Helena, MT Tourist Attractions
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Montana's capital, Helena, situated in the center of the western half of the state, was originally known as Last Chance, for a party of disheartened gold-diggers decided to have one final dig here and struck gold - a seam that produced 20 million dollars' worth. In the State Capitol is one of Charles M. Russell's major works, a large mural showing Lewis and Clarke meeting the Flathead Indians. The Montana Historical Society Museums exhibits Indian artifacts and objects relating to the Wild West.Archaeological evidence has shown that people have occupied the greater Helena area for approximately 12,000 years. It became a "transitional zone" for such tribes as the Blackfeet, the Salish, the Crow, and the Bannock. In 1864, "the Four Georgians" discovered placer gold in Last Chance Creek and the town became a trade center for the surrounding gold fields.
Helena National Forest
The Helena National Forest features more than one million acres with fishing in the Blackfoot and Missouri Rivers, hiking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and viewing big game in the 129,000-acre Elkhorn Wildlife Management Unit. Other forest attractions include campgrounds, historic sites and several ghost towns.
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area
The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area is located in the Helena National Forest. Twelve hundred foot limestone walls line the canyon where the Missouri River passes through. Along the corridor bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, great horned owls, river otters, peregrine falcons, and American white pelicans are often sighted.
Montana Historical Society Museum
The Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena presents fine art, historical, archaeological, and ethnological artifacts. The museum collection features Native American artifacts, an archaeological collection, costumes and textiles, transportation items as well as agriculture, cattle, and mining industry objects.
State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol in Helena reflects the Greek Renaissance style of architecture. The building is faced with sandstone and Montana granite, and topped with a copper dome. Murals featuring themes of Montana's past and statues decorate the interior.
Cathedral of St Helena
The Cathedral of St Helena is a neo-Gothic structure modeled after the Votive Church of Vienna, Austria. The interior is furnished with Carrara marble and stained glass windows made in Munich, Germany.
Original Governor's Mansion
The Governor's Mansion in Helena was built in 1888. It is a Queen Anne-style structure that served as the first official governor's residence. The home is furnished in period.
Last Chance Tour Train
The Last Chance Tour Train is an automotive train that provides historic stories on rides through the streets of Helena.
Pioneer Cabin
The Pioneer Cabin in Helena was built in 1864 and furnished with pioneer articles. It is considered the first modern cabin because it had a full-length window in the front and a wooden floor.
