BUTTE, HELENA, AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA - Montana and Wyoming - page 353

But Helena is not living in the past. The city is growing rapidly, with a 2000-2011 pop-
ulation increase of nearly 10 percent. And with that growth comes more culture; Helena is
becoming recognized as the arts capital of the state, with an edgy, contemporary fine arts
scene in addition to extensive performing arts. And their tourism office is not shying away
from technology: Look for their self-guided walking tour app that tells the juicy stories be-
hind the city's stately buildings and mansions; take the whole family on a geocaching ad-
venture, or try a two-hour Segway tour of the city's highlights.
But it's not technology that draws people to Montana. Located as it is in a wide-open
valley surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, Helena also offers endless opportunities
to get out of the city and into the wilderness.
SIGHTS
Last Chance Tour Train
One of the best ways to get an overview of the city and some historical perspective is by
hopping on one of the Last Chance Tours (tours depart from Montana Historical Society,
E. 6th Ave. and N. Roberts St., 888/423-1023, www.lctours.com , Mon.-Sat. June 1-Sept.
15, $7.50 adults, $6 children 4-12, free for children under 4). The wheeled trains and trol-
ley cruise around town with commentary on places like Reeder's Alley, the Old Fire Tower,
Last Chance Gulch, and the city's tree-lined Mansion District. Tours depart at 11am, 1pm,
and 3pm daily in June; there is an additional tour at 5:30pm daily in July-August. Departure
times are at 11am and 3pm September 1-15. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time
for any tour.
A decidedly more contemporary option is the new two-hour Segway tours ($65), which
include instruction time and depart at 8am Mon.-Sat. One-hour tours ($40) depart at 10am
and 6pm Monday-Saturday.
Montana State Capitol
Visible for miles around with its weathered copper dome, the Montana state capitol (225
N. Roberts St., 406/444-2694, www.montanahistoricalsociety.org ) unites Montana's past
and present in a very ornate and interesting way. The building itself is something of a Greek
Renaissance masterpiece. Started in 1898, the main portion of the building was completed
in 1902, and the wings were unveiled 10 years later. The building is filled with dramatic
art by some of Montana's most recognizable legends, among them Charles M. Russell and
Edgar Paxson.