The town of Stevensville, Montana became the state’s first permanent pioneer settlement in 1841 when the historic Saint Mary’s Mission was founded. Tourists can stroll along the quaint Main Street and browse locally owned shops and dine at local establishments, take a drive out to the expansive Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge for some wildlife viewing, sample local brews at the Wildwood Brewery, hike up the Saint Mary Peak, catch a show at Stevensville Playhouse, get an overview of local history at the Saint Mary’s Mission, and much more in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 2,800 acres along southwestern Montana’s Bitterroot River. Established originally as the Ravalli National Wildlife Refuge in 1964, the wildlife preserve was renamed later in 1978 in remembrance of Montana native Senator Lee Metcalf. The wildlife viewing area of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge spans across 160 acres of riparian woodland and wetlands and features a wheelchair-accessible, paved trail that extends from the picnic area to the parking lot and two nature trails. This viewing area includes a fishing and viewing structure, information kiosk, benches, and restroom facilities.
4567 Wild Fowl Ln, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-5552
St. Mary's Mission
The St. Mary's Mission’s history starts with 24 Iroquois Indians employed by Hudson’s Bay Company trappers arriving in the Northwest region. During the season of 1823 to 1824, 12 of the Iroquois men chose to stay with the Salish, or Selis, people in what is today known as the Bitterroot Valley. These Iroquois married into the tribe and shared their stories of how Christianity was brought to their people. The St. Mary’s Mission complex now features a restored residence/chapel, the pharmacy/log house of Father Ravalli, and the Salish museum, which was formerly the cabin of Chief Victor.
315 Charlos St, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-5734
St. Mary Peak
St. Mary Peak in Stevensville, Montana is one of the Bitterroot Mountains area’s most accessible peaks measuring more than nine thousand feet in elevation. The mountain peak also provides stunning views of the surrounding region. A well-traveled trail leads hikers to the Saint Mary Peak summit with a gain of 2,500 feet in elevation over three and a half miles. The peak’s trailhead, which is the loftiest within these mountains, is located at 6,850 feet. During the summer season, the hike is relatively easy. When the weather is clear, hikers can pick out many of the surrounding mountains.
Stevensville, MT, Phone: 406-777-5734
Fort Owen State Park
Fort Owen State Park is home to the historic Fort Owen, which was built out of logs and adobe and is the site where Montana’ first permanent white settlement was built. In 1841, Father Pierre DeSmet came to what is now the town of Stevensville, Montana and founded the Saint Mary’s Mission among the area’s Flathead Indians. The fort was established by Major John Owen in 1850 to serve as a regional center for trade, and many artifacts and period furnishings can be seen on display in Fort Owen’s restored rooms. The park also includes picnic tables and vault toilets.
99 Fort Owen Ranch Rd, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-273-4253
Wildwood Brewery
The Wildwood Brewery in the quaint town of Stevensville in southwestern Montana is a place for “fun, friends, and fine craft beer,” offering a local brewery that isn’t like most breweries. Each element of the Wildwood Brewery has its own unique story, from its handcrafted wood sign that swings above the brew house log book to its distinguished on-tap beers to the iconic Montana characters to the beautiful lighted entrance gate. Guests may have the chance to talk with the brewmaster and owner Jim Lueders during their visit and learn quickly he has a great amount of respect for forward-thinking true innovation.
4018 US Hwy 93 North, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-2855
Fishs Eddy O
Fishs Eddy O is a unique thing to do during a visit to Stevensville, Montana with a main objective of fly-fishing for trout. Fishing trips are designed for people of all skill levels and abilities, from the true beginner to a seasoned, well experienced angler, offering everyone a day full of adventure, fun, and new experiences. The owner and fishing guide of Fishs Eddy O, Eddie Olwell, has a long history of fishing, beginning fly-fishing at thirteen years of age, and honed his fishing skills on the Catskill Mountains’ storied water, along with Patagonia, New Zealand, and across North America..
234 Heritage St, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-207-5678
Stevensville Playhouse
Established in 1989, the Stevensville Playhouse is a community-based performance theater located right on the charming Main Street of downtown Stevensville. Both visitors and local residents alike can attend one of the several shows put on by the small theater throughout the year. In addition to the main theater capable of seating a little more than three hundred guests, the main floor of the Stevensville Playhouse consists of a storage space, bathrooms, a workshop, and a green room. The upper floor houses the costume storage and two dressing rooms, while the basement offers storage for props and set pieces.
319 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-2722
Mission Bistro
The Mission Bistro is owned and operated by a brother-sister duo who share a desire to bring local, fresh food to the Stevensville community in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The bistro is designed to be a place where both visitors and locals can relax and enjoy a delicious meal. There is also a primary emphasis on local produce and products, supporting the local community as much as possible. The Mission Bistro specializes in French-inspired Northwestern cuisine, including fresh seafood dishes and hearty comfort food. Along with the food, the bistro also offers beers from local breweries.
225 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-6945
The Catered Table
The Catered Table is a charming restaurant in Stevensville, Montana that provides a fine dining experience, but one that the entire family can enjoy in a casual, comfortable setting. The restaurant specializes in pasta, certified Angus beef, and seafood, along with daily specials, custom-blended coffees, and homemade desserts. Paired with these dishes is an extensive selection of both imported and domestic beers and local microbrews, as well as an international fine wine list. The Catered Table is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00pm until 9:00pm and on Sundays from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.
205 Main St, Stevensville, MT 59870, Phone: 406-777-7090
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