SCENIC FLIGHTS

Surrounded by the wildlands of the Continental Divide, Big Belt Mountains, Elkhorn Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness, remains the only U.S. State capital untouched by the industrialization of the 20th century.

It was a gold strike in 1864 that touched off a boom era that transformed Helena into “Queen City of the Rockies” and Montana’s capital city.

Just beyond the city, to the north, are the Gates of the Mountains, named such in 1805 by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their historic expedition. The explorers first noted that the river appeared to stop at a mountain ridge. However, as they drew closer, the mountain opened like a gate to let the river flow through.

It was also in the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area that, in 1949, 13 smoke jumpers lost their lives, inspiring Norman Maclean’s book Young Men and Fire.

Exec Air offers one and two-hour scenic flights over Helena, the valley and surrounding mountains and wilderness areas.

You could fly along the Missouri River, tracing the float of Lewis and Clark’s expedition through the Gates of the Mountains.

You could glide along the Rocky Mountains, enjoying the scenery gazing down upon the top of the Continental Divide. One look gives new appreciation for the adventures faced by early settlers who scaled its rugged, often snow-topped terrain on their journey to the northwestern territories.

A flight over Helena affords a view of two of the city’s most distinguished pieces of architecture. Most imposing is the State Capitol building, a structure reflecting Greek Renaissance style.

In the heart of the city is the St. Helena Cathedral, modeled after the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, and a replica of the Votive Church in Vienna.

If you have more than an hour and desire to see more of Montana, Exec Air can help you create a customized Montana Air Tour to any of our National Parks or historical sites, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.