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 furnishing and artifacts are now displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. The site is an acre in size and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The site is pack-in and pack-out. No fees are charged but donations are welcome to help maintain the furnishings and artifacts.

Fort Owen is located 25 miles south of Missoula on Hwy 93 to Stevensville Junction, then a half mile east on 269.

Location: 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula Montana 59804 Telephone 406-542-5531

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming Montana Events Are: Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights Great Falls December 4 Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade with Santa Whitefish December 24 Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Winter Holiday Art and Craft Show Kalispell November 27 Winter Carnival Red Lodge February 19 thru February 20 Great Rockies Sportshow Great Falls February 5 thru February 7

Other upcoming events include: Holiday Candlelight Tours of Lewis and Clark Caverns Whitehall December 19 thru December 29 Ice Fishing Derby Havre January 30 thru January 31 Great Rockies Sportshow Billings January 15 thru January 17 First Night Missoula Missoula December 31 Christmas Tours at the Conrad Mansion Kalispell November 27 thru December 27