We love our small towns here in Montana, but there are still a few things we prefer them to have… great restaurants, attractions, and nearby nature, just to name a few. The charming town of Stevensville may only have a population of about 2,000 people, but there’s plenty to see.

Stevensville is located in Ravalli County, surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains.

I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook It’s about 30 miles south of Missoula, and it makes a great weekend escape from the city.

Stevensville is a historic town. In fact, it was the first permanent settlement in the state.

I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook And that means this little city is a gem for history buffs.

The St. Mary’s Mission was established in 1841 by Jesuit priests.

Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr The state of Montana grew from those early beginnings. The mission is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is definitely a community of art lovers.

I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook Aside from the beautiful public art, River’s Mist Gallery and Gifts, Stevensville Art & Sculpture, and several other galleries support local artists.

When you visit Stevensville, come hungry, because you’ll have plenty of tasty restaurant options.

Mission Bistro Facebook Aside from the beloved local date night spot, Mission Bistro, there’s the upscale Catered Table, a casual Mexican spot (located in an old church) called Flavorful, and comfort food from the Frontier Cafe, just to name a few.

While you won’t find a wild nightlife scene here, you will find excellent local beer and live music at Blacksmith Brewing Company.

Blacksmith Brewing Company Facebook The building is an old steam laundry and blacksmith shop that dates back to 1908, but these days it’s a place to grab a cold beer and listen to some talented local musicians.

And if you love shopping — particularly for antiques — you’ll fall in love with this little town.

Creamery Antique Mall Facebook The Creamery Antique Mall is fantastic, and there are several other great shops like Front Porch Antiques and Red Willow.

Should you need to spend time in nature, you can head to the nearby Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr Coyotes, bald eagles, marmots, muskrats, whitetail deer, and geese call this beautiful refuge home (among many other species).

This tiny town truly has a little bit of everything.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr The Montanans who live here are lucky indeed.

Have you ever been to Stevensville? Some of our most charming towns also happen to be our smallest.

I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook

It’s about 30 miles south of Missoula, and it makes a great weekend escape from the city.

And that means this little city is a gem for history buffs.

Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr

The state of Montana grew from those early beginnings. The mission is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Aside from the beautiful public art, River’s Mist Gallery and Gifts, Stevensville Art & Sculpture, and several other galleries support local artists.

Mission Bistro Facebook

Aside from the beloved local date night spot, Mission Bistro, there’s the upscale Catered Table, a casual Mexican spot (located in an old church) called Flavorful, and comfort food from the Frontier Cafe, just to name a few.

Blacksmith Brewing Company Facebook

The building is an old steam laundry and blacksmith shop that dates back to 1908, but these days it’s a place to grab a cold beer and listen to some talented local musicians.

Creamery Antique Mall Facebook

The Creamery Antique Mall is fantastic, and there are several other great shops like Front Porch Antiques and Red Willow.

Coyotes, bald eagles, marmots, muskrats, whitetail deer, and geese call this beautiful refuge home (among many other species).

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

The Montanans who live here are lucky indeed.

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