Attractions and Places To See in the Deer Lodge Mountains - Top 19

One of the best museums I have seen in this area so far. It shows the history of Montana and its inhabitants from geological prehistory to the present day. The special thing about it is that it represents and gives voice to the indigenous population at least equally. At least half of the exhibition relates to these indigenous tribes. Superbly done. And it is not just an exhibition of exhibits. It is also interactive, with sounds, films, explanations, etc. It even shows that some tribes are still being driven from tribal land today and that old treaties are simply being broken by the USA. Definitely visit if you are in Helena

These ruins near Helena are a beautiful testament to the area's rich industrial history. Despite appearing like mining smelters, these kilns produced quicklime from the local limestone before the 20th century. They have been designated as meaningful cultural heritage sites and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city's impressive historic architecture owes much to the early lime industry, and although the kilns may seem sturdy, they are very fragile, so do not climb on or inside them. However, you can always take a moment to appreciate the ruins and capture some great photos.

This is the entrance to a small cave called Devil's Kitchen. It is often used as a landmark to identify nearby rock climbing routes.

Standing 5,468 feet (1,667 m) feet tall, Mount Helena offers great views over the city of the same name. It's essentially the epicenter of a set of trail loops, with no fewer than four ways of hiking to the summit.

The Mansion District's West Residential section, nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Helena just west of downtown, is a charming area. Its tree-lined streets and stone walls evoke the late 19th century, with many homes from that era still standing. The district boasts a range of architectural styles, and among the notable mansions are those that once belonged to influential figures like Senator Thomas C. Power, B. H. Tatum, D. A. G. Floweree, and S. T. Hauser. Strolling through this historic neighborhood is like stepping back in time.

Downtown Helena, famously known as the most historic mile in Montana, is nestled along Last Chance Gulch, right at the foot of the stunning Mt. Helena. Here, you'll find a diverse array of shops offering unique art, clothing, sports gear, and plenty of dining options, including microbreweries and entertainment.

This park offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its serene lake, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife, it's an idyllic spot to enjoy outdoor activities. The park is home to a variety of birds, turtles, and other wildlife, and trout, bass, and sunfish have been introduced into its waters, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts and anglers alike.

In the late 18th century, the Butte Copper Mines were the leading source of copper in the world. One hundred years earlier, Butte began as a silver and gold mine, but as the American Industrial Revolution rapidly swept across the country, and the demand for and use of electricity skyrocketed, the volume of copper being pulled from the mines increased exponentially. Butte flourished. Though, with the sheer number of active mines and the thousands of worker there within, of course accidents are bound to happen. On June 8, 1917, the deadliest recorded underground mining accident occurred in the Speculator Mine, when a fire erupted and spread throughout the shaft, asphyxiating 168 men. A memorial now stands commemoration of these lives lost on the northeastern ridge of the Berkeley Pit. The Berkeley Pit was opened in 1955 as the mine transitioned from operating primarily underground to primarily above ground, which was more cost and labor efficient. This “open pit mine”, the Berkeley Pit, would produce over 290 million tons of copper before operations ended in 1982, earning the mine the nickname, “The Richest Hill on Earth.”