Historic St. Mary’s located in Stevensville, Montana is designated a National Historic District that welcomes visitors from many states and countries. The buildings have been carefully restored and maintained as they were originally designed over a 100 years ago. Also included in the buildings and museum are original artifacts and photographs. In recent years, a replica of a typical Salish encampment, surrounded by native plants and trees was erected on the grounds. This addition is always a favorite of both children and adults. We recommend a tour of Historic St. Mary’s Mission as a highlight of your visit to the Bitterroot Valley. Richard and Beth Stone
Historic St. Mary's Mission provides a rich top-class opportunity for the public to engage with Montana's first pioneer community. The mission complex is preserved to the highest standards and the mission also offers a wide range of public programs. I couldn't recommend Historic St. Mary's Mission more highly!
St. Mary’s Mission has so much history its hard to walk the grounds and not feel a spiritual presence. The Salish encampment has teepees in which visitors can sit and imagine living in one. Going inside Chief Victor’s cabin and Father Ravalli’s cabin make one feel like a child discovering something awesome. Walking the cemetery makes me feel like my feet are not touching the earth as it truly is sacred ground.
Visitors learn a lot of what happened here from taking a tour and going inside all the outbuildings and, WHOA!, the chapel. Spectacular! Father Ravalli was inspired by his Italian heritage and the chapel surely reflects his love of art.
The Salish sent delegations to St. Louis asking the ‘black robes’ to come. Amazing to hear how they found Father DeSmet, who came and then went back to Italy and found Father Ravalli and other priests who agreed to travel to America to help the Salish in whatever way they could. It is inspiring to hear how the priests tried to help the Salish when the US government was forcing them on to reservations.
Definitely worth the time and $8 to take a tour. Stevensville is the oldest settlement in Montana, so the whole town is a must-see. I was so enthralled with the Mission and the people involved in keeping it open, I decided to volunteer as well. Its a privilege to help others discover this wondrous place.
We visited Historic St Mary's Mission on May 24th with a family delegation of 6, at the occasion of 150 years death of Peter Jan De Smet s.j., the Blackrobe.
Impressed by the organisation, the museum and how everything is maintained and presented.
High level of volunteers.
A collection of dedicated, focused, enthusiastic volunteers focused on providing a first class experience for all visitors regardless if they are just taking a quick look at our location or if they are there to see everything from the museum to Father Ravalli’s cabin. The director is effective, personable and a delight to work with. She has passion and vision which are two of the most important characteristics needed for the leader of a historical non-profit location. People sign on as volunteers and keep coming back year after year. We encourage other to continuously expand our knowledge of the history of the mission and the surrounding area so the visitor experience just keeps getting better. I am happy grateful volunteer.
My husband and I took the tour a few years ago and enjoyed it immensely. When we moved to the area I inquired about volunteering at the Mission and have helped in the gift shop since 2022. I learn something new about the history of the Mission, Stevensville and Montana every time I volunteer. I highly recommend visiting the Mission to all of my friends and family.
Such a beautifully well preserved site, dedicated to sharing the rich history of the Bitter Root Valley! On my visit to St. Mary's Mission, a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable volunteer walked me through all the historic buildings, shared detailed stories of those who built, lived and worshiped there and pointed out craftsmanship, unique architectural elements and just overall shared her love of the Mission and its history. I was so impressed with the quality of exhibits, publications and the volunteers! This site is a must-see for everyone who lives in, or visits the Valley.
I have been a board member of the Historic St May's Mission for many years and although I don't get to volunteer as many hours to this special place as I would like, every time I arrive on the beautiful grounds, a sensation of calmness and gratefulness hits me. Whether you are working, volunteering, or just visiting the Historic St Mary's Mission, you too will know and feel how special this historic place is as soon as you arrive.
St. Mary's Mission, is an amazing effort to respect and celebrate the joyful work of the Catholic Church to bring divine truth, love and hope to the people of western Montana. This celebration continues today through the community support and extraordinary effort by local folks that understand the importance of tradition, and history. It is worth a trip to the Mission to immerse yourself in this very well presented reality of genuine love by our early settlers and astounding pioneers. As I have, you too can help support this wonderful Mission by visiting, and supporting them.....they are worth your time and donations.
Professor W, University of Illinois
I've been to two events and each has been well planned, interesting and well attended. It's apparent that quite some thought and effort had gone into arranging and preparing for them.
Historic St. Mary's Mission is a wonderful piece of Montana's history. A must see destination for visitors to the treasure state and local residents alike. With the beautiful Bitterroot mountains in the background this historic site is a gem of Western Montana. Also love the historic 150 year old Apple trees planted by father Ravalli himself.
This beautiful icon in the town of Stevensville represents the history of early Montana. Historic St. Mary’s Mission honors the homeland of the Salish as well as the lives of the early Settlers and Missionaries who lived in the Bitterroot Valley.
When I volunteer I make sure that it is benefitting the community and individuals and this organization well exceeds my expectations. Not only does it tell the story of Montana's history but also brings forth exhibits that are amazing! It takes children to the beginning and tells them how their ancestors survived and thrived.
I have been volunteering at Historic St. Mary's Mission for nearly 20 years. My mother and father also volunteered many years ago. The history connected to the Mission is a beautiful story and I feel a peace when I am on the grounds. All the volunteers are kind and fun and a joy to work with. We are always striving to improve our facility and make it a inspiration to those who come to visit us.
It's fantastic to help keep history alive . I love meeting people from all over the world and giving them a tour of our part of the world. Imparting our past and connecting to their past.
I am truly honored to serve on the Board of Directors with Historic St. Mary's Mission and Museum by being involved in the decisions and direction for continued growth of this amazing museum. Volunteering as a tour guide and gift shop clerk gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Our guests are interested in Montana history and it is rewarding to share the remarkable story of the Salish Indians inviting the "Blackrobe" Missionaries to build St. Mary's Mission in 1841.
Amazing group of board members and volunteers that truly love the St Mary's Mission and are involved for all the right reasons. All members are very active and engaged and work very well together!
Take a step back in time and discover what life was like around Stevensville Montana in the 1840’s. Learn about the history of Montana by visiting the original cabins and buildings from the 1800’s. As a volunteer I am excited to show visitors what life was like living in the Northwest Territories. All ages will enjoy a visit to the past at Historic St Mary’s Mission.