Give the Gift of Helena Experiences this Holiday
By Chelsea Paschall
Looking for an uncrowded, less frenzied way to shop for gifts this season? Pair it with unique ideas for sharing quality time with your loved ones or introduce them to a new experience. From historical to active there’s a host of opportunities to support local businesses and give the gift of memories in Helena this holiday season!
The Gift of History
It’s never too early to start planning for the beautiful Helena Summers.
The Montana History Foundation’s popular Helena History Hikes and Walks is returning with new offerings, including Fall Tours! Gift a well-rounded experience with the Triple Play Tour Package that will grant access to the three unique tours. For more information and to purchase, contact Zachary Coe: [email protected] or 406-202-8196.
A delight for all ages the Last Chance Tour Train offers online gift certificates which make great stocking stuffers. Go to their website or call the train phone number: 406-442-1023.
Another one of Helena’s top attractions, the Gates of the Mountains also has gift certificates available through email: [email protected]
The Montana Historical Society offers annual gift memberships for individuals and families. Included perks are free admission to the Museum & the Original Governor’s Mansion as well as publications, discounts, recognition in the magazine and more!
Gifting someone with a membership is a great way to support the Montana Historical Society during this period of historic growth with facility remodel. Be a part of their past, present, and future!
You can shop for all things Montana at the Montana Historical Society Museum Store in person & online. They carry a wide variety of books relating to Montana history, Native American history, Western history and art. As well as prints, jewelry, pottery, Native American beadwork, huckleberry products and souvenirs, with a focus on Made in Montana items.
The Montana Club reigns as a hinge point of Helena history. You can gift a share of the Original Montana Club Cooperative Association. Shareholder benefits include discounts on food & beverage, early access to special events and access to national & international private clubs. They also offer digital gift cards and art prints.
Theatre
Grandstreet Theatre invites you to gift a Dinner & a Show. Included are two tickets to one of their theatrical performances and $50 toward dinner at the Brewhouse, Silver Star Steak Company or Benny’s.
Always good to have options, the Helena Avenue Theatre is the home of the Montana Playwrights Network and brings in independent performances that are sure to delight. Gift cards available.
Family
Entertainment for the whole family! Make the most of ExplorationWork‘s annual membership sale ($10 off all membership levels) from 11/25 – 12/16 or pick up a gift card.
Flying Giant Adventure Park has their Annual All Access Pass on sale through Christmas, giving access to the indoor Adventure Park for two hours every day! A pair of jump socks will be included with every gift card purchase of $25 or more.
Activity
Bill Roberts Golf Course is offering a sale on 2023 Season Passes through January 31, 2023.
Plan a ski trip at nearby Great Divide Ski Area with their Ski & Stay Packages. Also up for grabs are Thrifty Three Pack Punch Passes: 3 Full Day Lift Tickets that can be used any time. Bonus, they never expire!
To keep you cycling through the winter Skyre Spin & Sweat will be offering a membership special in December.
Stonetree Climbing Center is offering specialty Holiday Pricing including an Intro Class + 2 weeks of unlimited climbing for only $40! You can also choose from gift cards, punch passes and memberships.
Get a jump on one of the top ways to warm up while exercising with Hot Yoga Helena’s Black Friday online special for 10 class cards. For an inspiring stocking stuffer, the studio has lots of Hot Yoga Helena Swag and class passes.
Give the gift of unwinding with a soak at the local Broadwater Hot Springs. Gift cards available, and after all of the winter and holiday activities, who couldn’t use this!?
Winner for the most unique gift…Adult Summer Camp! In Helena’s backyard at Canyon Ferry, the Montana Learning Center is offering a fun-packed weekend which includes instruction in basic Montana rock and mineral identification and rock hounding techniques, followed by opportunities to apply what you learned over the rest of the weekend, including a boat ride down Canyon Ferry Lake to dig for and collect agate. That evening, you’ll wash, cut and polish your very own agate to keep. Sunday morning includes the opportunity for you to sift through gravel to find your own Montana sapphires and/or garnets. Experienced MLC instructors will be available to provide you with guidance every step of the way. This overnight camp is for adults over the age of 18. Camp Dates: August 26th – 28th.
If that’s not enough, be sure to check with your favorite restaurants & stores for gift certificates. For a downtown option that opens many doors, pick up some Downtown Helena Nuggets, which work at a multitude of Downtown Helena’s independent businesses. Happy gifting!