Montana State Capitol
Helena, MT
A stone capitol with a copper dome, known for the murals and paintings in its chambers and corridors. Tours are often offered on weekdays, so check ahead and combine the stop with a stroll in the nearby historic districts.
The Montana State Capitol in Helena was completed in 1902 to designs by Charles E. Bell and John H. Kent and dedicated on July 4. The dome is clad in copper and about 50 meters (165 feet) high. Side wings were added between 1909 and 1912. The building stands on a gentle slope amid about 4 hectares (10 acres) of lawns and is made of sandstone and granite.
The art inside is famous, including Charles M. Russell's 1912 painting "Lewis and Clark Meeting the Indians at Ross' Hole," described as his largest work, as well as murals by Edgar S. Paxson. With the Historical Society's floor map you can explore on your own; guided tours can be booked by phone. Allow about an hour. To get there, take I-15 exit 192; the Montana Historical Society museum is across the street.
- Nearest town
- Helena, MT
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.5857, -112.0183
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
© Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
© Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BY 2.0Giant Springs State Park
© Dskdrive · CC BY-SA 3.0Nevada City
© Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Big Hole National Battlefield
Campsites nearby
- MTBcityCampsite3 mi from Montana State Capitol
- Helena Campground and RV ParkCampsite5 mi from Montana State Capitol
- Park Lake campgroundCampsite12 mi from Montana State Capitol
- Vigilante CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Montana State CapitolTentsCaravans
- Goose Bay Marina & CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Montana State Capitol
- Galena Gulch CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Montana State Capitol · 12 pitchesTentsCaravans
All campsites in Montana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Montana State Capitol?
Montana State Capitol is in Helena, MT, at GPS 46.5857, -112.0183. It is about 53 mi from Three Forks.
Can you camp near Montana State Capitol?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is MTBcity, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Montana State Capitol?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (53 mi), Giant Springs State Park (76 mi), Nevada City (88 mi) and Big Hole National Battlefield (102 mi).
When is the best time to visit Montana State Capitol?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)