Stevensville

Stevensville, Montana

Stevensville is the oldest town in Montana. St. Mary’s Mission was the first permanent white settlement in Montana and was established in 1841 by Jesuit missionaries. They were led by Father Pierre Jean DeSmet, who was asked by the Salish Indians to come to the valley. St. Mary’s was the first church and the first school in the Northwest.

Major John Owen, a trader with the army, established Fort Owen in 1850 and it served as a trading post for trappers, miners, settlers and Indians for 20 years.

Directly north of the town is the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge is a wonderful place where visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing and environmental education.

Stevensville has many events throughout the year including Creamery Picnic, Western Heritage Days and First Friday.

West of Stevensville is access to the Big Creek Trailhead, Kootenai Creek Trailhead and Bass Creek Trailhead.