Helena, Montana’s capital, is a scenic city that dates back to the gold rush. Today, it is a picturesque place with large parks, surrounding forests, and historical architecture. Twin Bridges and Clancy are two of Montana’s most appealing cities, both just a short drive from Helena. Let’s explore what makes Twin Bridges and Clancy excellent places to call home.
Twin Bridges
Twin Bridges is a small town with a permanent population of just 350, roughly an hour-and-a-half drive from the heart of Helena. Its surrounding unspoiled natural settings significantly contribute to this quaint town’s appeal.
Twin Bridges is at the confluence of three rivers: Beaverhead River, Big Hole River, and Ruby River. Its location has established the town as one of the best fly-fishing destinations in the state, with trophy trout fish and incredible freshwater catches. Twin Bridges is also near Beaverhead Rock State Park, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped, which is now a sprawling natural preserve that overlooks the Beaverhead River.
Twin Bridges’s downtown area has local restaurants that serve high-quality meals and shops that sell outdoor gear, groceries, and anything else residents might need. The real estate options in the town are not cheap, but many homes sit on expansive plots with unmatched access to nature.
Clancy
Clancy, home to roughly 2,000 residents, is just a 20-minute drive from the state capital. While many of its residents work in Helena, there is much to see and do in Clancy that makes it an excellent place to live.
Clancy is a community steeped in history and natural beauty. It is based among mountainous scenery and was an important site as a 19th-century silver camp. The Jefferson County Museum hosts exhibits that showcase the unique history of this region. Clancy also has several art galleries and is a short drive from the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum.
There are plenty of scenic areas for outdoor enthusiasts to explore in and near Clancy. Willard Creek Trail is a large natural area in the Helena National Forest. Keep a watchful eye out for wild horses and moose there. Strawberry Butte is another picturesque natural destination near Clancy, a large hilly forested area that offers incredible views of the surrounding nature.
