Helena, MT Road Trips
Drivers starting from Helena, MT have 5 mapped routes to choose from, making it a small but connected base in the Mountain West. Routes from here tend to cover serious ground — the average trip runs 341 miles, so plan for multi-day adventures. Most routes from Helena, MT head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Trip Routes
9
Longest Drive
509.5 mi
Sidney, MT
Quickest Drive
4h 2m
Chinook, MT
Plan Around Helena, MT
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Helena, MT is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Helena, MT
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Helena, MT
Driving from Helena, MT
Expect an average of 341 miles and about 6h 3m behind the wheel when leaving Helena, MT. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 510 miles (8h 51m), while the shortest is just 214 miles.
Popular Destinations
Drivers leaving Helena, MT most often head toward Sidney, MT (509.5 mi, 8h 51m), Glendive, MT (459.7 mi, 7h 56m), Crow Agency, MT (298.4 mi, 5h 9m), Chinook, MT (225.5 mi, 4h 2m), and Thompson Falls, MT (213.8 mi, 4h 16m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
For the average 341-mile drive from Helena, MT, expect to burn about 13.4 gallons of fuel one way at 25 MPG. Check local pump prices before you go to lock in your budget.
Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg. These are full-day drives. Start by 7 or 8 AM if you want to arrive at a reasonable hour without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 5 mapped routes leaving Helena, MT and 4 routes heading into Helena, MT, covering 9 total connections. Distances range from 214 to 510 miles.
The longest mapped route from Helena, MT covers 510 miles and takes approximately 8h 51m. Shorter options start at just 214 miles.
The average route from Helena, MT runs about 341 miles with a drive time of roughly 6h 3m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
The most popular road trip destinations from Helena, MT include Sidney, MT, Glendive, MT, Crow Agency, MT and Chinook, MT. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Helena, MT by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
33,126
Median Income
$69,341
Median Home Value
$355,100
Median Age
40.4
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
Helena, MT at a Glance
Founded
1864
Elevation
3,875 ft
Area
16 mi²
Notable People from Helena, MT
A sampling of people born in Helena, MT.
Gary Cooper
1901–1961
American actor (1901–1961)
Myrna Loy
1905–1993
American actress (1905–1993)
Dirk Benedict
1945
American actor (b. 1945)
Max Baucus
1941
American politician (born 1941)
Sean O'Malley
1994
American mixed martial artist (born 1994)
Patricia Belcher
1954
American actress (1954-)
Isaac Brock
1975
American musician
Nicolette Larson
1952–1997
American singer (1952–1997)
Tom Wilson
1880–1965
American film actor (1880-1965)
Landmarks & Historic Sites
Attractions and heritage-registered places located in Helena, MT.
Montana State Capitol
state capitol building of the U.S. state of Montana
Cathedral of Saint Helena
historic church in Montana, United States
Helena Civic Center
historic building and community facility in Helena, Montana, USA
Confederate Memorial Fountain
fountain in Montana, United States
Home of Peace Cemetery
cemetery in Helena, Montana
Helena Historic District
historic district in Helena, Montana
Former Montana Executive Mansion
former governor's residence in Helena, Montana, United States
Olsen House
historic house in Helena, Montana, United States
City data from Wikidata (Q38733), available under CC0. Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses. See our methodology for details.
Traveler Guide to Helena, MT
Helena is the state capital of Montana, in the Western Central part of the state. Visitors come to see Helena’s historic Last Chance Gulch, and its mansion district once home to Helena’s gold mining millionaires. The city has 75 mi (121 km) of running or biking trails. The mighty Missouri River is not far, with opportunities for rafting and fly-fishing.
Helena was founded as a mining camp during the Montana gold rush of 1864, following the discovery of gold at Last Chance Gulch. Helena quickly became a wealthy city, with approximately 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888, more per capita than in any other city in the world. This large concentration of wealth lead to fine residences and ambitious architecture. Helena has been the capital of Montana Territory since 1875 and the state of Montana since 1889. Many working Helenans work for agencies of the state government. At about 32,000 people, it is one of the smallest state capitals, but still the 6th most populous city in Montana. A number of communities surround Helena, including East Helena, but have few amenities. The majority of small communities are to the south in Jefferson County. Visit Helena (Visitor Center), 105 Reeder's Alley (at the base of Reeder's Alley), ☏ +1 406-449-2107. (updated Jul 2026)
1 Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St, ☏ +1 406 442-5825. Daily except during services; Summer tours on Tu W Th. (updated Nov 2021) 2 Holter Museum of Arts, 12 E Lawrence St, ☏ +1 406 442-6400. Tu-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su noon-4PM, closed M. Variety of art exhibits in 5 galleries. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Montana State Capitol, 1301 E. 6th Ave, ☏ +1 406-444-3064. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 9AM-3PM. This neoclassical building was constructed between 1896 and 1902 out of Montana sandstone and granite. The dome is covered with copper and topped with a feminine statue affectionately dubbed Montana. Much of the building is accessible to visitors, and an information desk offers brochures and occasional walking tours. Inside, four circular paintings surround the massive rotunda, surrounded by paintings depicting Montana's early history. More artwork decorates the House and Senate chambers. Free. (updated Jul 2026) On July 14, 1864, the discovery of gold in a gulch off the Prickly Pear Creek led to the founding of a mining camp along a small creek in the area they called "Last Chance Gulch". The original streets of Helena followed the paths of miners, making city blocks of various shapes and sizes in the historic city center. Today, the oldest stretch of Last Chance Gulch is a pedestrianized street that meanders through several blocks of shops and historical markers towards Pioneer Park. 4 Old Fire Tower (Guardian of the Gulch), 111 S Cruse St (at State St).
1 Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course, 2201 N Benton Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-2191. 18-hole course, open and thriving since 1925. 2 ExplorationWorks!, 995 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406 457-1800, [email protected]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM, closed M. Interactive children's science museum $9 ages 2+. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Great Divide Snow Sports, 7385 Belmont Dr, ☏ +1 406 449-3746, [email protected]. A ski/snowboard area north of Helena. 1,500 acres (610 hectares) with summit elevation of 7,330 feet (2,230 m). (updated Jul 2023) 4 Great Northern Carousel, 989 Carousel Way, ☏ +1 406 457-5353, [email protected]. W Th 11AM-6PM, F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM. Hand-carved carousel, featuring native Montanan animals. They also feature delicious homemade ice cream with flavors like Missouri River Mud, Frog Mint, and Buffalo Jump. $3 per ride, one scoop $3.50. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Helena Bighorns, 400 Lola St, ☏ +1 406 457-2817, [email protected]. See website for current season schedule. Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the Helena Ice Arena. The Bighorns play in the NA3 hockey league. (updated Aug 2023) 6 Mount Helena (end of Reeders Village Dr), ☏ +1 406 447-8000, [email protected]. Large city park featuring several hiking trails, also suitable for mountain biking. The 1906 trail takes about 2 hours to reach the summit. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 7 South Hills Disc Golf Course (Hyzer Hills), 3187 Cabernet Dr. Open sun-up to sun-down. Disc golf course with 18 holes. Variety of holes make it a good course for most skill levels. Free.
1 Planet Gyros, 1421 11th Ave, ☏ +1 406 449-2550. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, closed Su. Traditional Greek lunch menu (updated Aug 2023) 2 R-B Drive-In, 932 Helena Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-7482. M-Sa 11A-7PM, closed Su. Classic drive-in doing business since 1948. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Ristorante Bella Roma, 22 N Last Chance Gulch (in the Double Tree), ☏ +1 406 495-0677, [email protected]. Authentic Italian restaurant. Multi-course meals with menu changing to make use of in-season fresh produce. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended, can be booked on website. (updated Aug 2023) 4 Silver Star Steak Company, 833 Great Northern Blvd, ☏ +1 406 495-0677. M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM; Lounge M-Sa 4-11PM. 6 categories of main courses. 5 types of steaks with different portion size options. Extensive wine list. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Windbag Saloon & Grill, 19 S Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 443-3520. M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight. The last bordello in Helena. Pub-style food. Several microbrews. Outdoor seating available. (updated Aug 2023) 6 Staggering Ox, 400 Euclid Ave, ☏ +1 406 443-1729. M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Deli lunch spot.
1 Fire Tower Coffee, 422 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 495-8840, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 7AM-3PM, closed Su. Artisan roaster. Beans available for retail purchase. (updated Jul 2023) 2 General Mercantile, 413 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 461-6028, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Coffee shop. 3 The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, 46 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 282-0111. Bottle shop with a tasting room, fine wines with a down to earth touch. (updated Feb 2016) 4 Rialto, 52 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 442-1890. Popular downtown bar, with live music and DJs. (updated Feb 2016) 5 Blackfoot River Brewery, 66 South Park Ave, ☏ +1 406 449-3005, [email protected]. M-Th 2–8PM, F Sa Su noon-8PM. Hand-crafted beer. Outside food is welcome. Pets allowed in downstairs outdoor area. (updated Jul 2023) 6 Copper Furrow Brewing, 2801 N Roberts, ☏ +1 406 422-5975, [email protected]. Daily noon-8PM. Locally sourced ingredients. Casual, family-friendly. 5 flagships plus rotators. (updated Jul 2023) 7 Lewis and Clark Brewing, 1535 Dodge Ave, ☏ +1 406 442-5960, [email protected]. Daily 2-8PM. Makes ales, lagers and seltzers. Best known for award winning Miner's Gold. Live music and game room. (updated Jul 2023) 8 Mt Ascension Brewing, 317 N Cruse (inside the Independent), ☏ +1 406 442-9501. Open daily, M Tu W 2-8PM, Th-Su noon-8PM. Balcony views. (updated Jul 2023) 9 Speakeasy 41, 685 Barney St, Suite A, ☏ +1 406 422-1841. Open daily, M-Th 4-9PM, F Sa Sun noon-9PM.
1 Budget Inn Express, 524 N Last Chance Gulch, ☏ +1 406 442-0600, toll-free: +1 800 862-1334. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 11AM. Basic hotel with good location at the city center. Microwave/fridge in room. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Best Western Helena/Capitol Hotel, 1714 11th Ave (between 11th Ave and Prospect Ave at Lamborn St, next to Capital Hill Mall), ☏ +1 406 442-1770. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A friendly hotel in the city center with breakfast, bar/restaurant, casino, and indoor pool. 3 The Sanders - Helena's Bed & Breakfast, 328 N Ewing St (near historic district), ☏ +1 406 442-3309. Restored mansion filled with authentic items. Each room has a private bath, gourmet breakfast. (updated Aug 2023)
Interstate 15 (I-15) runs north and south through Helena's eastern edge. U.S. Route 12 (US-12) runs east-west, and is the quickest connection from the Missoula area. US-12/287 leaves Helena to the southeast, towards Townsend and eastbound I-90 and Billings. 1 Helena Regional Airport (HLN IATA) (3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of downtown Helena, via Cedar St from I-15 Exit #193). The following airlines serve Helena with some connecting through Great Falls: Horizon Air as Alaska Airlines (Seattle); Skywest as Delta Connection (Salt Lake City); Skywest as United Express (Denver) (updated May 2025) There is no public transportation available from the airport into town. You can go by taxi, ride hailing (Uber is available) or rental car. 2 Capital Transit Complex (City Transit Center), 1415 N Montana Ave (at SR-229 & Bozeman St), ☏ +1 406-447-8080. The main bus station for the 'Blue Line' route of the local public transportation and intercity buses. (updated Jul 2026) Salt Lake Express, ☏ +1 208 656-8824. Travels primarily on I-15 from Salt Lake City through Idaho Falls to Great Falls via Dillon, Butte, Basin, Boulder, Helena, and Craig in Montana. Passengers transfer in Butte, Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City to get to additional destinations. Transfer to Jefferson Lines in Butte. (updated Jul 2015)
A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.
Travel tips adapted from Helena (Montana) on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.
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