Smart Meetings

The original settlers, migrated to the area for reasons other than its scenic beauty. Desperate get-rich-quickers first came to Helena in 1864 in search of gold during the rush at Last Chance Gulch. While the shiny metal has since become somewhat scarce, Helena still retains a wealth of treasures.

Ghost chasers will want to check out nearby Elkhorn Ghost Town and Cemetery, a once-vibrant mill town that thrived during the silver boom of the 1880s. And for nature lovers, the Continental Divide Trail offers stunning vistas along with moose, elk, black bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. You will likely also see wildlife at the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area (fs.fed.us), renowned for its indigenous big game.

A trip to Montana isn’t complete without an authentic chuck wagon dinner. For a meeting not easily forgotten, Last Chance Ranch Wagonride Dinners (lastchanceranch.biz) provides an all-you-can-eat prime rib dinner and huckleberry cheesecake for about 50 people, along with singing, cowboy poetry and a musical Lewis and Clark tribute.

For a truly inspiring look at Montana’s scenic beauty, take your group on a boat tour up the Missouri River through the Gates of the Mountains (gatesofthemountains.com), following the path of Lewis and Clark. Meriwether Lewis originally named the area, because its canyons seemed to open up like gates.

 While you’re in town, see the recently restored Greek Renaissance State Capitol Building (montanacapitol.com), topped by a massive copper dome. For a quick overview of the city, hop on a tour train, taking you past historic Last Chance Gulch (now a pedestrian mall) and the Original Governor’s Mansion. Or stop into the Montana Historical Society Museum (montanahistoricalsociety.org), cataloging the rich history of the state.

Contact Helena Convention and Visitors Bureau (helenacvb.visitmt.com) for more details on organizing meetings in Helena.

Getting There

Billings Logan International is Montana’s largest major airport and serves as a regional hub for Delta, Northwest and United airlines. Flathead Valley, Missoula, Butte, Helena, Great Falls, and Bozeman all have airports with both daily and seasonal direct flights to Seattle, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis.