Helena Area

Play follow-the-leader along the Missouri River Canyon Trail for up-close views of the storied waterway and stunning limestone cliffs. Or hop on an open-air train for a ride through Helena - and history. The Last Chance Tour Train rolls past the Mansion District's elegant homes and the Cathedral of St. Helena's soaring spires. Find classic toys and cool new ones at Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys, where the name of the game is creativity and imagination. 

In Helena, saddle up at Summer Star Ranch for a ride past "whoa!"-inducing scenery. Or take a horse-drawn wagon to dinner at Last Chance Ranch. 

1. Broadwater Hot Springs, Helena. Surrounded by mountains and just ten minutes from downtown. 

2. Boulder Hot Springs Inn and Spa, Boulder. Anchored by a 100-year-old Inn.

3. Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort, Polaris. Open year-round with snow fun at nearby Maverick Mountain. 

It's really cool at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park in Whitehall. Limestone caves chilled by "natural AC" show off stunning subterranean decor - stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites. 

Here's a high five: 

1. Tap to post pics. With majestic mountains wildlife, Helena fills your trip with photo ops. So keep your phone handy and create instant social media memories with #visithelenamt.

2. Lace up your boots. Helena has miles and miles of trials. Your family hike can go from parks to meadows to rugged mountains - it's all up to you. 

3. Hold the reins. This roundup's all fun. Ride hand-carved Montana animals at the Great Northern Carousel. 

4. Make science a snap. ExplorationWorks! science museum keeps the formula fresh with hands-on exhibits that change quarterly. Outside, kids love the waterfall, stepping stones, supersized musical instruments and big puzzles. 

5. Grab goodies. The walking mall on Last Chance Gulch brims with places to shop, dine and otherwise indulge, plus there's an outdoor play area. And just try to resist the sweet treats at The Parrot Confectionery. 

The Old West echoes in deserted streets and empty buildings. 

The site of Montana's first big gold strike, once-booming Bannack, left behind more than 60-log-and-frame structures. Start your tour of Bannack State Park at the visitors center. During Bannack Days, watch demos of pioneer skills, try your hand at panning for gold or making candles, take retro rides and move to old-time music. You may even see a gunfight or stagecoach robbery. During Living History weekend, interpreters depict 1860s life at sites like a mining camp, blacksmith shop, general store, school, saloon, boarding house, butcher shop and church.