Historic Helena and Capitol Tour

Dates: June 5, 2025
Meets: Th from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM
 Location: Helena MT - Montana State Capitol
Cost:  $200.00
Date Day Time
06/05/2025Thursday7:45 AM to 5:30 PM

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2024-2025 OLLI at MSU Membership

Important Requirements

This tour requires low to moderate activity. Participants must be able to meet ALL the physical requirements outlined at the bottom of this page

Description

Explore Helena, Montana's capital city, where the history of the Gold Rush meets the present-day bustle of a governmental hub. This active, one-day tour offers a balanced mix of historical highlights, architecture and insights into the city's colorful past.

Sample Schedule

Morning

Leave the driving to us! You will rendezvous at Hope Lutheran Church and board a modern private motorcoach (with restroom) for a 1.5-hour drive to Helena.

After arriving in Helena, you'll take a private tour of the Montana State Capitol with an expert guide from the Montana Historical Society. This will include the building's rotunda, historic chambers and priceless artwork, providing a thoughtful look at Montana's civic and cultural development.

Lunch

Lunch (included) will be in a private dining room at a downtown bistro. After lunch, you will have time to stroll Last Chance Gulch on your own or relax.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will board a sightseeing train for a private guided tour of Helena's Downtown and Historic Mansion District, including the Cathedral of St. Helena, multiple historic and restored homes, the Old Fire Tower and Last Chance Gulch.

The day continues at the Original Governor's Mansion, where a docent from the Montana Historical Society will guide you through this ornate, Queen Anne-Style mansion, built in 1888 for businessman William Chessman, and then home to Montana's First Families from 1913-1959.

A 1.5-hour ride on the motorcoach will return you to Hope Lutheran Church, where the tour concludes.

Note: Schedule subject to change.

Travel

Round-trip transportation from Bozeman via modern motorcoach (with restrooms) is included.

Meals

Lunch is provided in a private dining room in downtown Helena. After lunch, you will have time to explore Last Chance Gulch on your own.

Tuition

$200/person

Activity Level

This tour requires low to moderate activity.

  • Participants must walk and stand for up to 1.5 hours on tours, walk on sidewalks and cross streets.
  • Participants must be able to use steps to embark and disembark the motorcoach and tour train.
  • Elevators are available for the Capitol tour.
  • Listening assistive devices will be made available at no charge.

Contact Rab Cummings at 406-994-4820 with any questions regarding the requirements as outlined above.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship before entering the lottery for this program. The application deadline is February 10.

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Fee:  $200.00

Fee Breakdown

DescriptionAmount
OLLI Member$ 200.00
SOLD OUT - OLLI member with partner$ 0.00

Helena MT - Montana State Capitol

1301 E 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Cancellation Policy

Please read carefully:

  • If a registrant cancels on or before March 12, 2025, we will issue a refund within 60 days, minus a 7.5% administrative fee.
  • If a registrant cancels after March 12, 2025, no refunds will be issued. Registrants may, however, designate a replacement for this trip at the time of cancellation.
  • Registrants are strongly encouraged to purchase accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance through a travel agent or other provider. Travel insurance can help protect against financial loss in case of an emergency.
  • If it fails to meet the minimum enrollment by March 12, 2025, we will cancel this trip and issue full refunds to all registrants within 60 days.