st. mary's mission

In 1831, local Indians petitioned the St. Louis church authorities to send some "black robes" people here. Fr. Ravalli, an Italian Jesuit arrived in 1845 to transform the place. This reportedly Leonardo-like, universal man was a physician, surgeon, architect and sculptor. You can visit the small church he built, see the alter he carved and view much else at the St. Mary's Mission. Fr. Ravalli did not quit there; he also established a local sawmill and grist mill.

We saw the sign on the highway about St. Mary's Mission. The first church established in Montana. Beautiful church and a nice visitor's center. The staff was friendly and the gift shop was very well stocked. We are so glad that we stopped and experienced this historical site.

Although you can walk the grounds at any time, The Mission's visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00, April 15th through Christmas. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00, April 15 through October 15th. Tours take about 1 ½ to 2 hours and are worth every penny of the $7.00 tour fee.We were the only people taking the tour that morning and thought we might be told to just tour on our own. However, following a brief video, a guide took us on a wonderful tour. It was conversation rather than a canned presentation about the Mission, its place in history; the desire of the Salish and Nez Perce Indians to have the “Black Robes” come to live in their communities; and the impact of the Jesuits, most prominently, Father Anthony Ravalli. After the tour we were welcome to explore the museum exhibits and return to the grounds for as long as we liked. If we did not need to move on, we could have had a picnic lunch here. If you are interested in the early history of this area, I highly recommend you visit the mission and take the tour.

Very interesting tour of the first Jesuit mission in Mt. Established at the request of the Salish tribe, this is a great piece of Montana history. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and very helpful.

Nice place to visit if you're traveling through. Lots of history in this area and it's a well maintained location with some original buildings.

We had a lot of fun walking around the grounds, reading the inturpative signs and learning about St Mary's Mission and Father Ravalli. Great place for history buffs.