtown region. The city’s red walls exude vintage energy. The historic buildings are a good place to take pictures. The area also has several indoor attractions.
If you’re looking for a day trip that’s full of history, make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Helena. It offers guided tours and public services. It has a beautiful stained-glass collection. You can also explore the Gates of the Mountain, a wilderness area managed by the Helena National Forest. Meriwether Lewis coined the phrase “The Gates of the Mountain” during his Corps of Discovery expedition.
Carry Ferry Lake
If you’re a water lover, you’ll love the massive reservoir on the Missouri River known as Carry Ferry Lake. This lake is great for boating, fishing, and kayaking, and there are several campgrounds surrounding it. During the winter months, the lake turns into a winter wonderland.
If you love to hike, you can also find several trails in the area. One of them is the Cave Ridge Trail, which is a 9-mile hike. The trail is accessible off Highway #284 near the O’Malley’s restaurant. You can find the trailhead by driving about half a mile along a gravel road.
If you want to get a better feel for Helena’s history, you can visit the historic district. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to visit, and you can even find a few craft breweries there. You can also book a tour of the town’s historic buildings on a private trolley.
If you have children, don’t miss the ExplorationWorks museum. The 13,000-square-foot museum features interactive exhibits and educational play spaces. It also offers a variety of classes and events. The building is also located right next to the Great Northern Carousel, which features 37 hand-carved animals. Rides are only $2.
If you want to get outside, check out the nearby hiking and biking trails. The trails are not too crowded and many routes wind through town. This is the perfect place for a picnic lunch or a day trip. The surrounding area is also home to a wildlife management area that hosts many terns and pelicans.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Helena-West Helen. Carry Ferry Lake is one of them. It is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, and is close to Helena-West Helena and Butte, Montana.