A place like no other near Helena in Montana
Reeder’s Alley is a historic district tucked into the base of Mount Helena at the southwest corner of downtown Helena. Built in the 1870s by Pennsylvania brick and stone mason Louis Reeder, it stands as the oldest intact piece of early Helena and offers visitors a window into the lives of miners, merchants, and the families who first settled this Montana gold rush town. Today the alley is a designated historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a restaurant, caterers, offices, nonprofit organizations, and the Visit Helena center. Walking through the cobblestone passage feels like stepping back in time, with stone and brick buildings that have witnessed more than a century and a half of Montana history.
The story of Reeder’s Alley begins with Louis Reeder, a Pennsylvania-trained brick and stone mason who saw opportunity in the booming gold camp of Helena. Constructing the alley in the 1870s, Reeder built a row of simple cabins and structures that housed the working-class families who came to Helena seeking fortune in the Treasure State. These early dwellings sheltered miners, laborers, and small business owners who could not yet afford the grand Victorian homes that would later line Last Chance Gulch. The alley holds the oldest documented dwelling in Helena, and archaeological investigations have uncovered fascinating artifacts beneath its stone buildings, including evidence of Chinese influence reflecting the diverse community of immigrants who passed through Helena during the mining boom era.
In December 2000, then-owners Darrell and Kathy Gustin donated the Reeder’s Alley properties to the Montana Heritage Commission and the State of Montana, ensuring the preservation of this irreplaceable piece of Helena’s past for future generations. The Stonehouse Restaurant occupies one of the alley’s historic buildings, and in 2008 archaeological excavations beneath the restaurant uncovered pits and artifacts that offered new insights into daily life during Helena’s early years. The restaurant combines historic ambiance with contemporary dining, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The Visit Helena visitor center is also located within the alley, providing maps, brochures, and insider tips on other Helena attractions.
Self-guided walking tours are the most popular way to experience Reeder’s Alley. A tour brochure is available at the Visit Helena center or can be downloaded in advance. The entire alley can be explored in about fifteen to twenty minutes, making it a perfect addition to a broader downtown Helena walking tour that might include Last Chance Gulch and the Montana State Capitol. Photography enthusiasts will find the alley particularly compelling, as the interplay of stone walls, brick facades, and mountain backdrop creates endless opportunities for capturing Helena’s historic character.
The best time to visit Reeder’s Alley is during the summer months from June through August when Helena enjoys long summer days with temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. This is peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and potentially longer waits at the Stonehouse Restaurant. Spring and fall bring smaller crowds and the chance to experience the alley in a more tranquil setting, with wildflowers in the foothills during spring and golden aspen leaves during fall. Winter transforms Reeder’s Alley into a quiet, snow-dusted retreat, and the Stonehouse Restaurant remains open and is especially welcoming after a cold walk through town. The Montana legislative session, which typically runs from January through May in odd-numbered years, brings an influx of visitors to Helena as lawmakers and curious citizens descend on the capital.