Over the years, we have greeted world travelers, business folks, anglers, hikers, families on grand tours of national parks, and countless more. For each guest, individual needs and comforts come first.
Come and enjoy it all: seven guest rooms with elegant furnishings, comfortable beds, and private baths; afternoon refreshments in the parlor; a full-course breakfast; and our great location near downtown Helena and the state capital area. Plus, all the extras like a summer afternoon on the front porch, a walk downtown, or a hike up Mount Helena.
A gourmet Montana breakfast is served each morning at The Sanders, with fresh fruit, juice, muffins or coffee cake, black and herbal teas, organic coffee, and an entree. Among guest favorites are the orange soufflé, sourdough pancakes, Grand Marnier French Toast, and gingerbread waffles.
The gracious dining room with its wainscoting and ornate china cupboard provides the perfect setting to linger over coffee and a newspaper, to share a fishing story or two, marvel at Big Sky weather, or plan a day of hiking.
On weekdays, breakfast is served between 7 and 8:30 a.m., and on weekends, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. Please alert us to any food restrictions and allergies. Let us know if you are booked on an early flight and we will prepare a go-bag breakfast of fruit, juice, and muffin.
Guests are treated to cookies, seasonal fruit, hot tea, coffee, dry sherry, or lemonade (depending on Montana’s weather). The small guest refrigerator in the kitchen is stocked with a variety of juices and soft drinks. Take time to relax. Browse through the collection of area guide books and menus. Ask us about hiking Mount Helena, a walking tour of the mansion district, or restaurants downtown.

A SAMPLING OF ADVENTURES IN HELENA
The Sanders Bed and Breakfast Area
(Within three blocks of The Sanders)

1. Original Governor's Mansion - Home to nine governors and their families between 1913 and 1959, this mansion now offers a unique glance into Montana's past. Summer tours of this Queen Anne Victorian home are available almost every day.

2. The Cathedral of St. Helena - Built in 1908 and completed six years later, the Cathedral has fifty-six stained glass windows representing various Bible stories. Modeled after the Votive Church in Vienna, Austria and a cathedral in Cologne, Germany, the Cathedral is the seat for the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in western Montana.

3. Myrna Loy Center for the Performing Arts - Helena's showcase for national music, theater, and dance companies, as well as festivals, conferences, and films. Originally the county jail, the building was recently remodeled and named for one of Helena's favorite daughters - film star Myrna Loy.

4. Lewis and Clark County Courthouse - Built in 1885, this Romanesque building of native stone was the site of the first state legislative sessions.

Historic Downtown Area
(West within three to ten blocks of The Sanders)

5. Holter Museum of Art - At this new museum in an old setting, you'll discover exhibits by local, regional, and national artists along with an excellent gift shop. Openings are gala events.

6. Historic Last Chance Gulch - Helena's Main Street is home to many shops and businesses interspersed with plenty of history. Along this outdoor mall, one can find an old trolley car that was used until 1928, a sculpture of the Four Georgians, who were the first to discover gold on the Gulch, and a large number of historic buildings including the Power Block, the Atlas Building and the Securities Building.

7. Grandstreet Theater - Built in 1865 as the Unitarian Church and later used as the local library, Grandstreet is the home for local live productions including musicals, drama, and children's theater.

8. The Fire Tower - Nicknamed "The Guardian of the Gulch," the Fire Tower is a symbol of Helena and of security. It is said to be one of only five urban fire towers in existence in the nation.

9. Reeder's Alley - Now a location for businesses and a restaurant, in the 1870s Reeder's Alley was the site of a short-lived gold rush. After a nugget worth $3.10 was discovered, the alley was filled with prospectors looking for gold. Unfortunately, no more was found.

10. Pioneer Cabin - Adjoining Reeder's Alley, this cabin was built in 1864. It was the first building in Helena to be publicly restored. Every item in this museum was used, built or made between 1863 and 1883. The summer gardens are particularly lovely.

11. Mount Helena City Park - This 628 acre city park offers great views of the Helena valley from its 5,468 foot summit. We have a map showing hiking and biking trails.

Capitol Area
(Twelve blocks east of The Sanders)

12. Capitol - After a hard fought battle

Frommer’s Montana & Wyoming, 5th edition 2004

"The Sanders is a lesson in Montana history all on its own. Built and owned by Wilbur Fisk Sanders in 1875l the B & B has been beautifully restored by Bobby Uecker (no relation to form ballplayer Bob), and Rock Ringling
(a fourth generation descendent of the famous circus family)....
Bobbi’s enthusiasm shows in every detail, from the savory breakfasts, where’s she’s willing to accommodate every kind of dietary restriction, to the advice she can offer on Helena’s restaurants and attractions.

Fodor’s - Montana, Wyoming & Idaho 2004


"Colonel Wilbur Sanders, one of the first senators of Montana, built this three story Victorian mansion in 1875. The colonel’s rock collection is still in the front hall, and the B&B has retained his furnishings. Most of the rooms overlook mountain-ringed downtown Helena. Breakfasts are a work of art: Grand Marnier French Toast, orange soufflé, or g....read more