Best hotels in Helena
Residence Inn Helena
2500 East Custer Avenue, MT 59602
Perfect if you’re planning a longer stay in Helena, this Marriott is an all-suite affair. You’ll have your own kitchen, living room and some suites even have fireplaces. There’s an indoor pool, a hot tub for relaxing soaks, plus you can start your day with a free breakfast buffet.
The Sleepy Senator
401 N Hoback Street, MT 59601
Set in a characterful 19th-century townhouse, The Sleepy Senator B&B gives guests free rein across the house and its gardens – and also welcomes children and pets. You’re less than mile from the state capitol, while you’ll also benefit from your own street parking spot.
Oddfellow Inn and Farm
2245 Head Lane, MT 59602
Originally built in 1928 and intended as a refuge for the retirees, widows and orphans of the area, this building now sits in the middle of a 41-acre working farm. Just 10 minutes from Downtown, you’ll find simply furnished rooms as well as beautiful surroundings that are as relaxing as they’re scenic.
Best restaurants in Helena
Lucca’s
56 N last Chance Gulch, MT 59601
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience designed to tantalize all the senses, then you’re sure to find it at Lucca’s. Since 2006, it has been serving the finest Italian cuisine, such as angel hair pasta tossed with seared scallops and white shrimp. It seats just over 50 diners, so booking is essential to secure a table.
Jorgensen’s
1714 11th Avenue, MT 59601
We’ve a broken down train in 1912 to thank for this fine restaurant. That’s when a young Dane called Fred Jorgensen had to break his journey to California in Helena and decided to stay. Over a century later, Jorgensen’s is still pulling in the hungry diners, thanks to a menu that ranges from rib-eye steaks to wall-eye pike fillets.
El Vaquero Taqueria
1714 11th Avenue, MT 59601
They promise you the most authentic Mexican food in Helena at El Vaquero and, even though it’s a long way from the border, they’re true to their word. There are all the nachos, tacos and quesadillas you’d expect, alongside a number of more surprising dishes that show off their love for all things Mexican.
Best attractions in Helena
The Holter Museum of Art
12 E Lawrence Street, MT 59601
The Holter Museum of Art first opened its doors in 1987, with the aim of bringing some of the very best contemporary art to Helena. Over the years, it has grown to be a huge exhibition space that encompasses five galleries and an education center – as well as one of the state’s very best galleries.
Montana State Capitol
1301 E 6th Avenue, MT 59601
This magnificent building has been Montana’s legislative center since 1902 and in recent years, has undergone a refurbishment to restore it to its former glory. Self-guiding tour booklets are available, revealing its history and there’s also a fun scavenger hunt for children, led by a faithful Newfoundland dog called Seaman.
Spring Meadow State Lake Park
2715 Country Club Drive, MT 59601
On the western edge of Helena is Spring Meadow State Lake Park. It’s a daytime park where you can walk, swim and even fish for bass and trout that have been introduced to its waters. There’s also a nature trail of just under a mile and, in winter, there’s often ice skating on the lake.