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Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

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

Communities and Related Links
Missoula
Missoula Chamber of Commerce

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