Helena: Practicalities
Between them, Intermountain and Rimrock (which links with Greyhound), offer connections throughout Montana from Helena's bus station at 3122 Prospect Ave (tel 406/442-5860). Between mid-May and September the Historical Society runs imitation steam train tours three times a day from the corner of Sixth Avenue and Roberts Street ($5; tel 406/442-1023 or 1-888/423-1023). There's a visitor center at 225 Cruse Ave (Mon 9am-5pm, Tues-Fri 8am-5pm; tel 406/442-4120) where you can pick up a free visitor's map, and look out for the free Lively Times - a good source of local listings. Information and maps on local hiking trails and camping is available from Helena National Forest Ranger Station, 2001 Poplar St (tel 406/449-5490).The northernmost blocks of Last Chance Gulch form a low-key pedestrianized mall, decorated with mining-themed sculptures and fountains, enlivened by bars, sidewalk coffee shops and restaurants. The Budget Inn Express , 524 Last Chance Gulch (tel 1-800/862-1334 or 406/442-0600; $100-130), offers comfortable rooms in a good-value downtown location, or for something more traditional and stylish try The Barrister Bed & Breakfast , 416 N Ewing (tel 406/443-7330, tel 1-800/823-1148, ; $100-130 ) , a lovely Victorian mansion dating back to 1874 situated beside the cathedral, and originally used as priest's quarters. Campers should head for Helena Campground and RV Park , 5820 N Montana Ave (tel 406/458-4714, fax 458-6001), situated about 3.5 miles north of town with sites for $16.
For breakfast head for The Bagel Co , 735 N Last Chance Gulch (tel 406/449-6000), which is open for breakfast bagels and coffee from 6am (Sun 7am). Bert and Ernie's , at 361 Last Chance Gulch (tel 406/443-5680), serves classy lunches and has a popular saloon bar; while the Windbag Saloon at no. 19 (tel 406/443-9669) is a big old barn of a place that serves a reasonable pint of Guinness, and good burgers and steaks. A little more upscale, On Broadway , 106 Broadway (tel 406/443-1929), offers excellent Italian food and wine.
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