Other wildlife are visible at times, including elk, bighorn sheep and black bear. The visitor center provides a wealth of information, and is open from June 1 through Labor Day 8 am - 6 pm. In Missoula , tour the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula . Exhibits on forest management, timber production, the railroad and military history in what was once Fort Missoula from 1877 - 1957. Several of the old buildings have been restored.
Hours vary seasonally.
Stevensville, the state's oldest town and original state capital, is located south of Missoula in the Bitterroot Valley off Highway 93. Visit the restored St. Mary's Mission ,which was built beginning in 1866 under the supervision of Father Pierre DeSmet. Tours run daily between 10 am and 5 pm. Just down the river you'll find Fort Owen , the original site of the mission. It was purchased by Major John Owen in 1850 and built into a trading post.