Motel 6 Helena

Montanans are not all closed minded!

by MontanaNative

Contrary to the tip shared by native mt, most Montanans are open minded friendly folk! Your sexual orientation will not dictate your reception here in Helena. Present yourself as you would in any community- clean, friendly, inquisitive, and respectful, and I'm sure you will receive similar treatment. One tip: if you are planning on dressing in the 'local style', please lay off the designer Indiana Jones hats, nice slacks, and fly fishing shirt- you will stick out like a sore thumb! No one from Helena dresses like that!

A capital and a boomtown

by melissa_bel

"Queen City of the Rockies"

This was my second visit to Helena, the Queen City, and this time, with more time on our hands, Justin and I could explore a little more of Montana's capital.
So far, Helena is my favourite city in the State. Because it is the capital and thus the showcase for the State of Montana, Helena is a very pretty town filled with public spaces, nice mansions, historical buildings and museums.
Helena is located at the centre-west of the state, in a hilly area close to the continental divide.
Born during the Gold Rush of 1864, the Helena area was a transit point for Natives. In 1805-1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition crossed the valley. But the real story starts when the "Four Georgians" discovered gold in the Last Chance Creek in 1864. The city boomed quickly and soon, a lot of wealthy people made Helena their home.

When the gold ran out, Helena became a center of trade and distribution, thanks to its location and trade and banks settled here. In 1875, Helena became the capital of the territory of Montana. It remained so in 1893 when Montana became a State (and pitted a bitter fight against Anaconda for the title).

Today, it;'s a dual city where 3-pieces suits meets cow-boy boots and VW-wagons.

With lots of outdoors activities, a beautiful downtown area and Capitol, Helena is a charming town that should not be missed.

Windseekr's new Helena Page

by Windseekr

On this page I want to share one of Montana's beautiful scenic places with my VT friends.

Two very famous western explorers, Lewis and Clark traveled through this exact location nearly 200 years ago. In their journals they identified this area as "The Gates of the (Rocky) Mountains". That name held and this beautiful place can be seen by taking a boat tour, with a very knowledgable guide and interpreter on board the vessel. The tour company has 3 boats. Our 2 hour boat trip into the wilderness, via the Missouri river, was taken on the Sacajawea. The Pirogue and Hilger Rose are the names of the other two cruise vessels. It was a very enjoyable tour with just the right balance of natural splendor, lesson in American history and simple enjoyment.

The boat tour rates are very reasonable. The standard rate for adult is $9.00. Seniors (60 +) are $7.50. Children 4 - 17 are $6.00 and under 4 years old are free.

The Gates of the Mountains boat tours can be contacted by calling 406.458.5241 or by writing PO Box 478, Helena, Montana 59624. Their web site address is: www.gatesofthemountains.org.

Sit back and enjoy the feel of seeing a very small segment of the westward Discovery made by those very brave men and one woman on July 19, 1805. Guaranteed to be enjoyable.