By Paul Morgan
Helena
Montana
Montana
Photo gallery
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State HousePhoto By: Paul Morgan -
SkylinePhoto By: Paul Morgan -
Helena Fire TowerPhoto By: Paul Morgan -
Saint Helena CathedralPhoto By: Paul Morgan -
Cable CarPhoto By: Bruce Tuten - http://www.flickr.com/photos/savannahgrandfather/ -
Canyon Ferry ReservoirPhoto By: Forest Service Northern Region - http://www.flickr.com/photos/fsnorthernregion/ -
Cowboy StatuePhoto By: Justin Brockie - http://www.flickr.com/photos/justinstravels/ -
SkylinePhoto By: NESRI - http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesri/
Helena is in the center of Montana, both geographically and politically. The capital of Montana is rich with 'wild west' history and natural resources. Here at EscapeWizard, we as the simple question: What better place to get away from it all than a vacation in the middle of Montana? Cowboy hats and boots are optional.
EscapeWizard.com can help you book your vacation to Helena. The city can be frequented through Helena Regional Airport (HLN) which is served by major airlines, and because of the small size it is a breeze to get in and out. EscapeWizard.com can help book your flight quickly and easily at this link: (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). There are many great hotels close to the city center, and EscapeWizard.com can guide you to the best price with lodging in Helena by following this link: (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
No matter what your tastes are, Helena has something for you! The city is rich with mining history and was founded based on the discovery of gold. Last Chance Gulch, which runs through the heart of downtown, got its name from the miners who decided this was their last try at finding gold before going back east (They found it!). There is a walking mall downtown with storyboards and exhibits about those miners, along with shops offering local goods of all types. Many of the buildings are the original structures that were erected in the late 1800's, and the crooked narrow streets are a reminder of a bygone era. During summer months, many shops stay open late on Fridays and local bands play, creating a wonderful street fair-like atmosphere. There is also a trolley style "train ride" that visits many points of interest of the capital city and touches on historical highlights.
Western art is prominent and prolific in Helena, with several galleries displaying local work. There are also museums, including the Montana Historical Society, Montana Military Museum, and the Holter Museum of Art. You can tour the State House and the original Governor's mansion, as well as the magnificent Cathedral of St. Helena.
Montana is cattle country, so there are many great steakhouses. Helena also has restaurants catering to just about any food type and style, so there is no excuse for going hungry!
Looking for nightlife? There are several local bar and grills in the city, and Helena also has two microbreweries. Helena has an eight screen theater for movie buffs, and there are a couple of local live theaters as well. Depending on the season, you can find a ballgame, a rodeo, or go stargazing!
Montana is Big Sky country, and the great outdoors are enjoyed year-round by local residents. Hunting, fishing, boating, river rafting, hiking, cycling and camping opportunities abound. There are local shops than can rent most any equipment you need for enjoying some outdoor relaxation. The city even has a mountainside park of over 600 acres with trails for walking and mountain biking.
If you want to get away from the city, you can follow the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the north end of the Helena valley back in 1805 on their epic journey of discovery. The Missouri river passes through what is now known as the "Gates of the Mountains," so named by Meriwether Lewis because of the illusions of mountainous gates opening and closing as the expedition passed through the valley. You can experience the same sights by taking the boat tour offered just a few miles north of Helena.
Helena is a few-hour drive from both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, two of the most beautiful and amazing national parks in the country. If you have the time, don't miss these gorgeous parks. You won't regret it!
Remember, EscapeWizard.com can help you plan a fun, memorable vacation to Helena, Montana. With so many great things to do and see, you can't go wrong with EscapeWizard.com!
EscapeWizard.com can help you book your vacation to Helena. The city can be frequented through Helena Regional Airport (HLN) which is served by major airlines, and because of the small size it is a breeze to get in and out. EscapeWizard.com can help book your flight quickly and easily at this link: (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). There are many great hotels close to the city center, and EscapeWizard.com can guide you to the best price with lodging in Helena by following this link: (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
No matter what your tastes are, Helena has something for you! The city is rich with mining history and was founded based on the discovery of gold. Last Chance Gulch, which runs through the heart of downtown, got its name from the miners who decided this was their last try at finding gold before going back east (They found it!). There is a walking mall downtown with storyboards and exhibits about those miners, along with shops offering local goods of all types. Many of the buildings are the original structures that were erected in the late 1800's, and the crooked narrow streets are a reminder of a bygone era. During summer months, many shops stay open late on Fridays and local bands play, creating a wonderful street fair-like atmosphere. There is also a trolley style "train ride" that visits many points of interest of the capital city and touches on historical highlights.
Western art is prominent and prolific in Helena, with several galleries displaying local work. There are also museums, including the Montana Historical Society, Montana Military Museum, and the Holter Museum of Art. You can tour the State House and the original Governor's mansion, as well as the magnificent Cathedral of St. Helena.
Montana is cattle country, so there are many great steakhouses. Helena also has restaurants catering to just about any food type and style, so there is no excuse for going hungry!
Looking for nightlife? There are several local bar and grills in the city, and Helena also has two microbreweries. Helena has an eight screen theater for movie buffs, and there are a couple of local live theaters as well. Depending on the season, you can find a ballgame, a rodeo, or go stargazing!
Montana is Big Sky country, and the great outdoors are enjoyed year-round by local residents. Hunting, fishing, boating, river rafting, hiking, cycling and camping opportunities abound. There are local shops than can rent most any equipment you need for enjoying some outdoor relaxation. The city even has a mountainside park of over 600 acres with trails for walking and mountain biking.
If you want to get away from the city, you can follow the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the north end of the Helena valley back in 1805 on their epic journey of discovery. The Missouri river passes through what is now known as the "Gates of the Mountains," so named by Meriwether Lewis because of the illusions of mountainous gates opening and closing as the expedition passed through the valley. You can experience the same sights by taking the boat tour offered just a few miles north of Helena.
Helena is a few-hour drive from both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, two of the most beautiful and amazing national parks in the country. If you have the time, don't miss these gorgeous parks. You won't regret it!
Remember, EscapeWizard.com can help you plan a fun, memorable vacation to Helena, Montana. With so many great things to do and see, you can't go wrong with EscapeWizard.com!