Attractions Nearby Helena, Day Trips and Excursions
(Helena, Montana - MT, USA)
There are a number of enticing attractions located nearby Helena and lending themselves to easy, enjoyable day trips. However, you should always bear in mind that excursions and recreational activities do tend to be of a seasonal nature, with harsh winter weather greatly affecting what is available.
Numerous notable golf courses, state parks and scenic lakes are just a short drive away, such as both
Hauser Lake (northeast) and
Canyon Ferry Lake (east), as well as
Crow Peak (south).
Having your own set of wheels will certainly make day trips to attractions outside Helena all the more easy, thanks in no small part to the prominence of Interstate I-15. This busy interstate meanders northwards to
Great Falls, and southwards to
Butte and the
Bannack State Park.
General Information
Located roughly 90 miles / 145 km to the north of Helena, the small city of Great Falls lies between the
Giant Springs Heritage State Park and the
Ulm Pishkun State Park, and is close to the Malmstrom Air Force Base. There are many reasons why Great Falls is such a popular day trip destination, with the principal attractions in the city including the multi-purpose Four Seasons Arena, where various major events and agricultural trade shows draw visitors in large numbers.
A little closer to Helena and to the south is the town of Butte, which is just under 70 miles / 113 km away and a few miles north of
Table Mountain. Many of the main attractions at Butte come in the form of annual Irish-themed festivals and celebrations, such as St. Patrick's Day in March and the Ri Ra Irish Festival each August. Mid-July sees the arrival of the Montana Folk Festival, and walking tours of the town (the Old Butte Historical Adventures) are available year-round.
Some 90 miles / 145 km to the southwest of Helena, next to the
Lost Creek State Park, is the tiny town of
Philipsburg, while close by it is
Anaconda that is central to the region's tourism scene. When the winter snows arrive, visitors flock to Anaconda, since it is here where you will find the famed
Discovery Ski Area and its 3 miles / 5 km of scenic cross-country skiing trails.
Somewhat closer to Helena and comfortably under an hours' drive away is the ghost town of
Marysville. Excursions to this historical mining town offer a taster into yesteryear, with the Marysville House being known for its tasty steak dinners. However, just around the corner is the
Great Divide ski area, nearby the
Continental Divide.
Day trips to the 140+ ski trails and recreational attractions at the Great Divide (just over 20 miles / 32 km to the northwest of Helena) are hugely popular in the winter months, with a snowmaking system ensuring that the ski season begins early and lasts. During the hotter summer months, visitors will be able to enjoy the plentiful hiking trails and opportunities for mountain biking, or simply a picnic with an unbeatable view.