Montana’s Capital City, Helena, has built a reputation as one of Montana’s most exciting, and underrated, craft beer destinations, with seven unique breweries across town alongside a number of other destinations for incredible craft beverages.
From award-winning taprooms and family-friendly patios to a cozy speakeasy, Helena breweries are as diverse as the landscapes surrounding them. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a stop on your Montana road trip, or planning to attend the annual Montana Brewers Rendezvous each August, this itinerary will help you sip your way through town, one hand-crafted pint at a time.
🗓️ Weekend Itinerary featuring Helena’s Craft Breweries
Day 1: Friday Night Arrival
Kick off your Helena brewery weekend at Speakeasy 41, tucked behind a secret bookcase. Step through the shelves and into the Roaring ’20s with locally crafted beers, seltzers, and even non-alcoholic options for those looking for another option.
Dinner: Grab a table at The Brewhouse Pub & Grille, a local favorite that once housed Sleeping Giant Brewing (the early roots of Lewis & Clark Brewing). The food’s hearty, the taps are local, and it’s the perfect way to settle into your Helena brewery weekend.
Day 2: Downtown Discovery
Spend your Saturday exploring the heart of Helena, where breweries, restaurants, and local shops line the historic Last Chance Gulch walking mall.
Morning: Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Park Avenue Bakery before exploring downtown’s boutiques and galleries. Looking for outdoor adventure? Stretch your legs with a hike up Mount Helena City Park, we promise the view is worth every step. Once you’ve completed your hike, swing by Blackfoot River Brewing for a well earned pint and maybe a popcorn snack.
Lunch: If the popcorn wasn’t enough (we know it wasn’t), head over to Mt. Ascension Brewing Co. for a hearty lunch and another locally brewed beer. Located in the former Helena Independent Record building, this gastropub combines local history, great food, and perfectly paired craft beer in one iconic downtown setting.
Afternoon: Wander down the walking mall to Ten Mile Creek Brewery, where you can sip small-batch brews just steps from Parrot Confectionery, Big Dipper Ice Cream, and Hawthorne Bottle Shop & Tasting Room. It’s the perfect place for families, ice cream for the kids, a cold pint for the adults.
🍽 Downtown Dinner Suggestions:
- The Windbag Saloon & Grill Historic Helena vibe, full bar, and a great Montana beer list.
- On Broadway Quintessential Helena dining, just steps away from several downtown breweries.
Day 3: North Side & Beyond
Morning: Ease into your final day with breakfast at Rise n Shine Cafe or Vanilla Bean Bakery, then head north to Copper Furrow Brewing. Known for its easy-drinking beers and welcoming taproom, this brewery has a great outdoor space and is family-friendly.
Lunch: Head to Lewis & Clark Brewing Company, one of Montana’s most award-winning breweries. Their sprawling space features Vigilante Pizza located right in the brewery, an arcade, and frequent live music, proof that you don’t have to choose between great beer and great atmosphere. They even brew craft seltzers made with Montana sugar beets, offering a refreshing option for non-beer drinkers.
Afternoon: Cap off your weekend just down the road in East Helena at Missouri River Brewing Co. With a spacious patio overlooking the Elkhorn Mountains, a brew pub menu, and live music, it’s the perfect finale to your Helena brewery weekend.
Extending Your Weekend?
If you have extra time in Helena, treat yourself to an elevated dining experience at one of the Capital City’s finest restaurants:
🍽 Dinner Options
- Lucca’s Elegant and delicious, this fine-dining favorite offers the perfect setting to toast your Helena adventure.
- Wassweiler Dinner House Upscale Montana cuisine in a refined atmosphere.
- The Union Contemporary American fare with sophisticated cocktails and an impressive wine list.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Helena
Make it a full Helena craft beer weekend by staying close to the action. Whether you prefer a downtown hotel or a cozy bed-and-breakfast, there’s something for every traveler:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Located right on the walking mall, just steps from several Helena breweries.
- Great Northern Best Western Near the Brewhouse and a quick drive from downtown.
- The Carolina Bed & Breakfast Historic charm and personal hospitality.
- Lamplighter Cabins & Suites Perfect for families or longer stays.
Everyone’s travel style is different, explore more lodging options at SouthwestMT.com/accommodations.
🚗 A Friendly Reminder
Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Many of Helena’s breweries are walkable from downtown hotels so you can explore safely and enjoy every sip.
For a deeper dive into the stories behind each of Helena’s breweries, check out our post on a Guide to Helena’s 7 Breweries.
