by Rex Trulove

Created on: December 21, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

Located on state highway 269, less than a mile from US highway 93, Stevensville is a charming town bathed in a long and interesting history. In fact, it holds the claim for being the first settled town in Montana, not counting native American villages. Indeed, it was at the request of the Bitter Root Salish Indian tribe.

Many of the oldest buildings, dating from the mid 1800s, still stand and serve as a testament of the original town. Modern day Stevensville is a combination of new and old, set in a valley between towering mountains. The beauty of this place is unmistakable. 

The town is in Ravalli county, about 25 miles south of Missoula. Though the big town is nearby, Stevensville maintains the small town feeling, greatly helped by the scenic vistas and the friendly, laid-back attitudes of the people living here. 

With an altitude of over 3,000 feet, this area isn't really lowland, and yet it doesn't have a great elevation, either. Owing to both the altitude and the climate, the trees that grow profusely on either side of town are primarily firs, pines and tamaracks. This makes this small town a fantastic haven for wildlife. About a mile north of Stevensville is the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Photographers can delight at the animals they can take pictures of, which almost seem to pose for a snapshot.

Residents have a lot of recreation that they can take advantage of, besides just taking pictures, sometimes right outside of the door. The river is on the outskirts of the town, so fishermen can catch their dinner and have a fun time doing it. Crayfish can also be caught in these waters, and of course the water just increases the number of wild animals to be found in this area.

The river has many fish for those who like fishing, mostly featuring trout, bass and catfish. It also provides relief in the heat of summer. People can cool off, go for a swim, or just wade in the cool water. There are many more places to fish within 30 miles, and Bitter Root National Forest has a lot of places where people can go camping. Flathead lake is only a little more than 50 miles from town.

Deer, elk and bighorns are found around the town for hunters. For those who prefer hunting birds, there are ducks, geese, grouse and turkeys available. 

There are many more animals here just waiting to be viewed. Hawks, song birds, humming birds, squirrels, kingfishers and other animals give a feeling of wilderness to the place, though it is so close to the city. There are also many local businesses serving the needs of the people here. The town also contains schools for the younger residents. College students are close to the university in Missoula.

Stevensville is a small town with a huge history. It is a great place to live, it is beautiful for the surrounding mountains and forests, it has a lot to offer and it is even worth simply visiting. If a person wants to feel the old time feel of a small town, this is a place to experience it.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.