Helena, MT

Helena has quite a dazzling history, starting with the fact that it was founded after the discovery of gold in the now well-known Last Chance Creek in 1864. This led to Helena's claim to fame as the city with the most millionaires per capita in the world in 1888. Its next opportunity to claim state bragging rights came in 1894, when it was chosen as Montana's capital city. The city today has roughly 29,000 residents. Locals sometimes refer to Helena as the "Queen City of the Rockies," and considering its glamorous past, the nickname fits.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Helena has enjoyed a fairly stable economy and serves as a major center for Lewis & Clark County, as well as the state and federal governments. The largest employers in the city are government-related. Since Helena is the Montana state capital, 31 percent of government jobs are filled by Helena's workforce.

St. Peter's Hospital is another major employer.

Because Helena's founding was linked to the discovery of placer gold, quartz gold, silver, and lead, the city has always drawn miners, smelters, quartz crushers, and zinc reduction workers.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The Helena Citizens' Council oversees city projects and issues that affect Helena's seven districts. Each district has four elected representatives on the council. Helena's residential districts are identified by number and do not have official titles.

Downtown Helena is situated in a steep valley with parts of the city perched on surrounding hillsides. The State Capitol Building is an excellent example of Greek Renaissance architecture and depicts Montana's historic themes. The impressive 19th century mansions portray the city's glorious past.

The St. Helena Cathedral is replicated after the cathedral in Cologne, Germany and Votive Church in Vienna, Austria and overlooks the downtown area. The Montana Historical Society encompasses the work of Charles M. Russell art in the Mackay Gallery and the Haynes Gallery features the life and work of the famous photographer F. Jay Haynes.

EDUCATION

• University of Montana-Helena College of Technology: This affiliate of the University of Montana has been offering technical instruction to students since 1939. Approximately 1,000 students attend this 2-year school.
• Carroll College: This private Catholic college has a focus on liberal arts. It appeared in Barron's Best Buys in College Education in 2006. About 1,400 students attend this school, which opened in 1909.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Holter Museum of Art: This museum features exhibitions from all around the world that are based in a variety of media. It focuses on collecting art that depicts the Northwest, and the owners pride themselves on providing a venue for local artists.
• The Myrna Loy Center: For about 25 years, this center has been presenting unique films, plays, music, and other performances through various media.
• Montana Historical Society Museum: Founded in 1865, this museum is a treasure trove of the region's rich and varied history. Northwestern artifacts, many dating to the period before Montana became a state, can be found here.
• Montana Shakespeare Company: Actors with this company bring Shakespeare's works to life under the stars in Performance Square, an outdoor venue located downtown.
• Helena Symphony: This group adds class to Helena with its live performances of classical music during the winter months.
• State Capitol Building: Every visit to this state's capital city should include a stop at the historic building where lawmakers conduct the government activities of Montana. Built in 1902, the capitol features impressive architecture and artwork depicting historical events.

SHOPPING

• Capital Hill Mall: Located right off of Highway 15, this mall is a convenient shopping destination for both locals and visitors.
• Golden Girls Antique Mall: This mall features roughly 1,000 square feet of unique antiques, including artwork, furniture, and collectibles.
• Last Chance Gulch Pedestrian Mall: This outdoor mall gives shoppers a chance to enjoy the weather while touring its many gift shops, art galleries, and clothing stores. Festivals and fairs liven up this downtown area periodically.

FAMILY FUN

No visit to Helena would be complete without taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available. No matter what time of year it may be, this city offers outdoor adventures:

• Great Divide Ski Area: This hill is the first in the state to open each year, though it receives little snowfall compared to other larger mountains. Its longest run is about three miles long, and the area has hosted several skiing and snowboarding championships in recent years.
• Spring Meadow Lake: The summer months in Montana are best spent fishing, boating, hiking, or swimming in lakes like this one. Minutes west of Helena, this lake is open year round, allowing for ice fishing and ice skating in the winter.
• City of Helena Parks and Recreation Department: This city-run department is available for free or inexpensive athletic or outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents can improve their golf, tennis, ice skating, or swimming skills, and children can attend the free Kay McKenna Playground Program during the summer.
• Hiking Trails: Blackfoot Meadows and Continental Divide Trail both feature picturesque hikes. Hikers have numerous opportunities to glimpse mountain goats, black bears, elk, moose, and more.
• Golf: Public courses in Helena are Fox Ridge and the Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course. The Green Meadow Country Club is also a nice place to play a round.

The city also has several recreational facilities -- the Missouri River, Holter and Hauser Lakes and Canyon Ferry Lake -- all featuring swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, and fishing.

LOCAL MEDIA

News is distributed around Helena via the following media outlets:

• Queen City News (weekly newspaper)
• Helena Independent Record (daily newspaper)
• KMTF (The CW), channel 10
• KXLH (CBS), channel 25
• KHBB (ABC), channel 21
• KTVH (NBC), channel 12
• K49EH (PBS), channel 49
• KBLL 99.5 FM (country)
• KHKR 104.1 FM (pop)
• KMTX 105.3 FM (adult contemporary)
• KZMT 101.1 FM (classic rock)
• KMTX 950 AM (oldies)
• KGR 680 AM (oldies)
• KCAP 1340 AM (talk radio)
• KBLL 1240 AM (talk radio)