Things To Do
in Helena
Helena is a charming city in the state of Montana, United States. Known for its historic downtown area, visitors can explore various shops, restaurants, and museums. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby mountains and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
The city also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant and engaging community for residents and tourists alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $90 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Montana State Capitol to appreciate its stunning architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the state's legislative history.
Explore the Montana Historical Society Museum, which showcases the state's rich heritage. Don't miss the chance to see exhibits on Native American culture.
Stroll down Last Chance Gulch, enjoying the local shops and eateries. Have dinner at a cozy downtown restaurant offering local cuisine.
Hike up Mount Helena for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The trail is moderately challenging and offers a good workout.
Visit the Helena Botanical Gardens to unwind and enjoy the diverse plant life. Bring a picnic to savor amidst the beautiful scenery.
Attend a local outdoor concert or enjoy a sunset at one of the parks. Relax and reflect on your day while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including museums and historical sites.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.
- Small-town charm with a tight-knit community feel.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger urban areas.
- Strong local economy with opportunities in government, healthcare, and education.
- Limited access to larger retail and entertainment options compared to bigger cities.
- Cold winters with significant snowfall can be challenging for some residents.
- Job market can be competitive, especially for specialized positions.
- Limited public transportation options could be a disadvantage for those without cars.
- Potentially lower diversity compared to metropolitan areas, which may affect cultural experiences.
Best Activities in Helena
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a boat tour through the stunning limestone canyon and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Helena and the surrounding area.
Explore a network of trails offering varying difficulty levels and beautiful scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Helena with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Helena
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Helena and the surrounding area, popular for hiking and photography.
Scenic boat tour on the Missouri River, with stunning rock formations and wildlife viewing, ideal for photography.
Picturesque trail with scenic views of the mountains, perfect for capturing natural landscapes.
Historic district with charming architecture and cobblestone streets, great for capturing vintage-style photographs.
Food in Helena
Helena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local dish, the bison burger offers a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. Head to The Windbag Saloon & Grill or Lucca's for a delectable bison burger.
Must-Try!
Huckleberries are a regional delicacy, and huckleberry pie is a quintessential dessert in Helena. Save room for a slice at The Parrot Confectionery, where it's a crowd favorite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Helena better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Helena Farmers' Market, open on Saturdays, to explore fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal crafts. You can also sample ready-to-eat treats from various vendors.
Take a stroll through downtown Helena and savor diverse offerings from food trucks, featuring everything from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Helena, it is important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others and to be mindful of personal space boundaries.
Being on time is highly valued in Helena, and it demonstrates respect for others' time and commitment to appointments and social gatherings.
Taking an interest in and respecting local customs, traditions, and cultural practices is key to showing respect and integration in Helena.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Helena with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Helena
Ensure a smooth experience
In Helena, United States, tipping is commonly practiced in the service industry, including restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxi rides and hotel stays. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
In Helena, United States, payments are typically made using cash, credit cards, or digital payment methods such as mobile wallets and online transfers. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers, accept major credit cards and contactless payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Helena.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Helena is in spring (April to June) when the weather is mild and the city's landscapes come to life with blooming flowers and vibrant foliage. Expect pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.
Summer (July to August) is a popular time to visit Helena due to warm weather and a full calendar of events, including festivals, outdoor concerts, and recreational activities. Expect crowded tourist hotspots and higher accommodation rates.
In fall (September to November), Helena's surrounding landscapes transform into a stunning display of autumn colors, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts to visit. Expect cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February) in Helena is cold and snow-covered, offering opportunities for winter sports and a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Expect colder temperatures and limited outdoor activities.
Helena at Night
Hiking in Helena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering a network of trails with varying difficulties, providing beautiful views of Helena and the surrounding areas.
A scenic trail that follows along the Missouri River, ideal for a leisurely hike with accessible paths and picturesque views of the water.
A collection of trails managed by the Prickly Pear Land Trust, featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife, perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.
This trail runs alongside the Blackfoot River, providing a serene hiking experience with opportunities for fishing and enjoying nature.
A beautiful park offering a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the lake, perfect for a day outdoors.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Helena through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Helena by plane.
The primary airport serving Helena, Montana.
Located approximately 90 miles from Helena, this airport serves the Bozeman area and provides international flights.
Located around 110 miles north of Helena, this airport offers a variety of domestic and connecting international flights.
Approximately 200 miles east of Helena, this is the largest airport in Montana and serves various national and international destinations.
Located about 120 miles west of Helena, this airport serves the Missoula area with regional and national flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Helena, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
The second largest demographic group, representing a growing portion of Helena's population.
A notable demographic group in Helena, reflecting the state's Indigenous heritage.
A smaller demographic group in Helena compared to others, but an important part of the community.
A minority demographic group in Helena, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
An increasingly recognized demographic group, representing individuals from multiple racial backgrounds.
The Soul of Helena
Discover the essence of Helena through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport in Helena, played at both high school and college levels, with strong community support.
Widely played in schools and recreational leagues, basketball enjoys a significant following in Helena.
A traditional American pastime, baseball is played by youth teams and has local leagues that engage the community.
Ice hockey has a devoted fan base in Helena, with local teams competing in various leagues.
Gaining popularity, youth soccer programs are thriving, and the sport has seen increased participation in recent years.
A cultural staple in Montana, rodeos are celebrated events in Helena, showcasing local talent and tradition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Helena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Helena offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as The Fieldhouse Café, known for its plant-based menu featuring nourishing bowls and veggie-centric dishes.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free dishes at establishments like Real Food Market & Deli, which provides an array of gluten-free products and prepared meals.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Helena with these cultural adventures.
