Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation
Montana Tourism Awards Contact Information Lodging & Transportation Conference Schedule 2023 Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors FAM Tours

Familiarization (FAM) Tours

Experience Helena on the FAM tours sponsored by Visit Helena. These tours are offered first to those who have registered for the Conference. Spots are limited. To register for a tour, e-mail Chelsea Paschall at VisitorCoordinator@HelenaMT.com, or call 406.449.2107.

Mount Helena Hike

Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Mount Helena City Park is a 620-acre park. The park encompasses Mount Helena, which rises 5,468 feet above sea level, overlooking the city of Helena 1,300 feet below. The park includes six trails up and around the mountain.

  • Trail Selection: Tentatively hiking the ADA/Prairie Trail, weather permitting.
  • End Location: 10 Mile Creek Brewery to talk about Prickly Pear Land Trust’s mission and how the trail system is vital to Helena's tourism economy.
  • Tour capacity: 30
Breweries and Brothels

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm

Explore the colorful history of Helena’s prominent brewery scene and historic red-light districts through this 60-minute guided downtown walking tour. Stories of entrepreneurial brewmeisters and madams divulge the rise and fall of Helena’s underworld that will excite, surprise and inform a forgotten history of the capital.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity:  25
The Original Governor's Mansion

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm

This historic house museum located near downtown Helena was built by entrepreneur William Chessman as a private residence in 1888. The three-story Queen Anne-style structure was acquired by the State of Montana in 1913 to serve as its first official governor's residence. The home then housed a succession of nine First Families until a new governor's residence was built in 1959.

The Original Governor's Mansion Restoration Society began to refurbish the building in 1969 with the support of the City of Helena. Since 1981, the Montana Historical Society has administered the Mansion; today, the building is carefully restored to its authentic appearance during its first years as home to Montana's governors.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity: 20
Last Chance Tour Train (Trolley)

Tuesday, April 25 at 2:15 pm 

Enjoy a tour of Helena aboard the climate-controlled Trolley. See the opulent mansion district, marvel at the Cathedral of St. Helena and roll by our governor’s homes. Cruise by a restored miners’ village, enjoy the unique architecture along Last Chance Gulch and catch a glimpse of the Old Fire Tower. It’s a fun way to see beautiful and historic Helena.

  • Location: Meet at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial Lobby
  • Tour capacity: 30

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Contact Information

Brand MT
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
301 S. Park Ave.
PO Box 200501
Helena, MT 59620-0501

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P: 406.841.2870
F: 406.841.2701
TDD: 406.841.2702

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