Part of our in-depth series exploring the Mountain Pacific Forts
Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Phone: 406-542-5500
Fax: 406-542-5529
https://fwp.mt.gov/
Built of adobe and logs, Fort Owen is the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. 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 a regional trade center. Period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is 1 acre in size and sits at an elevation of 3,398 feet. 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.
Directions
Fort Owen State Park is located 25 miles south of Missoula on U.S. 93 to Stevensville Junction, then .5 mile east on Secondary 269.
Season of Operation
All Year
Services and Amenities
Pets Allowed
Activities
Historic
Museum
Photography
Picnicking