Named after its towering cottonwoods, The Grove bridges East Helena’s history as a smelter town with its future as a thriving community with abundant public access. Accessed from JFK Park, The Grove features over two miles of broad, flat trails in the grasslands adjacent to Prickly Pear Creek. Visitors love the views of Sleeping Giant to the north and the Big Belt Mountains to the east. The park is also an outdoor classroom for East Helena science classes.
History
The American Smelting and Refining Company, which operated for over 100 years in this valley, was vital to East Helena’s culture and history. In 2011, East Helena asked Prickly Pear Land Trust to help establish parks on the former ASARCO land. In 2020, the Montana Environmental Trust Group transferred ownership of two future park sites to PPLT. These lands are now open to the public forever.
Park Rules
- Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Stay on trails.
- Non-motorized use only, except for motorized adaptive equipment. Class 1 E-bikes are allowed.
- Dogs must be on leash. Follow posted dog regulations.
- Follow Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing regulations.
- Clean up after yourself and your pets.
- Horses, hunting, firearms, camping, fires, smoking, fireworks, and alcohol are prohibited.
Do you have questions or comments? Contact Parks Coordinator Lucas Orth at parks@pricklypearlt.org or call the PPLT office at (406) 442-0490.
