St. Ignatius Mission
An 1891 red-brick church on the Flathead Indian Reservation, whose 58 interior murals were painted by a Jesuit brother, set against the Mission Mountains.
St. Ignatius Mission was founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1854. The existing red-brick church, built in 1891, was fired from local clay and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its walls and ceiling are covered with about 58 murals painted by Brother Joseph Carignano, who had no formal training. The colors are bright, and one of the paintings shows a Madonna dressed in Indigenous clothing. Behind the church rises the imposing Mission Mountains, making it one of the most photogenic churches in Montana. Beside it, the mission's early log cabins and a small museum are also preserved. Admission is free, with donations welcome; please keep quiet during Mass. It is about 65 km north of Missoula and can be combined with the National Bison Range into a half-day trip.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (closed to visitors during Mass)
Nearby sights
- CSKT Bison Range
- Montana Snowbowl
- Smokejumper Visitor Center
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Elk Country Visitor Center
- Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
- Missoula Farmers Market & Clark Fork Market
- Downtown Missoula
- Missoula Art Museum