Page 10 - HC Vacation Guide 2021

BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS & FITNESS What: Happy to offer locals and tourists alike a hot springs and fitness facility with the friendliest staff. Broadwater has three outdoor pools, as well as three indoor hot tubs. Walk-ins welcome.
More info: For cost and hours, please call 406-443-5777 or visit thebroadwater.com
CATHEDRAL OF ST. HELENA
What: The twin spires of the Cathedral of
St. Helena may be the Queen City’s most recognizable landmark. The cornerstone for
the cathedral was laid in 1908, and took nearly 20 years to complete the building. The church
is modeled after Vienna’s Votive Church of the Sacred Heart, in the Gothic style. The Cathedral is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was built with limestone from Bedford, Indiana, considered to be a sturdier stone than Montana sandstone. Visitors are always welcome at the cathedral and mass times are posted outside the building and available online.
Where: 530 N. Ewing, Lawrence and Warren Streets.
When: Guided tours available Memorial Day to Labor Day Tuesday–Thursday, 1–3 p.m. To schedule a tour for ten or more people, call the office well in advance.
More Info: (406) 442-5825 or sthelenas.org
CENTENNIAL PARK
What: Skate park, horseshoe pits, trailhead
to Helena’s walking trail, handicap accessible playground, seasonal running water, shelter & benches for visitors, soccer & softball fields, dog park, and the Vigilante Bike Park.
Where: Across the street from Memorial Park at 1200 N Last Chance Gulch.
More Info: helenamt.gov
EXPLORATION WORKS! MONTANA’S SCIENCE CENTER
What: Scientific discovery and cultural understanding center featuring hands-on exhibits and experiments for all ages. Exhibits change frequently. Where: 995 Carousel Way.
When: Varying hours, Tuesday–Sunday.
More Info: (406) 457-1800 or explorationworks.org
GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS
What: Historic site documented by Meriwether Lewis in 1805, Missouri River. In his journal, Lewis wrote,“I called it the gates of the rocky mountains.” Where: Take Interstate 15 north of Helena for 16 miles to exit 209.
When: 2 hour Guided boat tours available every day May through September.
More Info: (406) 458-5241 or gatesofthemountains.com
10
Attractions
GREAT NORTHERN CAROUSEL
What: This world-class carousel features 37 hand-carved Montana animals and 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork. After you’ve had the ride of your life, enjoy the best ice cream in Montana with our 24 flavors to choose from.
Where: 989 Carousel Way, Great Northern Town Center.
When: Open year round, closed Tuesdays, hours vary.
More Info: (406) 457-5353 or gncarousel.com
HELENA FIRE TOWER
What: One of the few remaining wooden fire towers in the nation. Built in 1874 after a fire destroyed most of the downtown business district. Nicknamed the “Guardian of the Gulch.” Enjoy the picnic tables, park benches and a great view of the Helena valley.
Where: Follow Cruse Avenue south just past where it crosses Broadway – the Fire Tower will be up to the left.
HELENA MASONIC GRAND LODGE & LIBRARY OF THE STATE OF MONTANA What: Museum featuring Masonic history, including the Masonic apron of Meriwether Lewis.
Where: 425 N Park Avenue.
When: Public welcome. Hours: 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri.
More Info: (406) 442-7774 or mtglsesdc@ grandlodgemontana.org or www. grandlodgemontana.org
LAST CHANCE GULCH - HELENA’S WALKING MALL
What: The state’s only downtown, outdoor walking mall featuring restaurants and shopping. The mall marks the site where gold was first discovered in Helena in 1864. The site takes its name from the Four Georgians who discovered gold in this area. Helena was their “last chance” to discover gold before giving up and returning home.
Where: The Walking Mall runs from 6th Avenue to North Broadway on Last Chance Gulch.
LAST CHANCE TOUR TRAIN
What: One-hour narrated tour of Helena attractions ranging from the Queen City’s oldest cabin to the Victorian mansions of former millionaires. No tours on Sunday.
Where: The Tour Train departs from the Montana Historical Society, just east of the Capitol Building at 225 North Roberts.
When: May 15th – September 15th, In July & August plan to purchase tickets & board the train 30 minutes prior to your desired time.
LAST CHANCE RANCH’S WAGONRIDE DINNER SHOW
What: Take a bus to Last Chance Ranch and travel by horse-drawn wagons through a turn-of-the- century homestead south of Helena. All-you-can- eat prime rib dinners with live western music by the campfire featuring Montana’s own
Bruce Anfinson.
When: June through September
More Info: 406-442-2884 or lastchanceranch.biz
LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY COURTHOUSE
What: Home to the courtrooms and chambers
for the First Judicial District’s judges. The historic, four-story building was constructed between 1885 and 1887. It was originally a full story taller, but the earthquakes of 1935 required the removal of the building’s clock tower. During the 19th century, the building was the territorial and the state capitol.
Where: 228 Broadway
When: Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon-Fri.
LEWIS AND CLARK LIBRARY
What: Established in 1868, the Lewis and Clark Library is the oldest library in the state. It features books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, videos, computers and more. Visitors are welcome to get a day pass for computer usage and to use the free WIFI.
Where: 120 S Last Chance Gulch
When: Open Monday through Friday, hours vary.
More Info: (406) 447-1690 or lewisandclarklibrary.org
LEWIS AND CLARK: THE MONTANA EXPERIENCE
What: Permanent outdoor exhibit documenting Lewis and Clark’s journey through Montana. Features the Great Falls of the Missouri, The Gates of the Mountains, bronze statues of animals the explorers encountered along their trek and more.
Where: Great Northern Town Center. 40 W. 14th St. When: Every day, year round.
MEMORIAL PARK/LAST CHANCE SPLASH AND WATERPARK
What: Swimming pool, waterslides, splash park, Frontier Fun town play-ground. Park also features barbecue pits, picnic shelters and more.
Where: 1203 N Last Chance Gulch.
When: Park open year round, pool and splash park
open seasonally.
More Info: lastchancesplash.com
More Info: (406) 442-1023 or lctours.com
KEEP MONTANA SAFE – PLAN AHEAD | KEEP SPACE | BE RESPECTFUL | PROTECT THE OUTDOORS | EXPLORE LOCALLY