45 Underrated Religious College Towns Across America You'll Fall in Love With

36. Helena, Montana: Catholic Roots in Big Sky Country

Set beneath the sweeping sky and mountainous backdrop of western Montana, Helena surprises visitors with its deep Catholic heritage. Carroll College, a private Catholic liberal arts school, anchors this small capital city with a commitment to both faith and intellectual rigor. The stunning Cathedral of St. Helena, modeled after Vienna’s Votivkirche, dominates the skyline with its neo-Gothic spires and intricate stained glass. Beyond its ecclesiastical beauty, Helena offers peaceful walking trails, quiet cafés, and a contemplative pace of life. Whether you’re hiking Mount Helena or attending Mass beneath vaulted arches, the town blends wild landscapes with sacred quiet in rare harmony.