Fort Owen State Park

Built of adobe and logs, Fort Owen is the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Fort Owen is situated in the breathtaking Bitterroot Valley, between Stevensville and Victor. 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 one of the most successful regional trade centers in Montana. For the next decade, the fort grew in trade and importance. Today, period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. John Owen kept a ledger of his daily records. Fort Owen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park has a vault toilet, a picnic table, and celebrates "Fort Owen Day" each 4th of July. Golf courses and museums are located nearby in both Stevensville and Missoula. The site is pack-in/pack-out and there are no fees to visit the historic park. Donations are welcome to help maintain the furnishings and artifacts.

How To Find It!

Fort Owen is located 25 miles south of Missoula on US Highway 93 to Stevensville Junction, then .5 mile east on Secondary 269.

For more information and maps visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks listing for Fort Owen State Park.