Bitterroot Valley cultural attractions are popular destinations every tourist season.
With the oldest town in Montana, a world famous entrepreneur, Lewis & Clarks journey, and a historic 2 day battle in our past, there’s no shortage of history in the area.
This article provides a summary of our most popular cultural attractions, and where to find them.
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Bitterroot Valley Cultural Attractions
There are many Bitterroot Valley cultural attractions to choose from.
Here’s a list of our favorites.
Daly Mansion
The historic Daly Mansion is one of the most visited Bitterroot Valley attractions.
Take a tour through this restored 25,000 square foot – 25 bedroom – 15 bathroom summer home built by Marcus Daly during the copper heydays of the late 1800’s.
Check out the 5 imported Italian marble fireplaces, the original custom made pool table, and many original furnishings and decor.
Daly Mansion / Dalymansion.org
The 50 acre grounds and surrounding property were once home to Marcus Daly’s thoroughbred racehorse operation.
Today, the grounds feature beautiful gardens and locally famous trees with their fall colors.
Seasonal tours are provided by the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust.
Daly Mansion is located in Hamilton. Here’s a map.
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Big Hole National Battlefield
Visit the historic site of the battle between the men of the 7th Infantry and the Nez Perce tribe in 1877.
The visitor center features exhibits on the Nez Perce War, as well as traditional tribal culture.
A 1.2 mile interpretive loop is filled with informational signage about the battle, and gives you a full view of the battlefield.
Big Hole National Battlefield / David Dale
Talks by Rangers and descendants of the Nez Perce are occasionally offered throughout the summer visitor season.
The visitor’s center is open year round. Summer hours are 7 days a week, winter hours are 5 days a week, closed Sunday and Monday.
Big Hole National Battlefield is located approximately 60 miles south of Hamilton. Here’s a map.
Bannack State Park
This original territorial capital of Montana was a flurry of activity in 1862 as gold mining took the area by storm.
The area grew to more than 3,000 residents, but eventually everyone moved on and left the town behind.
Experience the spectacular drive through the high valleys of the Big Hole Valley and visit the Bannack State Park ghost town for a memorable day.
Bannack State Park / Mike Goad
The Park features over 60 original buildings, including the jail, saloon and schoolhouse.
Bannack Days Festival is lots of fun each July, featuring gold panning, blacksmithing, and historic reenactments.
Bannack State Park is located about 120 miles south of Hamilton. Here’s a map.
Fort Owen State Park
The adobe and log structure marks the first permanent white settlement in Montana, dating back to 1850.
Originally an Indian Agency, trading post and agricultural center, the site became the first Catholic mission in the Northwest.
Fort Owen was established when John Owen purchased the property from the Jesuits in 1850 in Montana’s first land conveyance.
Fort Owen State Park / Roger Peterson
A small museum, the East Barracks, and interpretive signage are located on the grounds.
This Montana State Heritage Site is open March through October, and closed during winter.
Fort Owen State Park is located just outside of the town of Stevensville. Here’s a map.
Garnet Ghost Town
While not located within the Bitterroot Valley, Garnet Ghost Town is a beautiful drive away.
Known as Montana’s best preserved ghost town, this mining town grew to over 1,000 residents by 1898.
After a 1912 fire destroyed many of the buildings, and gold became harder to find, everyone moved on.
More than 30 buildings remain today, including hotels, saloons and cabins — some with interior access.
Garnet Ghost Town / Samantha Storms
The grounds feature walking trails and interpretive signs through town and old mining areas.
Access is by gravel road in the summer months. Winter access is by snowmobile or skis.
Garnet Ghost Town is located about 100 miles northeast of Hamilton. Here’s a map.
Ravalli County Museum and Historical Society
Located in the historic Ravalli County Courthouse, the museum is loaded with area history, artifacts, photographs, displays and archives.
The museum hosts 28 galleries and chambers with interesting exhibits about local history, Salish culture, natural history, and pioneer life.
Collection at Ravalli County Museum / Ravalli County Museum
With a focus on local art, history and culture, the museum is a great way to learn about the interesting past of the Bitterroot Valley.
The museum is open year round Tuesday — Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society is located in Hamilton. Here’s a map.
St. Mary’s Mission
St. Mary’s Mission was established in 1841 as the first church and pioneer settlement in what eventually became the state of Montana 48 years later.
The current chapel is not the original, it’s been rebuilt several times, but does include some original elements.
St. Mary’s Mission / Bitterroot Info
The grounds feature the chapel with it’s incredible backdrop of the Bitterroot Mountains, Father Ravalli’s cabin, cemetery, museum, gallery and gift shop.
The Mission is open mid-April to mid-October.
St. Mary’s Mission is located in Stevensville. Here’s a map.
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Travelers’ Rest State Park
Travelers’ Rest State Park sits at a natural travel junction on the historic Lolo trail used by the Salish, Nez Perce, and early explorers.
This historic Lewis & Clark campsite is one of only a few locations where physical evidence has been found to prove the presence of the Corps of Discovery.
Travelers’ Rest State Park / Montana FWP
The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001, and is managed in a partnership between Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, and local heritage groups.
A visitors center features hands on exhibits and educational events, while the grounds offer gardens, birdwatching, and walking trails along Lolo creek.
Travelers’ Rest State Park is located near Lolo, about 40 miles north of Hamilton. Here’s a map.