Guidebook for Helena and Surrounding Areas
Food Scene
Overland Express
2250 11th AveTry the dragon wings - they are unique to the Overland and absolutely delicious.
On Broadway, offers delicious homemade Italian cuisine, but also offers you an experience. From the lighting and music to the friendly service and delicious food, every moment of your evening with us will be a delight.
A little history:
On Broadway opened in the Parchen Building in Downtown Helena back in February 1980. As history tells, the building was the home of many local businesses over the decades. Before On Broadway opened, the space was the home of “Marino & Cavallari Italian Grocery” and “Parchen Drug” along with a small hotel. Mrs. Marino ran the store for roughly 50 years. She had dining tables set up with booths, close to the area where our booths are now, where she would feed local, Italian families.
53 locals recommend
On Broadway
106 E Broadway StOn Broadway, offers delicious homemade Italian cuisine, but also offers you an experience. From the lighting and music to the friendly service and delicious food, every moment of your evening with us will be a delight.
A little history:
On Broadway opened in the Parchen Building in Downtown Helena back in February 1980. As history tells, the building was the home of many local businesses over the decades. Before On Broadway opened, the space was the home of “Marino & Cavallari Italian Grocery” and “Parchen Drug” along with a small hotel. Mrs. Marino ran the store for roughly 50 years. She had dining tables set up with booths, close to the area where our booths are now, where she would feed local, Italian families.
Our favorite place to eat for Date Night is The Mediterranean
Grill.
The perfect Mediterranean meal is a sensuous experience equaled by none. From the moment the eye catches the food and matches it to its surroundings. until the moment the smell senses are activated by the fresh taste of the meal. The end result is to be savored by our guests. Come celebrate the Mediterranean, at Mediterranean Grill.
Here is a press release I found on it: The Mediterranean Grill is an alternative dining experience in the Helena area that offers authentic foods and flavors from another part of the world.
The 2,700-square-foot restaurant was completely remodeled beginning with the sewer and drain pipes
and ending with the wood stove, facade and brick work.
Work began on the restaurant in October 2003 and its doors
were opened to the public on Jan. 6, 2004. A Capital High School art teacher, painted the décor to create a
Mediterranean atmosphere.
31 locals recommend
Mediterranean Grill
42 S Park AveOur favorite place to eat for Date Night is The Mediterranean
Grill.
The perfect Mediterranean meal is a sensuous experience equaled by none. From the moment the eye catches the food and matches it to its surroundings. until the moment the smell senses are activated by the fresh taste of the meal. The end result is to be savored by our guests. Come celebrate the Mediterranean, at Mediterranean Grill.
Here is a press release I found on it: The Mediterranean Grill is an alternative dining experience in the Helena area that offers authentic foods and flavors from another part of the world.
The 2,700-square-foot restaurant was completely remodeled beginning with the sewer and drain pipes
and ending with the wood stove, facade and brick work.
Work began on the restaurant in October 2003 and its doors
were opened to the public on Jan. 6, 2004. A Capital High School art teacher, painted the décor to create a
Mediterranean atmosphere.
A real historic treat on the walking mall downtown.
Bert and Ernie’s opened the original restaurant in Helena in July 1974 in the Iron Front Hotel building. Some sixteen years later, in May of 1990, Bert and Ernie’s purchased and renovated the old Globe Clothing Store building, packed up and moved down the street. The Globe had occupied the building from the turn of the century until the mid -1980’s. Much of the building’s original design was preserved with the restoration of the balconies. The renovation sought to make Bert and Ernie’s a rich part of the history, charm and classic atmosphere that have come to define downtown Helena. Many of the antiques and signage in Bert and Ernie’s are wonderful treasures of Helena’s past. Bert and Ernie’s offers a unique and consistent menu that has evolved over many years. We are proud to offer the largest Beer tap selection in Helena, supporting many of Montana’s finest brews!
In January of 1995, Bert & Ernie’s expanded and opened a new business, Bleachers Sports Pub. Bleachers is totally equipped for the sports enthusiast, Bleachers offers a wide variety of entertainment and spectator sports. We are very Proud to support all of the local sports programs in Helena and are the home to many Carroll College, Helena High and Capital High fans throughout the year.
In November of 2004 Bert and Ernie’s again expanded and opened up Sommeliers’ Wine Bar. Proud to be the first wine bar in the state of Montana with many wines from across the world. Having the largest selection of wines by the glass, using only the finest Riedel crystal glassware. Sommelier’s has the only Grand-Cru glass club in the world. The menu is focused around wine offering many selections of wonderful appetizers and tapas’ and exquisite desserts. We are very proud of the elegance and unique sophistication that Sommeliers’ has been able to offer Montana.
In the spring of 2005 Bert and Ernie’s successfully opened the first outdoor patio in Helena. It has been nominated year after year as the “ Best outdoor Dining in Helena”. You can really feel a big city ambiance when you are dining outside.
When you put it all together Bert and Ernie’s offers the only place in Helena that can truly satisfy all of your tastes and needs. Please enjoy yourselves and come back again!
7 locals recommend
Bert & Ernie's
361 N Last Chance GulchA real historic treat on the walking mall downtown.
Bert and Ernie’s opened the original restaurant in Helena in July 1974 in the Iron Front Hotel building. Some sixteen years later, in May of 1990, Bert and Ernie’s purchased and renovated the old Globe Clothing Store building, packed up and moved down the street. The Globe had occupied the building from the turn of the century until the mid -1980’s. Much of the building’s original design was preserved with the restoration of the balconies. The renovation sought to make Bert and Ernie’s a rich part of the history, charm and classic atmosphere that have come to define downtown Helena. Many of the antiques and signage in Bert and Ernie’s are wonderful treasures of Helena’s past. Bert and Ernie’s offers a unique and consistent menu that has evolved over many years. We are proud to offer the largest Beer tap selection in Helena, supporting many of Montana’s finest brews!
In January of 1995, Bert & Ernie’s expanded and opened a new business, Bleachers Sports Pub. Bleachers is totally equipped for the sports enthusiast, Bleachers offers a wide variety of entertainment and spectator sports. We are very Proud to support all of the local sports programs in Helena and are the home to many Carroll College, Helena High and Capital High fans throughout the year.
In November of 2004 Bert and Ernie’s again expanded and opened up Sommeliers’ Wine Bar. Proud to be the first wine bar in the state of Montana with many wines from across the world. Having the largest selection of wines by the glass, using only the finest Riedel crystal glassware. Sommelier’s has the only Grand-Cru glass club in the world. The menu is focused around wine offering many selections of wonderful appetizers and tapas’ and exquisite desserts. We are very proud of the elegance and unique sophistication that Sommeliers’ has been able to offer Montana.
In the spring of 2005 Bert and Ernie’s successfully opened the first outdoor patio in Helena. It has been nominated year after year as the “ Best outdoor Dining in Helena”. You can really feel a big city ambiance when you are dining outside.
When you put it all together Bert and Ernie’s offers the only place in Helena that can truly satisfy all of your tastes and needs. Please enjoy yourselves and come back again!
Sightseeing
Follow the Lewis and Clark trail through the Gates of the Mountains. Visitors often see mountain goats and a plethora of wildlife.
20 locals recommend
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
Follow the Lewis and Clark trail through the Gates of the Mountains. Visitors often see mountain goats and a plethora of wildlife.
After you have gone on the tour train and visited the museum take a moment to visit the State Capitol. The history behind it is amazing and well worth the time to take the tour. It is open every day of the week and has self guided tours which take about 30 minutes.
38 locals recommend
Montana State Capitol
1301 E 6th AveAfter you have gone on the tour train and visited the museum take a moment to visit the State Capitol. The history behind it is amazing and well worth the time to take the tour. It is open every day of the week and has self guided tours which take about 30 minutes.
This historic mansion was built by in 1888 by a Helena entrepreneur as a symbol of his wealth and great influence on the Helena community. There is a cost to visiting this site so please check the website for admission fees and hours. Tours typically run about an hour.
https://mhs.mt.gov/education/ogmtours
9 locals recommend
Original Governor's Mansion
304 N Ewing StThis historic mansion was built by in 1888 by a Helena entrepreneur as a symbol of his wealth and great influence on the Helena community. There is a cost to visiting this site so please check the website for admission fees and hours. Tours typically run about an hour.
https://mhs.mt.gov/education/ogmtours
The Cathedral of Saint Helena is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana. Modeled by architect A.O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria, the construction began on the cathedral in 1908, and held its first mass in November 1914. The architecture is beautiful and well worth the time to take a look regardless of your religious affiliation. Another image of this can be seen on the cover of this guidebook.
https://www.sthelenas.org/
39 locals recommend
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing StThe Cathedral of Saint Helena is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana. Modeled by architect A.O. Von Herbulis after the Votivkirche in Vienna, Austria, the construction began on the cathedral in 1908, and held its first mass in November 1914. The architecture is beautiful and well worth the time to take a look regardless of your religious affiliation. Another image of this can be seen on the cover of this guidebook.
https://www.sthelenas.org/
This is an excerpt taken from their website:
Located at the base of Mount Helena, Reeder's Alley is situated in the southwest corner of downtown Helena, the capitol of Montana. The Alley was built in the 1870s by a Pennsylvania brick and stone mason named Louis Reeder. It is the oldest intact piece of early Helena. The property is a strong link to the beginnings of a settlement here, offering insights into the lives of miners, the Chinese influence, building techniques of the time, and life of the common men and women who came here seeking their fortune.
Today, Reeder's Alley is home to a caterer, a number of offices, non-profit organizations, and Visit Helena. Stop in and say hello when you walk through the alley. The buildings in Reeder's Alley are designated as a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places with the National Park Service.
In December 2000, Darrell and Kathy Gustin, then owners of Reeder's Alley, donated the Reeder's Alley properties to the Montana Heritage Commission. The Montana Heritage Commission and the State of Montana are very grateful to the Gustins for their generous gift, and for their wish to preserve historic Reeder's Alley into the future.
The buildings in Reeder's Alley are designated as an historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places with the National Park Service.
https://www.reedersalley.com/
18 locals recommend
Reeder's Alley
101 S Park AveThis is an excerpt taken from their website:
Located at the base of Mount Helena, Reeder's Alley is situated in the southwest corner of downtown Helena, the capitol of Montana. The Alley was built in the 1870s by a Pennsylvania brick and stone mason named Louis Reeder. It is the oldest intact piece of early Helena. The property is a strong link to the beginnings of a settlement here, offering insights into the lives of miners, the Chinese influence, building techniques of the time, and life of the common men and women who came here seeking their fortune.
Today, Reeder's Alley is home to a caterer, a number of offices, non-profit organizations, and Visit Helena. Stop in and say hello when you walk through the alley. The buildings in Reeder's Alley are designated as a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places with the National Park Service.
In December 2000, Darrell and Kathy Gustin, then owners of Reeder's Alley, donated the Reeder's Alley properties to the Montana Heritage Commission. The Montana Heritage Commission and the State of Montana are very grateful to the Gustins for their generous gift, and for their wish to preserve historic Reeder's Alley into the future.
The buildings in Reeder's Alley are designated as an historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places with the National Park Service.
https://www.reedersalley.com/
Parks & Nature
Amazing hiking trails and beautiful view of the city from the top!
30 locals recommend
Mount Helena City Park
Amazing hiking trails and beautiful view of the city from the top!
Arts & Culture
Learn about the Last Chance Gold Rush and the history of Helena.
34 locals recommend
Montana Historical Society
225 N Roberts StLearn about the Last Chance Gold Rush and the history of Helena.
Everything Else
Not only can you see the beautiful architecture of downtown Helena you can also enjoy shopping, painting, galleries, and great food.
7 locals recommend
Last Chance Gulch
Not only can you see the beautiful architecture of downtown Helena you can also enjoy shopping, painting, galleries, and great food.
Getting Around
We have only ever used Enterprise - not so knowledgeable on any other car rental company.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3015 Prospect AveWe have only ever used Enterprise - not so knowledgeable on any other car rental company.
Entertainment & Activities
Grandstreet Theatre
325 N Park AveEnjoy a show performed by our local artisans!
The Myrna Loy
15 N Ewing StEnjoy a show at the iconic Myrna Loy Center.
Helena Civic Center
340 Neill AveEnjoy live performances by a myriad of groups.