Recreation and Leisure
Helena is smack in the middle of where many Americans come to recreate. It is an outdoor sports enthusiast’s dream come true. It has four seasons filled with things to do.
This part of Montana is one of the true American destinations for fly fishers. It has numerous rivers and streams providing opportunities to catch rainbow, brook, brown, bull and cutthroat trout. In the winter, brave anglers fish for perch through the ice on the many lakes around Helena.
But, winter truly belongs to those who ski. Helena is close to Great Divide Mountain, which has 60 slopes, and the Showdown Ski area. There also is cross-country skiing at McDonald Pass and Stemple Pass. If you like winter, but don’t want to experience it hurtling downhill, Helena has three large snowmobile trail systems.
When the snow melts and the ice goes out, the reservoirs formed along the Missouri River provide Helenans with plenty of recreational opportunities. These large impoundments (Hauser, Holter and Canyon Ferry lakes) offer camping, fishing, swimming, wind surfing, boating and water skiing.
Hikers and other nature enthusiasts can take advantage of the trails at Spring Meadow Lake a few miles west of downtown Helena. Or, if they want more space, they can visit the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshal Wilderness Complex and hike 1,800 miles of trails.
Mountain bikers have similar opportunities. There are many trails in and around the city.
Golfers will not feel left out. There are numerous courses, public and private, in Helena.
Location: in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the west central part of the state; about 175 miles south of Glacier National Park, and 185 north of Yellowstone National Park
Area: 14 square miles
Population: 25,780
Housing Units: 12,133
Average Annual Rainfall: 11.6” rainfall and 47.1” of snow
Average Annual Temperature: 44 degrees F