Helena, Montana

Helena is the capital of the state of Montana, and the seat of Lewis & Clark County. The city is located in west central Montana, 113 miles (182 kilometers) east of Missoula and 91 miles (147 kilometers) southwest of Great Falls.

Helena was established in 1864, thanks to a gold rush on the Last Chance Creek. Also thanks to the gold rush, by 1888, the community was home to about 50 millionaires, which were more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world. Today, when you want to learn about local history, you can visit some of the millionaires' homes in the appropriately named Mansion District, do a walking tour of Last Chance Gulch and surrounding area, or visit the Montana Historical Society Museum.

January highs average at 30F (-1C) and July/August highs average at 83F (28C), so this means you have four distinct seasons in which to enjoy the natural wonders around Helena. The city is set near the Continental Divide, and the Missouri River, Lake Helena, Hauser Lake, and Canyon Ferry Lake are on the city's eastern doorstep. To the east is the Belt Mountain Range, while the Elkhorn Mountains are to the south. The city is surrounded by Lolo National Forest, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and Helena National Forest, which includes the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area, which encompasses 28,562 acres (11,559 hectares) and a 38-mile (61-kilometer) stretch of river. Also nearby is Spring Meadow Lake State Park.

And of course, Helena's setting also means that there are great winter sports opportunities in the vicinity. There are many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the Minnehaha-Rimini area and the Magpie-Sunshine area, groomed cross-country ski trails at MacDonald Pass and Stemple Pass, and great downhill skiing can be had at Great Divide, which is 20 miles (32 kilometer) from town.

And back in town, when you need a break from the outdoors, you won't be at a loss for culture. Enjoy the sounds of the Helena Symphony, a bit of the Bard through the Montana Shakespeare Company, a performance at the Myrna Loy Center for the Performing and Media Arts, or a show courtesy of one of the performing arts departments at Carroll College.

You can also expect great community events and festivals in and around Helena, including the Helena Jazz Jubilee, the Last Chance Community Pow Wow, the Last Chance Stampede and Fair, and the Montana Wild West Fest.

If you're looking for family fun, spectacular scenery, outstanding four-season outdoor activities, and a healthy dose of culture, look no further than Helena.

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