A FEW MORE PLACES YOU SHOULDN’T MISS:
Blackfoot Brewery—a popular hangout The Parrot — a favorite candy store Historic Benton Avenue Cemetery Holter Museum of Art
Myrna Loy Center for the Performing Arts Montana Historical Society Civic Center
Mansion District / Tour Train
Gates of the Mountains—spectacular rock formations named by Lewis & Clark
From the
1920s until 1972, the St. Louis Block (near where a restored Helena trolley sits on the Walking Mall) was the
site of Dorothy’s Rooms, one of the most famous brothels in the state. According to Baumler, 19 1/2 Last Chance Gulch “probably had the most famous back door in Montana.” About a hundred yards north sits the Atlas Building. Built in 1889 by the Atlas Company, which sold fire insur- ance, the structure is topped with stylized flames reaching skyward, two winged salamanders (once used as a symbol for something fire proof). One could easily spend a day exploring the Gulch, and
the same is true about Mount Helena. Seeing so much in one sweeping panorama stirs up memories: there’s my old house, my school, the church where my sister got married. Up here the crisp air has a way of clearing your head. But Bailey’s had her fill of the hill, and she’s got me in tow, headed back to town. As we reach the bottom, I see a family sitting at the picnic table, heavy coats shed, basking in the sun. I wave. The father shouts, “We’re ringing in spring!”
Jessica Solberg was born and raised in Montana. She is an editor and freelance writer who likes to climb to the tops of things.
When in Helena, make
your
destination for FUN!
Poker nightly, full liquor store/bar, 20 up-to-date gaming machines, late night food.
2100 N Last Chance Gulch Helena, Montana
www.distinctlymontana.com (406) 443-5554 www.nickelsgaming.com 57
