Where:
Helena, Montana's capital city, is located in a valley just west of the Missouri River along Interstate 15 (about 1 hour north of Interstate 90).
What Lewis & Clark Experienced:
After their portage around the Great Falls, Lewis and Clark returned to their Missouri River route, which now took them in a southerly direction. On July 19, 1805, they passed through a twisty, 3-mile-long canyon, which they named "The Gates of the Rocky Mountains." They continued to follow the Missouri River south - about 150 miles from Great Falls - until they reached the point where it branched into three forks. They named these rivers the Jefferson, the Gallatin, and the Madison, choosing to follow the Jefferson fork since it came from the west.
Since Lewis & Clark:
The city of Helena was founded upon discovery of gold in 1864 and was designated the Montana Territory capital in 1875. Dam building has changed the landscape throughout this region. Holter Dam, built 40 miles north of present-day Helena, created Holter Lake. That lake encompasses The Gates of the Mountains, reducing the current and raising the water level in the canyon by 14 feet. South of Holter, other dams created Hauser Lake and Canyon Ferry Reservoir.
What You Can See & Do:
The Helena area is rich in history and offers a variety of interesting things to see and do. The local attractions related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition include:
The Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour
During this two-hour narrated boat tour you'll have the opportunity to view the unfolding canyon landscape as Lewis and Clark experienced it, seeing how the the rock walls create a gate-like opening. Along the way you'll see amazing scenery, unique geology, and a variety of wildlife. Within The Gates of the Mountains is Mann Gulch, site of a significant forest fire in 1949. The boat stops briefly at a picnic and hiking area. Much of The Gates of the Mountains area is public land, available for outdoor recreation of all kinds.
Montana's Museum
The official museum of the Montana Historical Society, this great museum covers both Montana history and art. Their extensive "Montana Homeland" artifact timeline includes a section on Lewis and Clark. A special exhibit, "Neither Empty nor Unknown: Montana at the Time of Lewis and Clark," focuses on the people, animals, plants, and landscape of Montana from 1804 to 1806.
Canyon Ferry Recreation Area
This huge reservoir along the Missouri has become a popular playground, providing opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and winter sports. Around Canyon Ferry Lake you'll find several marinas, private and public campgrounds, and Canyon Ferry State Park. The Canyon Ferry Dam and Visitor Center, located at the north end of the lake, offers information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's activity in the region as well as exhibits about local wildlife and dam construction.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
Located at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, Missouri Headwaters State Park includes a number of Lewis and Clark experiences. Interpretive panels located along the park's network of trails share relevant Expedition facts, stories, and journal entries. In the summer, park rangers hold evening interpretive programs. Tent, tipi, and RV camping are available, providing the opportunity overnight where Lewis and Clark once camped.
