Your tour of Historic St. Mary's Mission begins in the Visitor's Center where you can explore the museum, art gallery and gift shop. Following a brief video that provides a foundation for the walking tour, experienced guides take you on a visit of the Mission complex which includes St. Mary's Chapel with attached residence, dining area and kitchen, Father Ravalli's cabin and pharmacy, Chief Victor's cabin which houses a Salish museum and the old dove cote. Throughout the buildings are original hand carved furnishings by Fr. Ravalli, Salish artifacts, historic documents and photos of days gone by. You will pass by an apple tree, planted in the mid-1800s by Fr. Ravalli. While showing its age, the tree continues to bear fruit and stands as a reminder of the history of this lovely site "Where Montana Began".
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VISITOR'S CENTER
Hours of Operation
Guided Tours
April 15 - October 15
Tuesday - Friday 10 to 4
Saturday 11 to 3
Gift Shop
April 15 - October 15
Tuesday - Friday 10 to 5
Saturday 11 to 3
Christmas shopping by appointment at 406-777-5734
DE SMET PARK
Picnic in the shadow of St. Mary's Peak
~ Tables
~ Restroom Facilities at Visitor's Center
~ No Fee
~ Salish Encampment
TOUR SEASON
Season runs April 15 - October 15
Open Tuesday through Saturday
*Special Note to Educators
Historic St. Mary’s Mission provides an Indian Education instructional program for teachers and students. In-depth teaching tools include a Salish Encampment with native plants as well as Salish games and tools handmade by Tim Ryan, a Salish Tribal Member.
The 1½ hour guided tour conducted on the mission grounds includes the early history of the Salish Indians, their life in the Bitterroot Valley, their removal to the Flathead Reservation, and their present day relationship with Historic St. Mary’s Mission, a historical and cultural icon of the American West.
The program offered by Historic St. Mary’s Mission follows the state instructional guidelines. Funds provided to all public schools for Indian Education for All qualify.
We encourage all teachers to book a tour at a reduced rate of $5.00 per person.
Contact:
Historic St. Mary’s Mission
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
406-777-5734
MISSION COMPLEX
~ Father Ravalli's Cabin and Pharmacy
~ Chief Victor's Cabin - Salish Museum
~ St. Mary's Chapel
~ Residence and Dining Room
~ The Dove Cote
ON THE GROUNDS
~ Diorama of Chief Big Face, Fr. De Smet and Chief Victor
~ Cemetery where Fr. Ravalli is buried
~ Native American burial ground
~ The apple tree planted by Fr. Ravalli
~ Ox cart and barn
Historic St. Mary's Mission, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to preserve the historic mission and to provide an educational resource. Maintenance of the mission is funded by tax-deductible donations, tour fees and gift shop sales. A receipt will be mailed upon our receiving your donation. To aid in the preservation of this historic site:
Join the $2 A Month Club
or
THANK YOU!
Click button for info
Students listen with fascination to the story of how the State of Montana began.
A captivated school group learn about branding, using the Mission brand, Cross on a Hill, and leather coasters.
The 'Red Hats' enjoying a tour of Historic St. Mary's Mission.
Historic St. Mary's Brand
Cross on a Hill
Diorama depicting Chief Big Face, Fr. DeSmet and Chief Victor
~ A.D.A. approved
~ Gift Shop
~ Research Library
~ Art Gallery
~ Museum
~ Native American exhibit of Salish artifacts
~ Guided Tours are available for groups and individuals.
~ Visitors are welcome to stroll the scenic grounds or use the picnic facilities in DeSmet Park at any time. Access to the buildings does require a guide.
~ Large groups please make reservations in order that we may accommodate your group. We are more than happy to work with you if you have a particular agenda in mind. Call or email us your ideas.
406-777-5734
Email: stmary@cybernet1.com
www.saintmarysmission.org
Last Update: 1/26/2017
Historic St. Mary's Mission, Inc. * All Rights Reserved
Web Site Design by S&J Enterprises
P.O. Box 211
315 Charlo Street
Stevensville, MT 59870
