Helena Montana Day Trip: 2 Part Adventure features fun river boat ride and sculpture park

Story By Christene Meyers

Photos By Bruce Keller

and courtesy Gates of the Mountains

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

A tour boat tour sets off with passengers to cruise Gates of the Mountains, with a commentary about the dramatic Montana canyon and wilderness area, with rocky pine-covered cliffs and a lively history -- 20 miles north of Helena.

After exploring Helena's historic streets and Gold Rush landmarks, we ventured beyond the city to discover two of central Montana's hidden gems. Just 20 miles from downtown, the Gates of the Mountains offered a breathtaking boat tour through the dramatic Missouri River canyon that amazed explorers more than two centuries ago.

Gates of the Mountains roadside sign hints at the adventures awaiting on a boat tour up the Missouri

Then our Helena Montana daytrip took us into the beautiful Blackfoot Valley to Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild, an outdoor sculpture park. World-class artwork blends with Montana's forests, meadows and mountains. This pair of attractions made a wonderful daytrip.

Experience the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour, part one of this adventure

About 20 miles north of Helena lies an unforgettable Montana experience -- the legendary Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour. It combines spectacular scenery, fascinating history, abundant wildlife and a relaxing afternoon on the water, a two-hour cruise perfect for a Montana itinerary.

Passengers disembark a ferry at Gates of the Mountains dock near Helena, Montana, after a tour on a pristine mountain lake, with a lively narration on its wildlife and native American history.

The tour narration begins on July 19, 1805, when Captain Meriwether Lewis and the Corps of Discovery paddled along the Missouri River. As they rounded a bend, limestone cliffs rose 1,200 feet above the river, appearing to block passage. As they moved closer, the cliffs seemed to open like stone doors. Lewis famously wrote "I shall call this place the Gates of the Mountains." The name has remained for two-plus centuries. We retraced that historic route on our comfy boat, departing from the Gates of the Mountains Marina.

Our knowledgeable captain and animated guide brought the canyon to life with stories about Lewis and Clark, Native American history and the area's unique geology and abundant wildlife.

Gates of the Mountains boat tour features knowledgeable guides and terrific views of scenery enhanced by stories and a lively narration.

Towering limestone walls seem unchanged since Lewis saw them. We spotted soaring bald eagles, ospreys diving for fish, mountain goats balancing on rocky ledges and bighorn sheep grazing. Deer, beaver, river otters and falcons are often spotted.

One of the tour's moving moments came as the boat passed Mann Gulch. In 1949, it was the site of a deadly wildfire, claiming 13 smokejumpers' lives. The tragedy changed wildfire training and inspired Norman Maclean's acclaimed book, Young Men and Fire. Moving to be near the site.

A red ochre rock painting catches the eye on a stone cliff at Gates of the Mountains near Helena.

We gazed on canyon walls for centuries-old Native American pictographs. They remind us this remarkable place was important long before Lewis and Clark arrived. Our savvy guide pointed out rock formations, describing the creation of the canyon over millions of years.

Photographers kept cameras ready as changing light created dramatic shadows across the limestone cliffs. Meanwhile, the calm Missouri River reflected the canyon's walls and each bend revealed a postcard.

The relaxing cruise is great for families. We're history and wildlife buffs and enjoyed hearing of both. Anyone looking to discover Montana's natural beauty will enjoy this outing.

2026 Tour Information

The scenic cruise lasts two hours. Reservations are recommended during summer months, especially weekends and holidays. Visitors should arrive 30 minutes early. Admissions:

• Adults (18–59): $20; Seniors (60+): $15; Active Military: $15; Children (ages 3–17): $10

• Children 2 and under: Free

Whether you're spending a day in Helena or traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour is a classic Montana experience. It combines breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and peaceful time on the Missouri River in a memorable adventure: Gates of the Mountains Boat Tours.

"A Place Is a Place is a Place," by British artist Stuart Ian Frost, part of the open-air art exhibitions near Lincoln, Montana, and an interesting day trip from Helena. Frost intended his multilayered artwork to create a depth of vision, generating a characteristic structural “carving” reminiscent in many of his artworks

Helena Montana day trip: second part

Discover Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild

Some of Montana's most memorable attractions aren't found in large cities or national parks-- they're tucked away in places where you least expect them. About an hour northwest of Helena, near the small community of Lincoln, you'll discover one of the state's hidden gems: Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild.

This sculpture is "Stringer," created by artist Casey Schachner. It utilizes a fan-like, interlocking configuration of logs to create an organic, architectural gateway that mimics a shelter or wigwam. blending into the ponderosa pine forest

This remarkable outdoor sculpture park combines art, nature, history and community in an experience unique to Montana. Rather than placing artwork inside museum walls, more than two dozen large-scale sculptures are artfully positioned in a peaceful ponderosa pine forest, allowing visitors to experience art as part of the landscape itself.

The idea behind Sculpture in the Wild was born from the Blackfoot Valley's rich heritage. For generations, the communities surrounding Lincoln depended on logging, mining, and ranching. As those industries declined, local leaders looked for a creative way to celebrate the area's history while encouraging tourism and economic growth. Their vision attracted internationally recognized artists including Patrick Dougherty, who created permanent, site-specific works inspired by the valley's landscape, culture, and industrial past.

Children play at artist Patrick Dougherty's famous sculpture near Lincoln, Montana, is titled "Tree Circus," using more than 10 tons of locally sourced willow and alder saplings.

A thistle blooms in the 26-acre Blackfoot Pathways.

Walking through the park is as relaxing as it is inspiring. Easy gravel pathways wind through approximately 26 acres of forest, leading visitors from one sculpture to another. Each piece invites you to stop, reflect, and often interact with the artwork. Informational signs explain the artist's vision and how each sculpture connects to the Blackfoot Valley's story.

Among the most photographed works are towering wooden sculptures woven from natural branches, massive geometric installations constructed from reclaimed materials and striking pieces that frame the surrounding mountains and forest in unexpected ways. These sculptures encourage visitors to walk through them, sit inside them, or view the landscape from an entirely different perspective.

One of the park's defining characteristics is how seamlessly the artwork blends into nature, complementing the forest. Sounds of rustling pine, birds and breezes enhance the experience, encouraging visitors to slow down, relax and enjoy being outdoors.

"Montana Line Drawing" by Irish artist Kevin O'Dwyer. It is 22 feet tall, made from geometric steel, one of many intriguing sculptures installed inside Blackfoot Pathways. It was designed to mirror the vertical patterns of nearby pine trees.

Families appreciate the short, easy walking trails and picnic areas, while photographers have a field day -- capturing dramatic compositions where art and landscape meet. Wildlife sightings are common, and because the park is rarely crowded, it offers a peaceful escape from Montana's busier tourist destinations.

"Re-Imagining the Delaney Sawmill TeePee Burner" is an installation by Kevin O'Dwyer. The artist transformed a 10-ton, 80-foot relic into an interactive landmark in Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild in Lincoln, Montana, it preserves local logging history with modern LED lights, solar power and archival steel photographs

One especially meaningful installation preserves part of the region's logging history through the restored Delaney Sawmill Teepee Burner, reminding visitors of the valley's industrial heritage while illustrating how the community has embraced a new future built around creativity and conservation. Artist Kevin O'Dwyer imaginately repurposed the 50-foot diameter, rusted steel structure into an award-winning walk-in art installation.

Planning Your Visit

One of the best features of "Sculpture in the Wild" is that admission is free. Donations are welcomed and help support future art installations, trail maintenance and educational programs. The sculpture park is generally open daily from dawn until dusk throughout the year, making it an easy stop whether you're traveling between Helena and Missoula or exploring Montana's Scenic Highway 200.

We spent a couple relaxing hours exploring the trails with fellow art lovers and photographers. It would have been easy to linger longer. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Each bend in the trail reveals another surprising and imaginative creation.

"Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild" proves that some of Montana's greatest treasures are found off the beaten path. Together with Helena's historic downtown and the breathtaking Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour, it completes a journey filled with history, breathtaking scenery, and inspiring creativity. If you're looking to experience a side of Montana that many travelers overlook, this peaceful outdoor gallery deserves a place on your itinerary. A drive through the Blackfoot Valley won't disappoint. It's a great family activity and photographer's mecca with abundant nature and wildlife viewing.

Male lion at San Diego Zoo Safari Park rests near his den on green grass, looking calm and relaxed

Coming Up: San Diego's Safari Park Dive into the fascinating wildlife world with a visit to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with the Africa Tram to take you to giraffes, rhinos and gazelles roaming free. A cheetah sprints and birds flutter in a free-flight aviary. It's a fun family outing, or great for couples and singles, too. You're never alone at this unique wildlife sanctuary.

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