Podcast 17 - Stop 13 - Helena, MT

Days 27 through 30 bring our expedition to Helena, Montana, the state's capital city and the gateway to one of the most visually stunning natural landmarks of the entire journey.During this four-day basecamp, the tour explores both the breathtaking geology that awed the original Corps of Discovery and the explosive Gold Rush wealth that later shaped the region.Highlights for this leg of the journey include:Gates of the Mountains Boat Cruise: An unforgettable cruise through a narrow, spectacular canyon of 1,200-foot limestone cliffs. Meriwether Lewis named this site in July 1805, noting how the towering rock walls seemed to mysteriously close behind their boats like gates.Last Chance Ranch Dinner: A special evening where guests travel via horse-drawn wagons through high mountain forests to the hand-crafted Moose Mountain Cabin for a night of great food and live music.Helena Guided Trolley Tour: An exploration of Helena's rich mining history, dating back to a time when the city boasted more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States. The tour visits the State Capitol, the Cathedral of St. Helena, the opulent Mansion Row, and the Historical Society Museum.For travelers wanting to dive even deeper into the region's history, this stop offers incredible optional excursions. Guests can visit the Missouri Headwaters State Park to stand at the exact geographic point where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the mighty Missouri River. Other options include stepping back in time at Virginia City—a remarkably preserved Old West Victorian gold mining town—or exploring the Bannack State Park and Ghost Town.