20 Unique Things To Do In Helena, Montana

1. Savor The Treats At Cotton-Top Pastries

If you are looking for delicious and artisanal treats, look no further than Cotton-Top Pastries located in Helena, Montana. They are mostly quality-conscious as they produce food for the stomach and the soul, spanning both the present and the past.

Their pastries are handcrafted with great attention to detail, and where possible, local produce is used to guarantee that customers enjoy fresh and tasty bites every time.

In addition to their scrumptious pastries, they serve Revel Coffee, which is a local coffee brand that offers excellent coffee.

2. Enjoy A Visit To Blackfoot River Brewing Co

Blackfoot River Brewing Co. is a perfect place for all craft beer lovers. This hopping microbrewery and taproom has an extraordinary range of beers made on the premises.

It also has rotating seasonal treats and year-round favorites. The calm comforting settings are ideal for having a certain beverage, mostly a beer, with a large outdoor balcony with excellent views.

The place also has live band performances which makes the place more entertaining. As a result, Blackfoot River Brewing Co. guarantees a fun-filled adventure at the center of the city of Helena.

3. Discover The Montana Historical Society

For lovers of history, the Montana Historical Society in Helena has memorable things to do in Montana. It seeks to protect what is left of the history of Montana, tell the stories of the state, and encourage exploration, which makes for a purpose in the present and hope for the future.

Exhibitions on the long cultural history of Montana, which includes Native Americans and settlers, and other periods, can be found by visitors. The museum contains items, images, and written records illustrating the history of the state.

Educational and knowledge-preserving aims are primary, therefore there are organized excursions, archival holdings, and research available.

4. Explore The Wonders Of The Holter Museum Of Art

The Holter Museum of Art is an engaged cultural institution that presents contemporary art through temporary exhibitions, creative workshops, and community projects. Here, visitors can enjoy paintings, sculptures, and other art forms by local and national artists.

The art center does not charge for entrance thus it is open to all, and it often organizes talks with artists and other educational activities for people of different ages. Located in the center of Helena, one can enjoy a respite filled with art and artwork.

5. Stroll Around Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Springs Meadow Lake State Park is located at the center of a beautiful lake filled with water from a natural spring that brings clean and cool water that can be used for various purposes.

Tourists delight in engaging in activities including fishing, swimming, non-motorized boats, and even scuba diving into this unique spring lake.

In addition to that, this state park has beautiful hiking trails, areas for picnicking, plenty of flora and fauna, and beautiful Helena MT weather. Hence, it is an ideal and serene getaway for nature lovers, families, and adventurers.

6. Delight In The Fun Of The Great Northern Carousel

The Great Northern Carousel situated in Helena, Montana, stands out as one of the best family attractions for both young and older kids.

The distinctive carousel boasts 37 beautifully carved animal figures of the region, for example, several trout, bison, and grizzle bears providing an exceptional ride with a local perspective.

This has been built within the Great Northern Town Center which makes it quite an attractive location to go for some leisure activities and even recall some childhood memories. The colors and decorations brought to life by the artistry are captivating for both the riders and the viewers.

7. Enjoy A Walk In Women's Park

Women's Park in Helena, Montana, is a calm 1.5-hectare size park situated at the intersection of Fuller Avenue and Neill Avenue. This beautiful green space has a historical and recreational element, with structures and bastions of history dedicated to honoring women and their achievements.

Here, people can sit at the picnic tables, enjoy the open play area, or take in local shows in the performance area of the park.

It is perfect for a walk or just for a calm and sunny day. If you want to admire history, have a quiet picnic, or just take a rest this park is a must-visit place in Helena.

8. Dine At Windbag Saloon & Grill

The Windbag Saloon & Grill is an inviting gastropub that serves appetizing American cuisine, featuring delicious seafood and steak, along with plenty of craft beer.

This is a full-service bar, so the pub-style comfort is combined with a modernized space in a well-maintained old building. If you're looking for great service combined with a touch of history in Downtown Helena, the Windbag Saloon & Grill is the spot to check out.

It offers a unique atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining experience. So, when do you think you and your family or friends will be stopping by to enjoy this place?

9. Visit The Cathedral Of Saint Helena

The Cathedral of Saint Helena is found in Helena, Montana and this cathedral is all Gothic Revival from its twin towers soaring to the sky.

This retro-style cathedral is filled with stained-glass windows ordered in Munich and stunning stone carvings complemented by a memorable pipe organ. The tourists are free to engage in a self-tour of the site and marvel at its art and peace.

Services and events are held regularly as the cathedral is still in use as a place of worship. This is nice for people who appreciate the history, art, and architecture near the city center of Montana's capital as it provides a quiet corner.

10. Check Out ExplorationWorks

Do you want to participate in several practical exercises? If so, ExplorationWorks in Helena, Montana, is the place for you! It is a young interactive science museum that combines several science exhibits with numerous programs tailored to children and adult visitors.

ExplorationWorks has many activities for the visitors which include building physical structures, performing biological experiments, imaginative seasonal installations, and workshops.

Whatever the age group families, students, and even the curious mind they all have something to learn about the different concepts of sciences extending their imaginative as well as their curious minds.

11. Browse Through Montana Book Company

Are you such a bookworm that you would prefer to spend hours with a book than do almost anything else? If so, then you should head out to Montana Book Company.

This is an independent bookstore that embraces all as it is LGBTQ+ founded and owned. They stock books for all ages both children and adults as well as toys, gifts, records, crafting, card-making supplies, and cards.

Most importantly, it's a fun place where people gather for author readings or community book clubs and other activities.

12. Catch A Show At The Myrna Loy

The Myrna Loy shows arts through live performance shows, films, and other art-related activities. This arts center occupies a historical building where it offers its guests with a series of opportunities to attend plays and concerts, have a movie, and enjoy art.

Its vision is all about community involvement by enriching, educating, entertaining, and empowering through the arts.

It also acts as a center of creation where ideas are born and shared, long after the curtain comes down or the screen goes dark. For any artistic person, this is an essential place to visit.

13. Visit The Lucca's

One of Helena Montana best restaurants includes Lucca's. This Italian restaurant guarantees a wonderful culinary adventure. The eatery is known for the sumptuous Italian food it serves but focuses on delivering quality food and services.

The hospitable crew together with the sophisticated ambiance, makes the place suitable for intimate dinners as well as a classy night out. Lucca's specializes in a great selection of Italian cuisine made from fresh and local food produce, as well as an elegant collection of wines.

For anyone in Helena, looking for an enjoyable meal, Lucca's serves the finest Italian food, which will certainly top the night experience.

14. Explore The Painted Pot

At Helena, you have an opportunity to visit The Painted Pot which is an engaging art studio where you can practice your pottery paintings, do glass fusing, canvas painting, and much more. Isn't it interesting news that it is open all days of the week, and no bookings are necessary.

It offers other types of activities like sculpting and painting ceramics, social events, and parties to suit everyone's preferences. As a result, there is no need to make prior arrangements meaning you can easily stroll in at any time and engage in your preferred creative work.

15. Sample The Craft Beers At Speakeasy 41 Brewing Company

Among various Helena Montana breweries, Speakeasy 41 Brewing Company is one of the renowned ones. This cozy brewery establishment boasts an ever-changing current line-up of house brews, from IPAs to stouts - all made with locally sourced ingredients.

The lovely vintage-styled taproom also provides a perfect relaxing atmosphere for hanging out with friends. Tasting is done here, hopping on a brewery tour is possible, and special occasions like trivia and food pairing contests are hosted.

In offering remarkable and superb tasting beers, coupled with a sense of belonging and community, Speakeasy 41 remains the best place to stop over within Helena.

16. Make A Splash At Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool

Do you prefer swimming? If so, pack your swimsuits and get ready for some fun! The Last Chance Splash Waterpark & Pool is the perfect spot for family fun and physical activities. It features an outdoor swimming pool complete with lap swimming lanes and swimming classes.

The facility also includes a diving well, a splash zone, two exciting water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and a lazy river for wading. Additionally, you can take advantage of fitness and swim practice sessions, water aerobics, water games, contests including water polo, and more.

17. Wander Through Escape Helena

Escape Helena is the first escape room in Helena Montana that caters to bunches of friends, families, and colleagues. The gamers have options of different themed rooms that call for general creativity and teamwork in solving issues.

The diverse range of activities and well-developed plots ensure that there is always something that gets people interacting and working together.

Besides the captivating escape games, Escape Helena also offers brave motivational activities that are designed to improve group interaction amongst the people in the group. Isn't it the best place to hang out?

18. Venture Into Gates Of The Mountains

Are you familiar with Gates of the Mountains? This beautiful geographic feature allows visitors to sample perhaps the finest most scenic river stretch in the West.

The vertical white limestone cliffs overhang the Missouri River, giving picturesque views as well as different types of wildlife. You may participate in boat excursions that sail along the river and offer commentary about the local topography, history, and ecology.

Gates of the Mountains makes a great outdoor day trip for those who enjoy outdoor sports as well as individuals who just want to enjoy a day.

19. Have Fun At Sleeping Giant Lanes

Sleeping Giant Lanes located in Helena, Montana is the best place for bowling for the residents and tourists as well. It has a lively setting with contemporary facilities making it a wonderful place to relax and have some fun.

Established bowlers, beginners, or kids, everybody will find a suitable lane in this place. Play a few rounds with some friends or family, and get some snacks or drinks from the snack bar.

It is the best option to choose when there is spare time, thus it stands out as one of the best activities to enjoy in Helena during the holiday. You will certainly enjoy it so don't skip this place.

20. Spend Time At Helena Ice Arena

In Helena, Montana, the Helena Ice Arena serves as a great entertainment hub for ice skating lovers. The multipurpose structure features open public skate sessions so that visitors of all ages can loosen up and skate on the ice.

For added fun, you can try also to attend the lively and active laser skate sessions. The facility equally encourages figure skating and organizes youth hockey leagues to nurture this sport among young sportspeople.

Also, men's and women's leagues for beginners and adult hockey lovers are provided, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all.