about
What is
the gulch?
The Gulch is Helena Montana’s downtown district. It is also the public facing brand of the Business Improvement District.
The goals of The Gulch are to unite the downtown business and property owners with the greater community, sponsor events, sponsor grants that help downtown businesses thrive, and promote economic growth and local small businesses.
The history
last chance gulch : the heart of helena
Last Chance Gulch is the iconic name given to the actual gulch where gold was first discovered in Helena, Montana, in 1864. Initially, the thoroughfare built along the gulch was simply called Main Street. However, in 1953, it was officially renamed Last Chance Gulch, reflecting its historical significance.
gold rush
The story begins in 1864 when a group of prospectors, referred to as the "Four Georgians," stumbled upon a promising gold deposit while returning from a fruitless search. This final attempt, or "last chance," proved to be a success. Word of their discovery spread like wildfire, attracting thousands of hopeful miners to the area.
Helena rapidly grew from a tent city into a bustling mining town, with Last Chance Gulch as its central artery. Saloons, gambling halls, and general stores sprang up to cater to the miners' needs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
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Last Chance Gulch, once the heart of Helena’s gold rush era, has transformed into a vibrant downtown district. While its historic buildings stand as testaments to the city’s pioneering spirit, the Gulch now offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore unique shops, savor diverse cuisine, and immerse themselves in local culture, all while experiencing a taste of the Wild West.
Learn more about Helena and the surrounding areas on Helena As She Was
MAP DESIGN BY GOODSON DESIGNS
The brand
the gulch: downtown helena
Helena's downtown is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Last Chance Gulch or "The Gulch" belongs to all of us. It is a district that connects all of downtown, all of our businesses, and it connects our gold mining, vigilante filled history, with our bright future.
S.T. Pearson
Downtown Helena is beautiful. It is full of interesting buildings from the time when Helena was a wealthy town because of all of the gold discovered in the area. It has great restaurants and the walking mall is beautiful.
SDB545
Downtown Helena is a unique Montana gem. here are a variety of shops, breweries, wine bars, restaurants and parks. Helena has one of Montana’s rare walking malls through several blocks of Downtown. It can be a bit chilly in the winter, but it truly comes alive in the summer.