Explore Helena with Guided Tours from the Foundation for Montana History
Looking for a fun way to dig deeper into the rich history of Helena, Montana? The Foundation for Montana History has you covered with three different tours of the Queen City, two of which are new for the 2026 season! From June through September, history enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike can delve into the past through three enthralling tours:
Let’s take a closer look at what each tour has to offer:
Get to Know the Available Walking Tours
1. Walking Historic Downtown
The four down-on-their-luck prospectors who struck gold here in 1864 figured it was their final shot before heading home. Instead, they kicked off one of the richest placer strikes in Montana history. This 90-minute walking tour follows Helena’s original main street through that improbable rise, from canvas tents and log cabins to the granite banks and ornate facades that still line the gulch today. Your guide will point out the details most visitors walk right past, along with the stories of the fortune-seekers, swindlers, and city-builders behind them.
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: 90 minutes
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, with incline; recommended ages 10+
Price: $20/adult, $10 for ages 50+, and $10/junior (Ages 15 and under)
Tour Times: Thursdays and Fridays at 10 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: $40 for all ages
Tour Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am
Meeting Point: Montago Coffee at 317 Cruse Ave, Helena, MT 59601
3. Breweries and Brothels
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. Starting from Reeder’s Alley, picture the gulch at its rowdiest. Saloon doors swinging, fresh-brewed beer by the barrel, and red lanterns glowing after dark, when entrepreneurial madams and brewmeisters ran some of the most profitable businesses in town. It’s hard to imagine on today’s quiet streets, but for a few golden decades, this was one of the wealthiest and wildest corners of the West.
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 and Junior (ages 15 and under), $10/ages 50+
Tour Time: Thursdays and Fridays at 5:30 pm
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!
4. Gulch Pub Trolley Tour – Coming Fall 2026
When the aspens turn and the evenings come early, Helena’s history gets a little harder to explain. Running in September and October only, this pub trolley tour rolls through Last Chance Gulch after the summer crowds have gone, sharing the ghost stories attached to some of the city’s most historic spots, such as the Myrna Loy, the Cathedral of Saint Helena, Grand Street Theatre, Reeder’s Alley, and more. Pedaling is optional, drinks are welcome, and the stories are best enjoyed with a healthy dose of skepticism… or not.
Sign up for the Foundation for Montana History’s newsletter for updates on this tour’s start date.
Duration: 150 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Easy, non-pedaling seats available; recommended for ages 12+
Tour Time: September and October only, dates to be announced
What to Expect on Your Tour
Tour Pricing – Walking tours cost $20 per adult, with discounts available for children and seniors. The two Pub Trolley Tours are slightly more expensive at $40 per person.
How to Book a Tour – Visit the Foundation for Montana History 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 75 to 150 minutes, depending on the format. Walking tours range from 1 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!
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