Looking for a fun way to dig deeper into the rich history of Helena, Montana? The Montana History Foundation has you covered with five different tours of the Queen City, four of which are new for the 2025 season! From June through September, history enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike can delve into the past through five enthralling tours: “Rediscover Reeder’s Alley,” “Pedaling Through the Past,” “Red Light Rendezvous,” “Echoes of the Old World,” and “Wandering the West Side.”

Let’s take a closer look at what each tour has to offer:

Get to Know the Available Walking Tours

1. Rediscover Reeder’s Alley

Step back into the earliest days of Helena as you explore the city’s oldest district, Reeder’s Alley. This short and accessible tour winds over the red brick-lined street dating back to the Gold Rush era. You’ll learn about Lewis Reeder, the entrepreneur who built the alley, visit the Pioneer Cabin (one of the oldest dwellings in Helena), and hear how these humble beginnings helped shape the capital city. This tour offers a snapshot of Helena’s past, tucked away in a quiet corner steps from downtown.

If you only have time for one tour, make it this one. It’s the perfect introduction to Helena’s rich and rugged history!

Ready to dive into Helena’s history? Why not start with a deeper dive into the discovery of Gold on Last Chance Gulch with The Tale of the Four Georgians.

Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 0.25 miles
Difficulty Rating: Easy, some incline; recommended for all ages

Price: $10/adult, $8 for ages 50+, and $5/junior (Ages 15 and under)

Tour Times: Mondays at noon, Tuesdays through Thursdays at 11 am, and by request.
Meeting Point: Helena History Tours Office in Reeder’s Alley at 111 Reeder’s Alley, Helena, MT 59601 – look for the Helena History Tour Sign!

2. Pedaling Through the Past

Want to see more of Helena without tiring your feet? Climb aboard The Bert & Ernie’s Pub Trolley for a two-hour guided ride through the city’s most historic neighborhoods. You’ll pedal or relax in non-pedaling seats through Helena’s Mansion District, ride past the St. Helena Cathedral, and circle through Reeder’s Alley. Drinks are welcome, and fun is mandatory.

Are you curious about grand historic homes or want to enjoy a leisurely ride with your group? This tour strikes the perfect balance. Make sure to reserve this tour in advance, it books fast and you don’t want to miss this fun-filled adventure!

Duration: 120 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Easy, non-pedaling seats available; recommended for ages 10+

Price: $35/adult and $20/junior (Ages 15 and under)

Tour Time: Saturdays at 10 am
Meeting Point: Montago Coffee at 317 Cruse Ave, Helena, MT 59601

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Last Chance: A Tale of the Four Georgians

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3. Red Light Rendezvous

Explore the colorful history of Helena’s wild and whimsical red-light districts on this 90-minute walking tour across 1.5 miles of downtown streets. The tour begins at Reeder’s Alley, where you’ll discover tales of entrepreneurial madams, brewmeisters, and mischief that divulge the rise and fall of Helena’s underworld. This tour strolls around the bustling brothel districts that defined early Helena history, with stops at the Bluestone House and the iconic Windbag Saloon, once home to Big Dorothy’s and the iconic red bed.

Don’t miss your chance to experience a lesser-known illicit history of the Queen City this summer!

Duration: 90 minutes
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, some incline; recommended for ages 12+

Price: $20/adult, $10/ages 50+ and Juniors (ages 15 and under)

Tour Time: Thursdays and Fridays at 5:30 pm
Meeting Point: Reeder’s Alley, Helena, MT 59601

4. Echoes of the Old World

Another pedaling trolley tour aboard The Bert & Ernie’s Pub Trolley. Visitors will journey through Helena’s immigrant while traversing the South-Central Historic District of Helena. You’ll hear diverse stories, from European miners to business owners, who transformed the gold camp into Montana’s thriving capital. Pedaling is optional, and all passengers can enjoy historic commentary and photo ops.

Hop aboard and discover Helena’s rich cultural heritage like never before. The Echoes of the Old World is one tour you won’t want to miss!

Duration: 75 Minutes
Difficulty Rating: Easy, non-pedaling seats available; recommended for ages 12+

Price: $30/adult and $20/junior (ages 15 and under)

Tour Time: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
Meeting Point: Blackfoot River Brewing Company at 66 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601

5. Wandering the West Side

Explore Helena’s lesser-known stories on a walking tour through the West Side Historic District, just east of Reeder’s Alley. Your guide will lead you from Reeder’s Alley, sharing tales of architectural gems, notable neighborhood figures, and hidden vistas that showcase a new side of Helena. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of unexpected sights and stories that highlight this historic neighborhood in the Queen City.

This tour provides a deeper understanding of Helena’s growth beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown, making it perfect for history enthusiasts and visitors interested in the city’s evolving residential character.

Duration: 75 Minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, some incline; recommended for ages 10+

Price: $15/adult and $10 for ages 50+ and Juniors (Ages 15 and younger).

Tour Time: Fridays at noon
Meeting Point: Helena History Tours Office in Reeder’s Alley at 111 Reeder’s Alley, Helena, MT 59601 look for the Helena History Tours Sign!

What to Expect on Your Tour

Tour Pricing – Walking tours range from $10 to $20 per adult, with discounts available for children and seniors. While the two Pub Trolley Tours are slightly more expensive, priced between $30 and $35 for adults and $20 for juniors.

Additional discounts are available for the walking tours with the Triple Play Package. If you’re looking to explore more than one walking tour, don’t miss this bundle. It includes all three walking tours—Rediscover Reeder’s Alley, Red Light Rendezvous, and Wandering the West Side—for just $25 (a $45 value!).

There are no additional discounts for the Pub Trolley tours when bundling.

How to Book a Tour – Visit the Montana History Foundation website, where you will find additional information about the tour and easy booking links for each! There is limited space available on each tour, so we highly recommend booking in advance.

Length of Tour (Time & Distance) – Tour durations range from 45 to 120 minutes, depending on the format. Walking tours range from 0.25 to 1.5 miles in length and vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. Trolley tours offer a more relaxed experience with optional pedaling and frequent photo stops. All participants are advised to pedal at their own pace on the Pub Trolley.

Ready to Dig Deeper into Helena’s Rich History!? Book Your Tour Today!