Gates Of The Mountains Boat Tour (Helena)

Destination #3: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana

This two hour Gates OF The Mountains Boat Tour follows the travels of Lewis and Clark upstream on the Missouri River where Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals, “Suddenly, there loomed before them towering rock formations unlike any they had ever seen. From both sides of the river, limestone cliffs rose to a spectacular heights of 1200 feet. In many places,” wrote Meriwether Lewis, “the rocks seem ready … [Read more...]

Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine and Gold Fever Rock Shop (Helena)

Destination #3: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana

Digging at the Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine was so much fun! Many gems can be found in Montana, but sapphires are particularly abundant and can be found in the ancient riverbeds. Shari. the kids and I could not wait to get digging to find some treasure. We checked in at the rock shop and were given a brief overview of the types of rocks and gems that we might find.  We then followed our guide up the hill to the dig … [Read more...]

State Capitol Building (Helena)

Destination #3: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana

The Montana State Capitol Building was completed in 1902 and is a beautiful domed structure made of Montana sandstone and granite.  Inside is a spectacular rotunda with four circular paintings which depict for important types of people in Montana's early history. They are 1. a Native American, 2. an explorer and fur trapper, 3. a gold miner, and 4. a cowboy. There are a few other significant paintings, making this a … [Read more...]