Downtown Download
When you think about the heart of a town, one of the first things to come to mind is downtown, and that could not be truer for Helena, Montana! Helena is extremely lucky to have such a unique and thriving downtown that is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
A Walk Through History
Many people have questions about the history of downtown, especially Last Chance Gulch, and the origin of its name. Walking around town and talking to locals, you can hear many variations of the story, but it all ties back to the original gold rush days! This blurb is pulled from the Downtown Helena website.
“Last Chance Gulch is the iconic name given to the actual gulch where gold was first discovered in Helena, Montana, in 1864. Initially, the thoroughfare built along the gulch was simply called Main Street. However, in 1953, it was officially renamed Last Chance Gulch, reflecting its historical significance.
The story begins in 1864 when a group of prospectors, referred to as the “Four Georgians,” stumbled upon a promising gold deposit while returning from a fruitless search. This final attempt, or “last chance,” proved to be a success. Word of their discovery spread like wildfire, attracting thousands of hopeful miners to the area.
Helena rapidly grew from a tent city into a bustling mining town, with Last Chance Gulch as its central artery. Saloons, gambling halls, and general stores sprang up to cater to the miners’ needs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Last Chance Gulch, once the heart of Helena’s gold rush era, has transformed into a vibrant downtown district.”
You may also hear Downtown Helena affectionately referred to as The Gulch, which is the public-facing brand of the Business Improvement District.
Shop, Dine, Play, Work
With over 437 businesses, Downtown Helena truly has something for everyone! It is an amazing way to support local. You won’t find any big-name chains, but instead you will be fully immersed in what the local community has to offer! The downtown district is quite large, but there are some major areas you can focus on for more of the publicly open businesses. The Great Northern Town Center, the 300 and 400 blocks of Last Chance Gulch, the Walking Mall, Park Avenue, Cruse Avenue, and 6th Avenue.
With so much to offer, Downtown Helena has created a “Gulch Guide” to help everyone navigate the many offerings!
Eat: From casual cafes to fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Drink: Enjoy local craft beers and wines at breweries, bars, and tasting rooms.
Shop: Discover one-of-a-kind treasures at many of our locally owned shops & bookstores!
Art & Culture: Helena boasts a thriving arts scene with museums & galleries showcasing local talent.
Services: Pamper yourself at one of the many stylish hair salons, rejuvenating wellness studios, and other personal care services.
Stay on the Gulch: When the sun finally sets on your day of adventuring, you’ll need a place to lay your head and recharge.
Downtown Helena is a hub of activity and is an amazing place to start your Helena experience! Allow yourself some time to slow down and take it all in. There is some amazing history, public art, and architecture in the area. Downtown allows you to get what you need in the moment. That may be a bustling event, a place to connect with friends, or even a quiet bench for a moment of relaxation in this busy world.
Walking Mall
The Walking Mall is a beloved treasure of Downtown Helena! As a pedestrian-only section, it provides a unique experience. There are not many pedestrian-only walking malls left in the United States, so we are extremely lucky to still have ours! As you stroll through the Walking Mall, you will follow the creek that was added in 1974 and culminates at the Miner Fountain, which commemorates the gold rush and the Four Georgians.
Another amazing perk of the Walking Mall is that it is dog-friendly! Many of the businesses have outdoor seating close by as well. This allows you to enjoy food and beverages out on the walking mall by grabbing them to go. Check out our page for resources on enjoying Helena with a dog.
Events That Bring Us Together
Throughout the year, you can find various events happening downtown. The people and businesses downtown believe in investing in the community! They are the ones who are putting together these events, most of which are free to attendees and not for profit. We encourage you to check out one of the many events, and you will see the love and dedication that the community has for Downtown Helena! Many of the businesses also host weekly events such as trivia, music bingo, as well as occasional dancing, karaoke, cribbage, live music, yoga, and so much more! Don’t forget to also check out the other events happening throughout Helena as well!
Plan Your Visit
Are you ready to explore Downtown Helena? Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, The Gulch invites you to shop, dine, play, work, and connect in the heart of Montana! We hope you come and experience it for yourself.