Founded in 1885 in Helena, Montana Territory by fifty male attorneys, bankers, mining, livestock and timber magnates, politicians, transportation titans, wholesalers and self-described capitalists, the Montana Club was the longest-continuously open private club between Minneapolis and Seattle until it reorganized as a co-operative association and opened to the public in June 2018 for à la carte dining, private dining, weddings, celebrations and business meetings. Designed by St Paul/New York City architect Cass Gilbert to replace the original private club destroyed in a fire, the Montana Club in downtown Helena is one of the state’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks.
For nearly 140 years, the Club has offered authentic Montana hospitality in a variety of settings: from the majestic second floor dining room to the intimate wood-paneled Russell Room to the cozy Rathskeller and the Banquet Hall with panoramic views of downtown and Mount Helena.
For more information on the Club’s history, please see the Society of Architectural Historians’ Archipedia entry https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/MT-01-049-0054
The Original Montana Club – Honoring History, Shaping the Future
Under the ownership of Ajitpal Pannu, The Original Montana Club continues its proud legacy as a cornerstone of Helena’s history while embracing a new model for community and connection. The Rathskeller welcomes the public to enjoy live entertainment, dining, and drinks in a relaxed, historic setting, while The Club offers members and their guests exclusive access to a private bar, member dinners, and curated events. With a vision that balances heritage and modern hospitality, The Original Montana Club is building community through shared experiences, timeless tradition, and a spirit of renewal—with more to come.
