Montana Governor's Conference on Tourism

Montana Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 03/09/2023 03:55 PM MST
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southwest map

On Your Way to Helena

As you travel to Helena for the Governor's Conference, don't miss out on must-see Southwest Montana attractions. There's an adventure to be found in every direction. Explore the area's rich arts and culture, try a new brewery or distillery, mine for treasure, relax at a hot spring or just take in the scenery. 

Click here to download your Southwest Montana map for ideas on what to do as you make your way to Helena for the 2023 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Sunday Reception

Sunday, April 23 | Myrna Loy Center | 15 N Ewing Street | 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Event thyme

Hors d'oeuvres and Drinks

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres throughout the reception by Event Thyme Catering, which has developed a strong reputation in the special event business in the Helena area. 

Attendees will also receive two drink tickets to enjoy. 

Catering Sponsored by: The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce

Drinks Sponsored by: Visit Helena
Cottonwood Club

Entertainment

Helena's Cottonwood Club plays an irresistible mix of string jazz from the "Hot Club" era of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, many favorites from "The Great American Songbook" and beyond, as well as a growing list of original tunes.

The band has its roots in the transatlantic jazz repertoire of the pre-WWII period, but has created an identity all its own. Cottonwood Club has been a mainstay of the western Montana music scene since their inception in 2012, playing a monthly residency at Helena’s On Broadway that continues on after nine years.

Lodging

Conference attendees are encouraged to book their hotel room with the following room blocks:

great northern

Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel

835 Great Northern Blvd. 
Pricing:  $165.00
Call 406.457.5500 for the group rate, or click here to reserve a room online.
La Quinta Inn and Suites

La Quinta Inn & Suites

701 Washington Street
Pricing:  $107.00
Call 406.449.4000 for the group rate, or click here to reserve a room online.
Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helena

3170 North Sanders Street
Pricing: $124.00-$134.00 
Call 406.442.7500 for the group rate, or click here to reserve a room online.

Familiarization (FAM) Tours

Experience Helena on the FAM tours sponsored by Visit Helena. These tours are offered first to those who have registered for the Conference. Spots are limited. To register for a tour, e-mail Chelsea Paschall at VisitorCoordinator@HelenaMT.com, or call 406.449.2107.

mount helena

Mount Helena Hike

Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Mount Helena City Park is a 620-acre park. The park encompasses Mount Helena, which rises 5,468 feet above sea level, overlooking the city of Helena 1,300 feet below. The park includes six trails up and around the mountain.

  • Trail Selection: Tentatively hiking the ADA/Prairie Trail, weather permitting.
  • End Location: 10 Mile Creek Brewery to talk about Prickly Pear Land Trust’s mission and how the trail system is vital to Helena's tourism economy.
  • Tour capacity: 30
breweries

Breweries and Brothels

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm

Explore the colorful history of Helena’s prominent brewery scene and historic red-light districts through this 60-minute guided downtown walking tour. Stories of entrepreneurial brewmeisters and madams divulge the rise and fall of Helena’s underworld that will excite, surprise and inform a forgotten history of the capital.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity:  25
governors mansion

The Original Governor's Mansion

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm

This historic house museum located near downtown Helena was built by entrepreneur William Chessman as a private residence in 1888. The three-story Queen Anne-style structure was acquired by the State of Montana in 1913 to serve as its first official governor's residence. The home then housed a succession of nine First Families until a new governor's residence was built in 1959.

The Original Governor's Mansion Restoration Society began to refurbish the building in 1969 with the support of the City of Helena. Since 1981, the Montana Historical Society has administered the Mansion; today, the building is carefully restored to its authentic appearance during its first years as home to Montana's governors.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity: 20
last chance tour train

Last Chance Tour Train (Trolley)

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm 

Enjoy a tour of Helena aboard the climate-controlled Trolley. See the opulent mansion district, marvel at the Cathedral of St. Helena and roll by our governor’s homes. Cruise by a restored miners’ village, enjoy the unique architecture along Last Chance Gulch and catch a glimpse of the Old Fire Tower. It’s a fun way to see beautiful and historic Helena.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity: 30

MTGovernorsConference.com

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