Stevensville Montana Real Estate:

Stevensville itself was founded by John R. Winslett and J.K. Houk. The two traders left the Emigrant Road in 1863 with a pack string of 65 animals. The men wanted to settle near Fort Owen, but were unable to find an appropriate site. They then went south about 1 mile and started Stevensville´s first store. Stevensville was named after Isaac Ingells Stevens, the first governor of what was then known as the Washington Territory. The town was named on May 12, 1864 and Stevensville was officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln. The original townsite was platted in 1879 by G.A. Kellogg.

The Bitterroot Valley has a lot of history. Stevensville Montana is the home of St. Mary's Mission. Established in 1841 by Father Pierre DeSmet who came in response for " Black Robes" by various Indian tribes of Western Montana and Idaho. The Fort Owen in Stevensville, was established by Major John Owen in 1850 who pruchased it fro the Jesuits who had settled in the Bitterroot Valley in the mid-1800's.  An annual Creamery Picknick is held every summer in Stevensville Montana. There they have good food, music and a rodeo. A lot of fun for the whole family. The Bitterroot Valley also offers many museums, in which you can see pieces of the Bitterroot Valley history come alive. Stevensville Montana was the first settlement in Montana, there are many historical sites located in or around this area. Visit St. Mary's Mission, Fort Owen, The Daly Mansion and many museums. There are also sites in the Bitterroot Valley where Lewis and Clark traveled through twice.


Stevensville Montana Attractions:
St. Mary's Mission: 1841 West End Street, Stevensville Montana 59870
Stevensville Museum: Downtown Stevensville Phone: 406-777-1007

Recreational and Cultural Activities

Hiking and other outdoor opportunities:
Hiking is a great way to experience the Bitterroot Valley. There are many hiking trailes from very difficult to moderate and easy. If hiking is not your thing there are many roads that will take you from back mountain lakes and waterfalls through the heart of the wilderness areas.

Winter Sports:
Snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing and downhill slopes are what you will find at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area. Lost Trail usually accumulates the greatest snow depth in Montana making it one of the best downhill slopes in the state. This ski area is located about 1/2 hour south of Darby Montana.

Natural Hot Springs:
After a day on the slopes soak in the natural hot springs located up the West Fork of the Bitterroot Valley.

Fishing:
Enjoy fishing right at the valley floor in the beautiful Bitterroot River. With some of the best trout fishing in the country you could not ask for more! For the more private getaway there is access to back mountain lakes and rivers as well.

Hunting:
Some of the big game species that we have here in the Bitterroot Valley are elk, white tail and mule deer,bear, mountain lion, and moose. There are many birds including pheasant, duck, geese and grouse.

Wildlife Photography and Viewing:
Visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, the Teller Wildlife Refuge, Broad Axe and the Skalkaho Game Preserve to view and photograph birds and other wildlife.

Shopping:
The Bitterroot Valley has a wonderful variety for us dedicated shoppers. There are many Art and Antique shops as well as retail and department stores.