Staying in Helena
Helena—Montana’s capital city—is nestled in the unrivaled beauty of America’s Rocky Mountains. The city was founded when explorers discovered a handful of dirty gold nuggets along the banks of the river in 1864, and overnight, dreamers, adventurers and entrepreneurs flooded the area and within a few months a city was established. Though a century and half has passed, the gold rush has left an indelible mark on Helena as many people who came for the gold chose to stay and build homes, contributing to the proud city Helena is today.
The natural beauty of the region and its rich history draw a growing number of tourists each year. Visitors can catch a glimpse of geologic history canoeing on the rivers, transport back in time by wandering through its historical streets, or relive the thrill of the gold rush at a museum. For all types of visitors and no matter what adventure or activity, there are plenty of hotels and motels throughout the city from which to choose.
BY ROAD AND AIR: A GATEWAY TO AMERICA’S PARKS
Helena is well situated in one of Montana's most picturesque areas—along the Continental Divide of the Americas—and it is easily accessible by road and air. Interstate 15, which leads north to the Canadian border and south to Pocatello, Idaho, runs north-south through the city and between downtown and the airport. Highway 12 also bisects the city, connecting to East Helena. Beyond this neighboring community, both highways continue on to nearby national parks, including Glacier National Park to the north and Yellowstone National Park to the south.
The intersection of these highways is a convenient place to stay for those traveling through the city by road or air. Several hotels are clustered at the highway junction on Prospect Avenue and 11th Avenue. There is a mix of economical brand-name hotels as well as independent mid-range accommodations. The majority are budget friendly accommodations that offer clean rooms and basic services, which make talking a break from the road easy. A few mid-range hotels in the area offer extra amenities to make travelers more comfortable.
DOWNTOWN: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL GEM
Downtown is where Helena’s gold rush began and much of its early history can be discovered by wandering through the historic streets to view the buildings preserved from Old West times. The district has become an eclectic mix of heritage homes and old buildings juxtaposed with modern cafes, eateries and shops, along with the state's Capitol Building. Downtown buzzes all day with a blend of local and tourist traffic, and many community events such as festivals and celebrations are hosted in downtown parks. Recreational tourists will appreciate that the city is surrounded by wilderness and multi-use trails suited to biking and hiking in summer and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in winter weave through the city.
Downtown is an ideal place to stay for visitors interested in the city's recreational, cultural and entertainment activities. Several mid-range and upscale lodgings are available in the heart of the city. These all offer standard amenities such as free wireless Internet, complimentary breakfast and free parking, and many have other amenities for those looking for fitness facilities, swimming pools, on-site restaurants and lounges.
The natural beauty of the region and its rich history draw a growing number of tourists each year. Visitors can catch a glimpse of geologic history canoeing on the rivers, transport back in time by wandering through its historical streets, or relive the thrill of the gold rush at a museum. For all types of visitors and no matter what adventure or activity, there are plenty of hotels and motels throughout the city from which to choose.
BY ROAD AND AIR: A GATEWAY TO AMERICA’S PARKS
Helena is well situated in one of Montana's most picturesque areas—along the Continental Divide of the Americas—and it is easily accessible by road and air. Interstate 15, which leads north to the Canadian border and south to Pocatello, Idaho, runs north-south through the city and between downtown and the airport. Highway 12 also bisects the city, connecting to East Helena. Beyond this neighboring community, both highways continue on to nearby national parks, including Glacier National Park to the north and Yellowstone National Park to the south.
The intersection of these highways is a convenient place to stay for those traveling through the city by road or air. Several hotels are clustered at the highway junction on Prospect Avenue and 11th Avenue. There is a mix of economical brand-name hotels as well as independent mid-range accommodations. The majority are budget friendly accommodations that offer clean rooms and basic services, which make talking a break from the road easy. A few mid-range hotels in the area offer extra amenities to make travelers more comfortable.
DOWNTOWN: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL GEM
Downtown is where Helena’s gold rush began and much of its early history can be discovered by wandering through the historic streets to view the buildings preserved from Old West times. The district has become an eclectic mix of heritage homes and old buildings juxtaposed with modern cafes, eateries and shops, along with the state's Capitol Building. Downtown buzzes all day with a blend of local and tourist traffic, and many community events such as festivals and celebrations are hosted in downtown parks. Recreational tourists will appreciate that the city is surrounded by wilderness and multi-use trails suited to biking and hiking in summer and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in winter weave through the city.
Downtown is an ideal place to stay for visitors interested in the city's recreational, cultural and entertainment activities. Several mid-range and upscale lodgings are available in the heart of the city. These all offer standard amenities such as free wireless Internet, complimentary breakfast and free parking, and many have other amenities for those looking for fitness facilities, swimming pools, on-site restaurants and lounges.
