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St. Ignatius, Montana Lake County's oldest town, founded in 1854 by Jesuit Missionaries, is home of the St. Ignatius Mission. St. Ignatius had the first residence school for Indians, first hospital, first saw mill, and first flour mill in the state...The St. Ignatius Mission is over 100 years old and a visitor's delight. This beautiful landmark was built with local materials by Indians and missionaries in 1891. The million bricks were made with local clay, the lumber was cut in nearby foothills and the striking interior murals were designed and painted by brother Joseph Carignano. The 58 frescoes and murals on the church ceiling are worthy of European cathedrals. The St. Ignatius Church is open daily to visitors. ..The St. Ignatius community offers many of the services you would find in larger cities, all within close proximity of the National Bison Range. Some of the valley's best hiking and fishing recreational areas are minutes from town. St. Mary's Lake, twin Lakes, Mission Falls and McDonald Lake are all within a short distance. But best of all are the friendly faces you will find on your trip to St. Ignatius. St. Ignatius is located in northwestern Montana, north of Missoula on US Highway 93.
Web site: www.travelmt.com/mt-cities-St.+Ignatius.html
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Events and Festivals |
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Flathead Indian Museum & Trading Post
Rich in history and Native American culture, St. Ignatius is a small town on the Flathead Indian Reservation offering spectacular views of the Mission Valley and range. The Flathead Indian Museum has an extensive collection of authentic Native American crafts, art and artifacts, primarily from the Flathead and Kootenai tribes. There is also a sampling of artifacts from other US and Canadian tribes, along with a wildlife exhibit.
Fort Connah
The site of Fort Connah is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Connah was a Hudson's Bay Trading Post established in 1846. One of the three original buildings still remains and is believed to be the oldest standing building in Montana. It was active from 1846 to 1871. The Restoration Society is planning a visitor center and small museum. The Society has a display with Hudson's Bay Co. artifacts at the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana. The Fort Connah Historic Site is located between St. Ignatius and Charlo on US Highway 93 between St. Ignatius and Charlo.
St. Ignatius Mission
The St. Ignatius Mission was built in the early 1890's. This Catholic Church is unique because its walls and ceilings have 61 original paintings by Brother Joseph Carignano, S.J. on them. The Mission Mountain Range is a beautiful backdrop of scenery behind the Mission Church. The church is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. We have two very special paintings of the Salish Lord and Lord's mother (in Native American form) that are located in the back of the Mission. Next to the Mission, we have a museum and gift shop that displays Mission and Indian artifacts and sells religious items. We also have the log home which was the original Sisters' residence when they first arrived. The Mission is open daily for tourists and for those who wish to worship privately from 9am - 8pm in the summer and 9am - 5pm in the winter. Sunday Mass is at 9:15am. |
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Biking
Fishing
St. Mary's Lake, twin Lakes, Mission Falls and McDonald Lake are all within a short distance.
Hiking
Water Sports
St. Mary's Lake, twin Lakes, Mission Falls and McDonald Lake are all within a short distance. |
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