Historic Attractions

HISTORIC READERS ALLEY  Reeders Alley is a restored miners village nestled against the foot of Mt. Helena.  This narrow alleyway and closely spaced buildings comprise the city's most complete remaining blockof this era.  Each structure has been carefully restored to maintain their historic appeal.  The Pioneer Cabin is the oldest house in Helen.  Built in 1864 and constructed with hand-hewn logs, it typifies the pioneer home of that year.  The oldest locust trees in front of the cabin were brought across the plains in tin cans as seedlings.  Most of the furnishings are authentic and were transported to this area by covered wagon.  The cabin is now a museum open to the public and is located at the foot of Reeders Alley in the Last Chance Gulch area. 

 

ORIGINAL GOVERNOR'S MANSION  For over a century, the Original Governor's Mansion (built in 1888) has stood as a symbol of Helena's wealth and political prominence.  The state of Montana acquired the handsome brick mansion in 1913 to serve as the official governor's residence and for nearly half a century Montana's governor's lived here.  The mansion itself has changed very little;  the structure has remained intact and the appearance of the building today closely resembles the mansion during its years of prominence. 304 N. Ewing St.

 

MONTANA STATE CAPITOL  One of Montana's most important historic sites is more than an office building for executive and legislative branches of state government.  The capitol building is also a museum reflecting the values of turn-of-the-century Montanans.  THe interior decor of the building celebrates Montana's frontier past.  Historical panels feature significant themes from the state's history including the miners, cowboys and Indian-White relations.