Helena Parks and Gardens

(Helena, Montana - MT, USA)

A fairly small and urban state capital with a few small green spaces dotted around the city center, Helena is actually close to a number of enormous public parks and some spectacular mountainous scenery.

Wherever you are in the city, you are never far away from open woodland, hiking trails, mountain paths and recreational space, with Helena owning and being responsible for more than 690 hectares / 1,700 acres of parkland. The city's selection of managed parks is seen as one of its more valuable assets, with trails leading to meadows, waterfalls, canyons and mountains.

The Rocky Mountains are to be found to the west of the city, while the world-famous Yellowstone National Park resides roughly five hours to the south, spanning the state border with neighboring Wyoming.

General Information

Lying on the southwestern side of the city is Mount Helena Park, which covers an enormous area of more than 240 hectares / 600 acres and boasts some extremely popular hiking trails.

Mount Helena dominates the park and measures in at roughly 400 meters / 1,312 feet in height. Trails run to the very summit and to other natural attractions, such as the cave best known as the Devil's Kitchen. The most noteworthy are the Prairie Trail, the Hogback Trail, the Prospector Shafts Trail and the Ridge Trail, amongst many others.

The Mount Ascension Natural Park is another major recreational attraction in Helena and sits on the southern side of the city. The city has recently received a grant of more than US$200,000 to preserve and protect this important space, as part of a significant 220-hectare / 540-acre project. Community forests, woodland trails, mountain biking and a wealth of Montana wildlife are just some of the highlights here, while there are plenty of places for a quiet and secluded picnic, with stunning views.

For something on a smaller, more family friendly scale, Fire Tower Park on South Cruse Street is of historical significance, thanks to its tall tower affectionately known as the Guardian of the Gulch. Memorial Park on North Last Chance Gulch Street, on the northern side of downtown Helena, is another popular spot with families, since it comes with its own swimming pool complex, complete with water slides, and sits next to the Kindrick Legion Field baseball diamond. When the freezing cold winter weather comes along, an open-air ice skating rink and warming house draw the crowds on fine days.

At just 3 miles / 5 km to the west of Helena city center, the Spring Meadow Lake State Park on Broadwater Avenue is certainly easy to reach, being connected by Euclid Avenue in a matter of minutes. This artificial lake is approximately 12 hectares / 30 acres in size and is fed by some natural springs. If you are looking for somewhere to sunbathe, swim, fish (bass, river sunfish and cutthroat trout) or watch Montana's wildlife (including wild turtles), then this is certainly the place to go. The self-guided nature trail is just under 1 mile / 1.6 km in length, meaning that it is suitable for all ages.

Spring Meadow Lake State Park itself is slightly more than 24 hectares / 60 acres in size and is very seasonal. During the lowest temperatures, the lake freezes over and is used by locals for ice skating, although only when signs are up saying that the ice is thick enough to be considered safe. Golfers will no doubt appreciate the adjacent Green Meadow Country Club.

For horticultural excellence, the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum on Tizer Road lies roughly 25 minutes to the south of central Helena, in the neighboring suburb of Jefferson City (not to be confused with the Missouri state capital). The gardens cover 2.5 hectares / 6 acres and comprise rose borders, a wild flower walk and the Prickly Pear Creek. As you walk around the flowers, look out for the colorful hummingbirds and butterflies.