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Pioneer Cabin


In the fall of 1864, a miner named Wilson Butts staked his claim along Last Chance Gulch by building the snug cabin with large glass windows, the first large glass windows in Helena. Butts added a room when his brother and sister-in-law (Jonas and Luanna) arrived with their three daughters to live with him.

The creek which drew Butts and other miners to Helena no longer flows, having been stopped by an earthquake in the 1930s. Before it disappeared, the creek produced over $60 million in gold.

Today the cabin is furnished to reflect the first three families who lived there; visitors can tour the cabin during the summer. When the cabin is closed, visitors can view the interior through the windows. Tours can be arranged/requested for the time you are in Helena.

The Pioneer Cabin stands as one of the last remaining structures that represents early Helena. It is the only one of its kind in the state of Montana. It also serves as the gateway to Reeder's Alley, the oldest part of Helena.

The garden next to the cabin is available for weddings and parties. Please contact the caretaker to make arrangements.

Please call and make an appointment to tour the Pioneer Cabin.

Group tours available by appointment 24-hour notice preferred.

Hours and Season of Operation:
Season:
June - August
Services Offered:
Handicapped Accessible
instruction
parking
public Restroom
registered Historic Site
unescorted Tour
Activities Offered:
Exhibit
garden
history
tour
weddings
exterior of cabin, Image By: Donnie Sexton
Exterior Of Cabin
Image By: Donnie Sexton Postcard Image
Image By: Gretchen Hibbard Exterior
Image By: Janet Andrews Garden
Image By: Jan Sinnamon Dining Room
Image By: Janet Andrews Dining Room
Image By: Janet Andrews Wood Stove
Image By: Janet Andrews
View Larger Image Gallery
Map and Driving Directions
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
101 Reeders Alley
Helena, MT 59601

Street Address:
212 South Park Avenue
Helena, MT 59601

Phone: 406-449-6688
Alternate Phone: 406-443-2081
http://reedersalley.com
Directions
Pioneer Cabin is located by heading south on Park Avenue out of Helena towards Unionville. It is located at the base of Mount Helena, at the foot of Reeder's Alley and across the street from the library.

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