Fort Owen is the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Father Pierre DeSmet came to the area in 1841 and established St. Mary’s Mission among the Flathead Indians. In 1850, Major John Owen established the fort as a regional trade center.
The fort also supported a farming operation, sawmill and gristmill. The original 1850 structure evolved from the log palisade of a frontier trader into an adobe-brick fortress with turrets and walkways. Of the original buildings, one barracks remains and serves as a museum with interpretive exhibits.
Website: Fort Own State Park
Located north of Stevensville, follow main street north and follow signs. From Hwy 93 turn east at the Stevensville junction with Stevi Cutoff Road and follow for 0.5 miles.
Season: All Year
Hours: May – August: 8:00am – 9:00pm September – April: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Fort Owen State Park, 100 Stevensville River Trail Stevensville