Page 32 - HC Vacation Guide 2022

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No matter how long you stay in Helena, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy. But we can’t blame you if you want to take a day and get in the car to check out some fantastic Montana scenery. Fortunately, Helena is within an easy day’s drive of a number of fascinating communities and attractions, all of which will give you a taste of the Treasure State and still get you back to Helena in time for dinner.
• MINING TOWNS • FISHING • GEM & GOLD HUNTING • CAVERNS
GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS BOAT TOUR
ANACONDA -PINTLER
SCENIC HIGHWAY ROUTE
What: This is a 60-mile drive between Anaconda and Drummond. Along the route, pass by Philipsburg, Georgetown Lake and Granite ghost town. To get there: The scenic route can be accessed from Interstate 90 at either Drummond or Anaconda.
AUGUSTA
What: If you like a town with real Western flavor, try roaming the streets of Augusta. Visit the general store, stop in at the old- fashioned saloon, buy souvenirs in the local stores and purchase Western wildlife photos from the studio of nationally known photographer Gus Wolf. To get there: Go north on Interstate 15 to Wolf Creek, take the Highway 287 exit and cross Highway 200. Stop at the Hutterite Colony along the route to purchase fresh vegetables or chicken.
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS
What: Within a half-hour’s drive from Helena is the historic Boulder Hot Springs – a unique bed and breakfast offering fully restored bedrooms in the 100-year-old grand inn. Soak in the springs, hike on the edge of the Deer Lodge National Forest, or enjoy a relaxing massage. To get there: Take Interstate 15 south about 30 miles. Take the Boulder exit and follow Highway 69 through town. The springs are located 3 miles south of Boulder on Highway 69. More info: (406) 225-4339 or boulderhotsprings.com
BROADWATER COUNTY MUSEUM
What: Exhibits at this museum, located about 30 miles southeast of Helena at the south end of Canyon Ferry Lake, cover area mining, agriculture, toys, schools and industry. In addition, it features a Lewis and Clark exhibit. To get there: The museum is located at 133 N. Walnut in Townsend. Open daily 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. mid-May through mid- September. More info: (406) 266-5252
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
What: Montana’s predominant geological feature, the Continental Divide, offers breathtaking scenery just west of Helena. To get there: Here are four routes you can drive over the divide:
• MacDonald Pass: MacDonald Pass is a paved route that provides a scenic turnout on the east slope of the 6,323-foot pass southwest of Helena. To take this route, follow U.S. Highway 12 West.
• Flesher Pass and Stemple Pass: Flesher, at an elevation
of 6,350 feet, is about 39 miles from Helena and paved all the way on Highway 279 to Lincoln. Stemple Pass, 28 miles from Helena, has an elevation of 6,349 feet with access on
a gravel road. To get to either of these passes, drive north on Montana Avenue to Lincoln Road and turn left. Travel west through Canyon Creek and watch for the Stemple Pass turnoff to the left. Stay on Lincoln Road to the top of the divide to get to Flesher Pass.
• Mullan Pass: Mullan Pass is rich in history that includes its discovery by U.S. Army Capt. John Mullan in 1853, and a campground at the top of the divide that was the site of Montana Territory’s first Masonic meeting in July 1862. To
HELENAAREACHAMBEROFCOMMMERCEANDCONVENTION&VISITORSBUREAU| OFFICIALVISITORGUIDE| 2022
Day Trips