Helena Known for Historical Structures
While visiting Helena, make sure you get the chance to visit the many
historical structures that are well known in Helena. The State Capital
building was recently restored with the Greek Renaissance look and features
a massive copper dome. Stop by the Original Governor's Mansion which was
builtin 1888. This Queen Anne style home housed ten Montana Governors from
1913 to 1959. Everyone of all ages will enjoy seeing the Great Northern
Carousel, an enchanting turn-of-the century carousel. This handcrafted
masterpiece features 37 different hand-carved animals including some of the
animals native to Montana. The Painted Pony Ice Cream Parlor, adjacent to
the Great Northern Carousel is a great place to relax and savor your
favorite flavor of ice cream.
Helena has so many attractions within it's community, visitors don't have to
travel far to find something of interest. The Last Chance Tour Train will
give visitors a great one hour tour of Helena and it's colorful history.
Maybe you're interested in a day at the park. Well, head over to Mount
Helena, the city's largest park that offers over 630 acres of trails. Take a
hike along one of these trails, starting at the base of the mountain and
making you way to the peak, 1,000 feet above. You'll enjoy the views of the
gulches south of Helena as well as a great view of the city from above.
Memorial Park is another great attraction for visitors with its swimming
pool, playground and band shell. You might enjoy the Centennial Water slide
Park that features slides and pools for people of all ages.If these parks
can't keep you busy, don't worry, you still have 42 other city parks to look
at and enjoy. Make sure you find the time to stop by the corner of Butte and
Roberts streets and and joy the Sherron Water-Splash Park that features a
number of interactive water fountains and sprays.
One of the most amazing places to visit is the Holter Museum of Art. Located in downtown Helena, the museum opened in 1987 and was known as the place where people could experience contemporary art. The museum brings national and international art exhibits to this region, and also serves a place for local artists to display their work. The Holter Museum of Art is well known for collecting, preserving and interpreting contemporary Northwest art. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 works of art that are permanent with another 25 varying exhibits offered during the year.
The Montana Historical Society Museum was founded in 1865 and offers visitors a great look at the works of Charles Russell, renown cowboy artist. One other piece of history associated with Helena is the Lewis and Clark expedition. Boat tours take visitors on a tour and point out the steep canyon walls and beauty of the area. During the Lewis and Clark expedition, it was this area that Meriwether Lewis named the Gates of the Mountains, because the canyon walls seemed to open up like gates to the mountains in the area.
The first visitors to Helena came with the gold discovery in Last Chance Gulch, and now, this Gulch, as well as many other historical places in and around Helena, still attract visitors. Helena offers visitors many things to explore, like mansions, historic architecture, galleries, museums, performing arts, and simply the beauty of the area. Enjoy a visit to Helena not only for the beauty of the area, but to also enrich you knowledge of the history of this area.