Helena Region

Last Chance Tour Train
This one-hour train ride provides a spectacular tour of the Capital City, complete with a lesson in Helena's colorful history (1-888-423-1023).

St. Joseph's Catholic Mission Church
Scattered settlers in the Missouri River Valley near present-day Townsend came together to construct this simple, eloquent Colonial style church in 1875-76. The style reflects the roots of many local settlers who hailed from Canton, New York and elsewhere back East. When Canyon Ferry Reservoir overflowed the village of Canton in 1952, the church was moved to land near St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Elkhorn Ghost Town
Among the lonely remnants of this ghost town is Fraternity Hall, a favorite subject of photographers. Reach Elkhorn State Park by county road, off Highway 69 south of Boulder. Seasonal access.

Kleffner Ranch
Four miles east of Helena, this cattle ranch boasts a stone octagonal house and a three-story barn. Guided tours (406-495-9090).

Marysville
This small community northwest of Helena was once a booming gold camp.

Lincoln Lodge And Community Hall
Both of these log buildings are on the National Historic Register. The Lodge is an 18-room hotel.

Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Museum
This museum collection of displays and Lincoln Gulch Gold Mine artifacts, shares the valley heritage with visitors. Behind the Hi-Country Trading Post in Lincoln.

Gates Of The Mountains
The spectacular canyon of the Missouri River north of Helena was dubbed the "Gates of the Mountains" by Meriwether Lewis. You, too, will note the illusion that the steep limestone cliffs seem to open before you as you travel the river. Seasonal boat tours are available (406-458-5241).

Lincoln
The continental divide bisects the area around Lincoln and gives you the best on both sides: the Sun River Canyon on the east slope and the Blackfoot River Valley on the west. And to the north is nothing but pristine wilderness. In town, there's several buildings on the National Historic Register including Community Hall and the Blackfoot Valley Historical Society Museum is also worth a visit.

Rocky Mountain Front Migration Corridor
Rogers Pass east of Lincoln is a migration route for eagles, and you may see great numbers if you come through in October or November. No less than 125 bald eagles and 800 golden eagles have been counted at one time.

Scapegoat Wilderness
This rugged wilderness area is north of Lincoln and adjacent to the Bob Marshall.

Sun River Canyon
The landscape is ruggedly beautiful in this area northwest of Augusta. This is superb range for game animals and other wildlife. With luck, you may see one of Montana's largest herds of bighorn sheep.

Holter And Hauser Lakes/Beartooth Wildlife Management Area
Created by two of the three dams on the Missouri River in the Helena area, these lakes are perfect for outdoor recreation including fishing, swimming, camping, water-skiing and boating. Elk, deer and bighorn sheep flourish in the Wildlife Area.

Townsend
This outdoors-oriented town is located at the end of Canyon Ferry Lake, near where the Missouri River pours in. Townsend is home to a wide variety of excellent hunting and fishing opportunities in the nearby rivers, National Forests and Canyon Ferry Lake. See the Chamber of Commerce for information on maps and self-guided tours through historic mining and scenic areas in the nearby Elkhorn and Big Belt Mountains. Also visit nearby St. Joseph's Catholic Mission Church.

Canyon Ferry Lake
Stretching from Townsend west towards Helena, this large reservoir on the Missouri River offers recreation in all forms. Camping, sailing, boating, swimming and fishing are just the start. You'll see ice boaters here in the winter.

Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area
Near Townsend, this is an excellent place to view waterfowl and other wildlife. Ducks, swans, geese and osprey are abundant. Take Highway 12 east through Townsend one mile, then left on North Harrison Road and follow to the end.

Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area
Managed by the National Forest System, this 129,000-acre area is home to many indigenous animals, including big game.

Sapphire Hunting
The Helena area is known for sapphires as well as gold. The Spokane Bar Mine near Hauser Lake is one of half a dozen digging sites.

Blackfoot And Little Blackfoot Rivers
The Blackfoot is popular with whitewater rafters, and both rivers offer good fishing.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Area
Trails from the upper Sun River Area and from the Blackfoot Valley on the other side of the Continental Divide will take you into the 1,009,356-acre wilderness area. No motorized vehicles are allowed, and you should contact a local guide before tackling the "Bob."

Snowmobiling
Lincoln is a paradise for snowmobilers, with trails starting right in town. The heated clubhouse of the Ponderosa Snow Warriors is the hub of snowmobile races and events in an area which offers 250 miles of groomed trails and limitless play areas.

State Capitol Building
Recently renovated, this building is an excellent example of Greek Renaissance architecture as well as an important part of Montana's past and future. Inside, murals depict Montana history in a variety of themes (406-444-2511).

Holter Museum Of Art
The Holter has the best in regional fine arts and crafts, with new shows opening every six weeks. It hosts nationally known and local artists (406-442-6400).

Archie Bray Foundation
Established in 1951 on the site of a brick factory, the Bray attracts artists from around the world. Tour the studios and grounds of this unique endeavor in the ceramic arts (406-443-3502).

Race To The Sky
Beginning in Helena in February, this annual 350-mile sled dog race has numerous checkpoints throughout the region before finishing near Lincoln (406-442-4008).

Boulder Hot Springs
South of Helena on I-15, a side trip takes you to Boulder. Visit this bed and breakfast resort which is listed on the National Historic Register. Drive 3 miles south of town and relax in the hot mineral waters (406-225-4339).

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