# Montana State Capitol

> 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/montana-state-capitol/

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

## 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

- [Montana State Capitol brochure (Montana Historical Society)](https://mths.mt.gov/education/MTCAPITOLBROCHURE.2025.pdf)
- [Montana State Capitol (Visit Montana)](https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/state-historic-site/montana-state-capitol.html)

## Nearby

- [Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-lc-caverns/) – 53 mi
- [Giant Springs State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/giant-springs-state-park/) – 76 mi
- [Nevada City](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-nevada-city/) – 88 mi
- [Big Hole National Battlefield](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-big-hole/) – 102 mi

## 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)