Top Places to Visit in Helena

What does one think of when one hears about Helena? Cowboys? Rodeos? Yes - all that and more, much more. Helena certainly is part of the "Wild West," however there are many things to see and do in this fantastic city.

• Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
• Archie Bray Foundation
• Holter Museum of Art
• Exploration Works
• Montana's Museum
• Reeder's Alley

1. Only 18 miles from Helena is one of the most beautiful gardens in the US, the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. Six stunning acres containing a vegetable garden, herb garden, rose garden, a delightful wild flower walk, the gazebo garden and the fantastic children's garden. The meditation garden contains scotch moss and a Buddha! This place is a lovely place to relax. There are benches to sit and read, or to listen to the brook running through the garden and letting your senses run wild at the color and aroma.
2. Just out of the city is one of the most remarkable ceramic pottery makers in the US - the Archie Bray Foundation. Many exhibits show extraordinary pottery creations and one can observe a workshop to learn how pottery is made and "hands on" information. The gift shop is a mecca for the pottery lover.
3. The Holter Museum of Art contains over 1,500 works of art by over 100 artists. One can only stand in awe at some of the stunning works of art, ceramics and sculpture in this amazing museum. The museum gift shop offers one the option to purchase elegant artifacts.
4. The Exploration Works is a fantastic family setting where one can learn to fly an airplane, find out what it would be like to travel to Mars, and soar on a glider. These are just a few of the exciting things a family can do in this fantastic place.
5. At the Montana's Museum, one will not only be able to see some incredible exhibits of Montana's colorful history, but can also visit the Governor's Mansion. In the mansion, one will find artifacts and furniture from the original mansion. The museum contains over 15,000 works of art and artifacts. The museum shop offers a fabulous collection of articles and artwork, and they have an online ordering service for those who do not want to carry articles with them.
6. In Reeder's Alley, one can stroll through this former mining town, looking in the small shops, enjoying a quiet lunch and just reminiscing about what it was like during the "gold rush" days. A wonderful way to spend the day, or the afternoon, one will love this picturesque village.

It is impossible in such a short review to tell of all the lovely things one can see and do, so one will just have to choose what is relevant, as there is much more available.