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Helna was one of the cities formed around the gold rush in the United States. The towns attractive main street, Last Chance Gulch, takes its name from a group of desperate miners that with their last attempt at finding gold struck it lucky. The story goes that in 1864 a group of prospectors that were working on a site where present day Helena is, decided to have on more try at finding gold.
The decision was a good one because about $20 million worth of gold was extracted from the area and over 50 of the successful prospectors became millionaires and remained in Helena. |
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State Capitol - pearched atop a small hill and surrounded by lawns, this beautiful building is a fantastic example of Greek Renaissance architecture. Inside are the huge murals by "cowboy artist" C. M. Russell depicting the history of Montana. Open daily 8am to 6pm, entrance free.
Montana Historical Society Museum - located at 225 N Roberts, the museum which was founded in 1865 has a Haynes Gallery featuring photographer F. Jay Haynes' photographs of early pioneer life. The museum also has one of the most important collections of Charles M. Russels art.
Cathedral Of St. Helena - located at 530 N Ewing Street, the red tiled spires of the cathedral rise majesticaly 230 feet above the street and overlook downtown Helena. The cathedral is modled on the Votive Church in Vienna and a cathedral in Cologne Germany and features white marble, gold leaf interiors and stunningly eleborate Bavarian stained glass.
Gates of the Mountains - located 16 mile north of Helena off the Interstate 15, is a dramatic strech of the Missouri River surrounded by 1200 foot cliffs. The area got its name from Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who wrote in his diary that the steep canyon walls looked like the Gates of the Mountains. Two hour boat tours through the gates are available.
The Museum of Gold Collection - housed in the North West Bank, this museum gives you a glimpse into Helena's past with a collection of gold on display. The collection is valued at $600 000 and displays gold dust to gold nuggets that can be up to 244 ounces. |
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The Bagel Company- located at 735 Last Chance Gulch. The best place to eat breakfast in Helena, The Bagel Company offers authentic, New York style bagels as well as delicious homemade cookies, meals and coffee at reasonable prices. Open daily 6am to 9pm
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Bert and Ernie's - located at 361 N Last Chance Gulch. Opened in 1974 this great family restaurant, offers a classy and varied menu from cajun fowl burger to pizzas in a cusual and friendly atmosphere. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm.
Dairy Queen - loacted at 1500 Prospect Ave. The Dairy Queen is an American classic serving American favourites such as beef burgers, porkie sandwiches and hot fudge sundaes. Their speciality is of course ice cream and they serve any variety you can imagine. Open Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9:30pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to 10:30pm.
On Broadway - loacted at 106 Broadway. Fine dining in a friendly atmosphere, the menu offers delicious steaks, seafood and pasta dishes as well as daily vegetarian specialities. Open Monday to Saturday 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Staggering Ox - located at 400 Euclid, Lundy Centre. Offering a style of food like no other, the Staggering Ox's famous clubfoot bun is a registred trademark. The clubfoot sandwhiches come in 20 varieties and the menu also offers soups, salads and baked potatoes. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm
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Windbag Saloon - located at 195 Last Chance Gulch inside the historic walking mall. Established in 1978, the Windbag saloon serves a reasonably priced pint of Guinnes as well as good steks, seafood and burgers. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Blackfoot River Brewing Company - loacted at 54 S Park Ave. Take a tour of teh brewery and sample some of the traditionally handcrafted beers. The taproom also has live Irish music on Tuesday evenings, September to June from 6:30pm to 9pm.
Yacht Basin Restaurant and Bar - loacted at 7035 Canyon Ferry Road. Situated on Canyon Ferry Lake just south east of Helena, Yacht Basin has a good family restaurant and a great bar. |
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Black Sandy State Park - located on the banks of the Hauser Reservoir, the 44 acre park is hugely popular on weekends for water skiing, boating and fishing. Visitors can stay for the day at $5 per vehicle or camp overnight for $12 per day
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Mount Helena City Park - rising to an elevation of 5468 feet above sea level, Mount Helena has a number of walking and hiking trails to enjoy. 1906 Trail is the easiest and most direct route to the top of teh mountain and has been in existance for over 70 years. |
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Great Northern Carousel - located in the Great Northern Downtown area, the enclosed carousel is decorated with stained glass murals of Helena's landmarks. There are two chariots featuring 38 animals as wel as animals that dance around the carousel. After your ride, visit the gift shop and enjoy a delicious ice cream at the Painted Pony Express ice cream stand.
Recreation Station - located at 720 West Custer Ave., Recreation Station has a host of activities to keep children occupied like mini golf, go crts, laser tag, video arcade, batting cages as well as a full American snack bar. |
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