Helena is the state capital of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County.
2. Founded in 1864
The town was founded on October 30, 1864, during the Montana Gold Rush. It was named after Helena Township in Phillips County, Arkansas, the hometown of several early settlers.
3. Home to Carroll College
Carroll College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college located in Helena. It was founded in 1909 by the Society of Jesus and is the only Catholic college in Montana.
4. Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol is located in Helena. The building was completed in 1902 and is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It is the tallest building in Helena.
5. Reeder's Alley
Reeder's Alley is a historic alleyway in Helena that is lined with shops and restaurants. It is named after Henry M. Reeder, who was the mayor of Helena from 1889 to 1891
6. Holter Museum of Art
The Holter Museum of Art is an art museum located in Helena. The museum was founded in 1987 and is home to a collection of over 2,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints
7. Ghost Town
The town of Granite, located just outside of Helena, is a ghost town that was once a thriving mining community. The town was abandoned in the early 1900s when the mines closed.
8. Gates of the Mountains
The Gates of the Mountains is a canyon located on the Missouri River near Helena. The canyon is over 12 miles long and is known for its towering cliffs and scenic views.
9. Population
As of the 2020 census, Helena had a population of 32,241. It is the sixth-largest city in Montana.
