Discover the Bitterroot 2023

Beer, Live Music, & Food

Welcome...

Welcome to Discover the Bitterroot, a mid-summer guide published by the Bitterroot Star. Summer in the gorgeous Bitterroot Valley is about as good as it gets and in these pages we bring you a sampling of the many things you can do and see. Whether you’re just visiting, or you’re here year round, we hope you make the most of your time here. When you’re in Stevensville, stop in and see us at 115 W. 3rd, Suite #108. -- Victoria Howell, Publisher

Something for everyone

There is something for everyone in the Bitterroot Valley, from art to history, to wildlife to outdoor sports and recreation.

Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville is the oldest church in Montana and Stevensville was the first pioneer settlement in the state. The mission is open to the public mid-April through mid-October and tours are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. There is also a gift shop and visitors’ center. For more information can be found at saintmarysmission. org.

The Daly Mansion, built by Copper King Marcus Daly, is open every day through October 1 for tours of the grand old house. In addition, there are a number of special events scheduled at the Mansion during the season. For more information visit www.dalymansion.org. The mansion is on Eastside Highway about two miles north of Hamilton.

Also for history buffs, there are outstanding museums in Ravalli County. Ravalli County Museum is at 205 Bedford in Hamilton and the Victor Heritage Museum is on the corner of Main and Blake in Victor. The Stevensville Historical Museum is on South Main in Stevensville and St. Mary’s Mission has a museum in its visitors’ center. Old Fort Owen is a state park and is open daily for self-conducted tours. The history of the fort is available on-site. Darby’s Pioneer Museum is in downtown Darby and Darby also boasts a Forest Service Museum on North Main.

Recreational opportunities range from golfing, fishing, floating, boating,

swimming, hiking and camping, biking and picnicking, to wildlifewatching, tennis and horseback riding.

There are two public golf courses in the valley. The Hamilton Golf Course is 18 holes and is east of town on Golf Course Road. The Whitetail Golf Course is northeast of Stevensville and the 9-hole course is accessible off Wildfowl Lane and is adjacent to both the Bitterroot River and the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Painted Rocks Reservoir and Lake Como are known for their boating, swimming and fishing. Lake Como is 17 miles south of Hamilton off of Hwy 93 and Painted Rocks is 23 miles south of Darby on West Fork Road. The full course of the Bitterroot River is popular for fishing, floating, boating, canoeing and swimming. There are a number of public river accesses and raft and other craft rentals are available throughout the valley. For a complete listing, stop by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce in Hamilton, just east of the intersection of Hwy 93 and Main.

The 50-mile long Bitterroot Trail for bicyclists runs from Missoula to Hamilton. Bicyclists can take a one-mile detour into historic downtown Stevensville, where they can rest up and also enjoy the amenities of Stevensville’s downtown. Stevensville has two of the Bitterroot Valley’s six craft breweries and a distillery. There are also breweries in Lolo, Hamilton and Darby, as well as a mead winery in Victor and a cidery and two wine tasting rooms in Hamilton.

The chamber also has information on where to rent horses and the Bitterroot National Forest office at 1801 North First in Hamilton has hiking and camping information, as well as maps for hikers and campers.

One of the bird and wildlife watching treasures of the Bitterroot is the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge two miles north of Stevensville.

Lost Trail Pass in the south end of the valley boasts both the Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area and a natural hot springs swimming spot at Lost Trail Hot Springs. The hot springs area has lodging and food service, as well. Or you can head up Hwy 12 in Lolo to get to Lolo Hot Springs. There are also public swimming pools in Hamilton and Stevensville and children’s playgrounds in each community with water features at Hamilton, Stevensville and Florence.

The Bitterroot offers an authentic shopping experience as well, with hometown hospitality and personal service, and includes everything from antique shops and art galleries to sports equipment stores to rustic and western clothing and home furnishings. Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville and Florence all have their own unique shopping areas.

The Bitterroot has a number of festivals between now and October, including Daly Days, Bitterroot Brewfest, Creamery Picnic, Celtic Games, the Ravalli County Fair, Scarecrow Festival, Apple Day and Apple Night, and rodeos in Darby and Hamilton.

Live theater performances can be seen at Shakespeare in the Parks at Sapphire Lutheran Homes in Hamilton as well as the Hamilton Playhouse in Hamilton and at Stevensville Playhouse in Stevensville. Several musical events are scheduled throughout the year through Bitterroot Performing Arts Council, Tuesday at Twelve series and Sapphire Lutheran Homes' concert series.

BitterRoot Bus offers curb to curb transportation service that’s available to the general public throughout Ravalli County. Rides need to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Bitterroot Valley offers stunning views throughout its entire length, such as Trapper Peak, south of Darby.

Bitterroot River – lifeblood of the valley

by Nathan Boddy

Fed by high mountain lakes and thousands of square miles of wilderness, the Bitterroot River is the idyllic ribbon that strings this valley together. Whether floating, fishing or wading, the Bitterroot’s meandering curves and stunning backdrop of mountains is the stuff of the silver screen, literally.

Luckily for visitors and residents alike, the Bitterroot River hosts many public access points along its entire reach. Many access points are spaced at convenient intervals allowing floaters and tubers to easily plan a four or five hour float on the water during a hot summer afternoon. Fly shops in the valley have up to date information on flow levels, potential hazards and the best flies to use when fishing. Most are glad to make suggestions based on how much time and experience you have.

It is important to note, however, that although the river is stunning and

may appear tranquil, it can actually be quite dangerous. Spring floods move and realign logjams, and fallen trees can form ‘strainers’ any time of the year. The relatively calm flow can lure floaters into a lack of attention or false sense of security. Always be aware that a dangerous obstacle can be around any corner, and conditions can change from day to day.

If floating is not your style, walk-in access to the river can be just as enjoyable, especially when combined with some lawn chairs, fishing equipment and a cooler. Some of the more popular sites include the Demmons Bridge at the west end of Main Street, as well as River Park, Skalkaho Bend Park, and Steve Powell Park in Hamilton. Further north, Woodside Bridge west of Corvallis and Bell Crossing northeast of Victor are popular areas for swimming and fishing. River access can also be gained through the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, as well as the John Owen Fishing Access Site at the Stevensville Bridge and at the Florence

Bitterroot River at River Park in Hamilton.

There are skateparks in Stevensville, Hamilton and Darby.

Skalkaho Falls, a lovely stopping point on the mountain pass that takes you over the Sapphire Mountains between Hamilton and Philipsburg.

Burning Sage Studio

Historic St. Mary's Mission in Stevensville.

109 Flyhigh Drive, Stevensville Offered at $1,094,000

363 Poplar Lane, Florence Offered at $874,900

3427 Rome Lane, Stevensville Offered at $869,000

2752 Whites Lane, Victor Offered at $699,000

21715 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence Offered at $459,000

Tract W Pleasant View Drive, Victor Offered at $369,000

1530 Drovers Trail, Stevensville Offered at $328,000

Tract V Pleasant View Drive, Victor Offered at $369,000

811 Chieftain Court, Stevensville Offered at $175,000

102 Main Street, Unit #A, Stevensville Offered at $1,500 / Monthly

Free summer music series in

The Jean Matthews Tuesday at Twelve Summer Concert Series run throughout the summer, with free concerts every Tuesday at noon through August 22.

The concert series was founded in 1990 by Jean Matthews, and is now in its 33rd year. Matthews passed away in 2015, but the concert series remains as her legacy.

The free concerts take place on the lawn of the Ravalli County Museum every Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket and a picnic lunch, and to dress for the weather. In the event of rain or unhealthy smoke levels, the concerts will move to the Community Room of Hamilton City Hall.

There are no food vendors at the concerts, but picnickers are encouraged to take advantage of the many Hamilton eateries offering grab ‘n go lunches.

This year’s performers include several acts new to the program, and many returning favorites, with some groups including familiar faces in new settings. The concerts are appropriate for all ages.

July 25: Parts & Labor

Aug. 1: Who Dat!

Aug. 8: The Bitterroot Community Band

Aug. 15: Bing Crosberry

Aug. 22: The Pack Strings

For more information about the concert series, contact the producer at jmtuesdayat12@gmail.com.

Bitterroot Star Discover the Bitterroot

Summer 2023

Famous for pies, and Salisbury steak

by John Dowd

Opened in 1972, the little local Florence cafe on Long Street just off Hwy 93 has seen a lot over the years. It was named after its original owner, Glen Mikesell, and features local beef from the Bitterroot, from Mikesell Ranch. Mikesell is from Stevensville, and according to his daughter, Kelly Thrasher-Mikesell, the idea for a restaurant came from a high school basketball trip to Butte that her father attended. There, the team stopped at a little eatery that featured local beef. Later in 1960 he started up the ranch, and then needed a restaurant for his beef.

Later, his aunt “Fritz” started selling homemade pies out of the location, which are famous in their own right, and the little log cabin restaurant even features art done by another family member. The place is truly family owned and operated, with Kelly managing it along with the help of her son, Dawson Thrasher.

In fact, that atmosphere of family, home and Montana are what Kelly loves most about the business. She tells stories about raising her children in the establishment, and still sees her dad every day. “The best part, for me, is that my dad still gets to come down every single day and have his pancake breakfast,” said Kelly.

As for the pies, a story was picked up in 1982 in GEO Magazine, that labeled them with a perfect score of 10 among the best ever. Another run of the story was done in 1983 in The Reader’s Digest.

A more recent hit, alongside the pies, has been the Salisbury steak. The cafe was featured in an episode of the well-known television series,

get for it. Now, Yellowstone Salisbury Steak is a delicious popular request. Post-show, they now sell t-shirts labeled after the eatery’s name for hundreds of fans of the show.

More information about Glen’s Cafe can be found on their website, which is done by Dawson, at glensmtnviewcafe.com.

“Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner. In a specific episode, the lead actor was filmed eating in the place, and when he left, he uttered lines akin to “the best Salisbury steak in Montana.” This was amusing, because at the time, there was no such item on the menu at Glen’s Cafe, and there are few places in Montana that sell such a dish, because in Montana chicken-fried steak is far more popular. Kelly had to come up with the Salisbury steak menu item right after the episode aired, with all the requests they started to

Kelly Thrasher-Mikesell and son Dawson Thrasher. John Dowd photo.

"Yellowstone" memorabilia at Glen's Cafe in Florence. John Dowd photo.

The pies of the day. John Dowd photo.

Glen's Cafe. John Dowd photo.

Sapphire Lutheran Homes will host Montana Shakespeare in the Parks this summer with a twist. Hamilton

Monday,

The Three Musketeers is a French historical adventure play written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844. It features heroes adept at swordsmanship fighting for justice, all while remaining chivalrous in their words and deeds. Set between 1625 and 1628, it tells of the adventures of a young man named d’Artagnan after he leaves his home and embarks on an adventure to Paris, hoping to become a Musketeer of the Guard. Unable to immediately join this elite corps, he makes friends with the three most prominent Musketeers of the time, Athos, Porthos, and Arabia d’Artagnan and “The Three Musketeers” become involved in dealings court and the state. You’ll truly enjoy the action packed and historical adventures told in this play!

Wednesday, August 16 at 6 p.m.

Measure for Measure is a play written in 1603 by William Shakespeare. Duke Vincentio, the play’s protagonist, bows out of his public life to secretly observe the operations of his City, Vienna. The city is governed by Angelo, his deputy. Angelo’s rough and tarnished public image is emphasized by his unruly personal conduct once in office, in which he abuses his power to gain a sexual favor from Isabella, the beautiful and elegant heroine. The tension in the play heightens as Duke Vincentio attempts to intervene. You’re sure to enjoy the drama, suspense and action in this play!

“Measure for Measure”

Creamery Picnic is a must-do

The Creamery Picnic is Stevensville’s annual summer celebration hosted by the Stevensville Civic Club. The theme for the 110th annual festival, which will be held Aug. 4 and 5 at Stevensville’s Lewis & Clark Park, is “Stevensville - A Diamond in the Rough.” One of Creamery Picnic’s charms is that certain things are the same year after year, such as parades, visits with friends and neighbors, reunions, ice cream, lunch in the shade, entertainment, games and races.

The Creamery Picnic boast two parades, free ice cream, a Beer Garden and so much more. Stevensville’s Creamery Picnic is the oldest annual community celebration in Montana. The first one was in 1911 after a fire devastated the Bitterroot Cooperative Creamery on June 20 of that year. The creamery, under the management of John Howe, was a major economic part of Stevensville and the fire threatened the community’s economic base, according to “Montana Genesis,”

legendary trek through the following 100-year-plus history of the town.

Howe served 51 gallons of ice cream to the 1,000 guests who came to the party and picnicked in the shade of trees along the streets. As the years passed, foot races, baseball games, a parade and other attractions were added to the list of early-day Creamery Picnic activities and the old-time, old-fashioned nature of the picnic endures to this day.

The Creamery Picnic parades are the magnets to downtown both Friday evening for the Kids’ Parade and Saturday morning for the Grand Parade. Those are the times to watch cute, costumed children, the floats, horses, fire engines, marching groups, antique and classic cars. Those also are the best times to see old friends who have come home for Creamery Picnic, as well as neighbors and friends. Class and family reunions are planned around the events.

Other attractions include booths and concessions which open on Friday, ongoing musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday, firefighter games, and an all-over “old fashioned picnic” good time.

For more information, visit www.creamerypicnic.com.

Competition is fierce among the entrants in the Creamery Picnic Grand Parade, one of the oldest and biggest parades in Montana.

The greased pig races are one of the most popular events at the Stevensville Creamery Picnic.

Bitterroot Star Discover the Bitterroot

Apple festival keeps Bitterroot history alive

On October 7th, the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton is proud to host its 44th annual McIntosh Apple Day festival. This community event celebrates the cultural heritage of the Apple Boom and McIntosh Apples in the Bitter Root Valley.

The first apple trees in the Bitter Root Valley were planted at St. Mary’s Mission by Jesuit priests in the 1840s and Stevensville-area apple production began in earnest in the late 1870s. Area residents raised mainly crab apples, but experimented with many varieties. The idea of raising apples as a focused enterprise grew slowly, until in 1891, 10,000 fruit trees were shipped to the Bitter Root from a nursery at Payette, Idaho. By 1896, The Bitter Root Orchard Co. had the largest apple orchard in the world with 40,000 trees on 380 acres of land.

One of the more popular varieties in the valley was the McIntosh Red. The McIntosh was chosen because it ripened extremely well in the Bitter Root climate. The early frost, usually in early September, sets the tartness of the apple, making it very flavorful. Other varieties more native to the Yakima Valley in Washington did not adapt well

to Montana's growing season. By the turn of the century, many of the valley's apple producers began exhibiting their produce at state and regional fairs and expositions. This furthered the idea that McIntosh apples could be a major crop of the valley.

Often called the “Apple Boom” the years of abundant apple production left their mark in the Bitter Root Valley. The promise of apples as a profitable enterprise had a hand in the building of the “Big Ditch” to bring irrigation water to fields and orchards, the planning and establishing of new communities and the fame of the Bitter Root McIntosh Red apple. While the Apple Boom was relatively shortlived, its legacy lives on.

With the completion of the Big Ditch bringing more water to the valley, an extensive advertising campaign was started to bring more investors to the Bitter Root. Boxes of McIntosh apples and

other locally raised fruit were shipped to Chicago and other larger cities. Many brochures told of how a person could invest a small sum of money in a choice parcel of land, plant McIntosh apple trees, and then wait. In five years the trees would bear fruit that would be promoted with agricultural products of other investors, to be sold all over the world. All of this sounded like the

perfect opportunity for anyone with a few dollars to spare, and many either invested from a distance or packed up lives and families to move to the Bitter Root and try their hand at apple growing.

For the first two decades of the 20th century, the Apple Boom seemed destined to continue, with yields rising, orchards expanding and prices remaining high. In 1921 the boom hit its peak with 637 boxcars of apples being shipped out by rail in one season. Unfortunately, as often happens with “booms” there was also a “bust”. Three consecutively devastating years brought hail damage, and late frosts. By the spring of 1924, when a hard freeze damaged not only buds, but trees themselves, the small returns from apples resulted in many losing their life savings and orchard lands went up for taxes. There was an exodus of farmers who had gambled their futures on the Apple Boom, but those who stayed did succeed with what they planned and they helped create a thriving agricultural area. Many former fruit growers sought prosperity through dairy farming or truck gardening. Others began raising beef cattle and grain crops, still others moved closer to the valley's small urban area and became skilled at various trades, but a few commercial

apple orchards are scattered throughout the valley. Outside of established orchards, you can find McIntosh apple trees in many yards and fields all over Ravalli County. These trees stand as a testament to the heritage of apple growing in the Bitter Root, and the pioneering spirit of those who worked to build the Apple Boom, one tree at a time. With McIntosh apple pies, apple butter, apple fritters, and apple cider available for sale, live music, children’s activities, silent auction, food and craft vendor booths and more, Apple Day is a celebration of the history of the valley and everything apple! After a fun-filled day of food, activities and vendors, return to the Museum grounds for Liquid Apple Night, a hard cider fest under the stars and twinkle lights. More live music, food vendors and hard cider from local cideries make this family friendly event a great way to wrap up the day and enjoy a lovely autumnal evening. Annual events, Apple Day and Apple Night are the Ravalli County Museum’s biggest fundraisers of the year which help keep the Museum’s activities and events free to the public as they celebrate the Cultural Heritage of the Bitter Root Valley and its residents.

October 7th

October 7th

Story and photos provided by Ravalli County Museum.

Painted Rocks area is worth the drive

by John Dowd

Named for the colorful lichen on the cliff walls, Painted Rocks State Park is an out of the way marvel located primarily around a reservoir by the same name. Though small, the state park offers a campground, and access to the reservoir and the many acres of forest around it.

The park has 23 camp sites, most of which are first-come-first-serve. There are some reservable sites and a camp host available on location for more information. These reservable sites can be requested through montanastateparks.reserveamerica. com.

There are numerous opportunities for recreation around the area, including fishing, birdwatching, motor boating, kayaking/canoeing, swimming, picnicking, paddle-boarding and hiking.

Besides the fish, there is a herd of elk that has been seen around the area,

several bighorn sheep and many deer, bears and other species of wildlife.

The state park itself is 23 acres is size and was created after the reservoir dam was built in 1939. The park and the reservoir are at 4,724 feet in elevation. The reservoir was constructed to provide water for agriculture in the valley below. However, it now provides for much more including water for homes and to aid in water temperature control in lower rivers and streams for fish.

More information on the park can be found at the visitors center at Traveler’s Rest State Park, in Lolo. Ben Dickinson, Recreation Manager for Painted Rocks State Park, Fort Owen State Park and Traveler’s Rest State Park, encourages people to visit the southernmost Ravalli County state park. “The view up the hill, coming over the dam and out into the reservoir is just spectacular,” said Dickinson about Painted Rocks Reservoir. With the drive so long to get out to the

Painted Rock Reservoir. John Dowd photo.

reservoir, Dickinson encourages visitors to go with a plan, and to make sure there are sites available for camping by talking to either himself or others at the visitor’s center. Not only should visitors “plan ahead,” said Dickinson, but they should also “recreate responsibly.” He referred to pack-it-in-pack-it-out

principles and that visitors simply respect wildlife and the natural beauty of the area.

More information about the park, or other parks, wildlife refuges and fishing access sites in the Bitterroot Valley, interested parties can call (406) 273-4253.

406-363-0244

210 N 1st St. Hamilton

The striking "painted" cliffs above Painted Rocks Reservoir.

Farmers markets, that offer the bounty of the Bitterroot's fertile soil, take place weekly in Hamilton, Darby, Stevensville, Lone Rock and Florence. Watch for the signs.

Main Street, Darby. There's plenty to see and do in Darby, a former logging town that's enjoying an economic renaissance, in part due to the popular "Yellowstone" television series which was based here.

Lake Como –

by Sean Malcom

Whether you’re looking to camp, boat, paddle, swim, hike, or simply relax on a beach, Lake Como, nestled between Hamilton and Darby off of US Highway 93, provides a unique and picturesque lake experience.

Dramatic mountain views and breathtaking scenery frame the 914-acre lake—the largest recreational lake in the valley. Lake Como, which was built as a reservoir for late season irrigation in the early 1900s, is a US Forest Service managed recreation area.

There are two campgrounds (Lake Como Campground and Upper Como Campground) which offer multiple campsites on a first come, first served basis. There is also a large group campsite on the east side of the lake. A boat ramp is located on the southeast corner of the lake with forty parking spots for trailers. A large cabin is also available to rent through the Forest Service on the north side of the lake (requires reservation in advance).

For those looking to spend the day, Lake Como has a large sandy beach and swimming area complete with changing areas, bathrooms, and picnic tables on the northeast corner. You will often see people launching their paddleboards and kayaks from this area. There is also a separate picnic area just west of the swimming area that provides picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills.

The Lake Como National Recreation Trail is a 7.9-mile loop

a Bitterroot gem

that skirts around the entire lake providing excellent opportunities for fishing, bird watching, or simply a relaxing hike. The first half mile is a paved interpretive trail before turning to dirt. The trail is generally well maintained and gains less than 500 feet over its entirety. There is also a six mile “out and back” option on the north shore trail if you are interested in viewing the falls on the west end of the lake.

Recreating at Lake Como requires a $5 vehicle day pass ($30 for the season). More information can be found through the US Forest Service website or by calling the Hamilton Field Office at (406) 363-7100.

Lake Como, a beautiful recreation spot between Hamilton and Darby. Sean Malcom photo.

The Hamilton Golf Course offers a spectacular setting. The Whitetail Golf Course in Stevensville is another great golfing option.

139

Centurion Street, Corvallis. $467,000

Come home to this cute, quiet neighborhood in desirable Corvallis. Close to schools and the market with a short drive to Hamilton for more shopping, dining and fun. Relax and enjoy this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in a peaceful setting. The primary bedroom is on one side of the home creating privacy to the 2 bedrooms and bathroom on the opposite side of the home.

MLS #30008552

1246 Narrow Way, Stevensville. $349,000

Amazing views of the Bitterroot Mountains and a very private location to build your dream home. Excellent site for a walkout basement with room for a shop or barn. No covenants, Corners are marked, 4 bedroom septic approval, driveway has been excavated. Price includes power lines to be installed.

MLS #22214902

Daly Mansion delights

by Sean Malcom

The Daly Mansion, 2 miles north of Hamilton on Eastside Highway, provides a glimpse into the past for those who tour the grounds. The 24,000 square foot Georgian-Revival style mansion consists of 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and boasts 7 fireplaces throughout. The mansion sits on a beautifully landscaped 46-acre parcel with mature trees and lush gardens.

The grounds were opened to the public in 1987 after being closed since 1941. Originally the land was purchased by the State of Montana in 1986 who then leased it to the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust.

The Daly Mansion provides tours to the public, 7 days a week, throughout the summer months. Prices are $15 for adults (discounts for seniors and military) and $8 for youth (children under 5 are free). Guided tours are held from 10 am to 3pm on the hour with the option of doing a self-guided tour as well.

The grounds at the Daly Mansion provide the space for many events throughout the summer. Daly Days and Brewfest will be held at the mansion on July 29 starting at 10 AM. This annual event brings the mansion to life with period reenactors and live music from the Bitterroot Ragtime Society.

August 19 and 20, the Daly Mansion will host the Celtic Games and Gathering. Heather Evans, Event Coordinator, said, “There are vendors, music, the Celtic games and the Mansion provides a pasty dinner on the back porch.” The Celtic Games and Gathering is put on by the Bitterroot Celtic Society with the intention of educating, celebrating and promoting the customs, civilization, and achievements of Celtic Heritage and how that has affected the the history of the valley.

On August 26th the mansion will be hosting a car show starting at 11 am which is free to the public.

For more information about the Daly Mansion, to see a list of events, or to contact the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust, please visit www. dalymansion.org

Historic Daly Mansion, built by one of Montana's famous "Copper Kings," Marcus Daly. Sean Malcom photo.

Welcome to Stevensville Creamery Picnic

Theme:

Friday Aug. 4 3pm - 10pm

Main Street

Kids Parade 6pm

Shōdown 7pm to 10pm

LewiS & CLark Park

Tightline 7pm to 10pm

Saturday Aug. 5 9am - 10pm

Main Street

Grand Parade 11am (line up starts at 9am at Stevi High)

LewiS & CLark Park

Joan Zen 7pm to 10pm

Local Breweries: Blacksmith and Wildwood

Beer Garden

Kids Activities

Friday & Saturday!

Pig Races

Friday 4pm-10pm

Saturday 12pm - 10pm

Local Breweries!

Food & Craft Vendors

Young Entrepreneur Vendors!

Birdwatching paradise

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to watch birds, as well as other wildlife. The refuge is just north of Stevensville off the Eastside Highway, on the valley floor along the Bitterroot River.

Warm-water sloughs are near the road, and the paths. Watch for wood ducks, mallards, cinnamon teal, pileated woodpeckers, magpies, northern flickers, nuthatches and chickadees along these paths through open, mixed black poplar (cottonwood) and ponderosa pine forest. Water birch, snowberry and serviceberry grow in thickets that attract yellow warblers and yellowthroat warblers. Look for nesting holes in dead cottonwoods and pines. These holes are mostly created by flickers, and used by a large number of cavity-nesting species of birds.

Watch for sandhill cranes, tree swallows, Canada geese, killdeer, Northern harriers, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. Nearly all of the different color variants of red-tailed hawks can be seen in the refuge, and, more rarely, peregrine and prairie falcons and sharp-shinned, northern goshawks and Cooper’s hawks. Many more species such as trumpeter and tundra swans and snow geese can be seen during migration times in spring and fall, and in recent years, trumpeter swans have been nesting here.

The most perfect time at the refuge is early in the morning. Pack a picnic breakfast and a thick blanket. Park your car and spread the blanket out on the slope of grass above the pond.

Screaming osprey will put on a show of diving, emerging and shaking like dogs as they fish right in front of you. Western pond turtles and muskrats will emerge as the sun warms the day. Blackbirds, warblers, sparrows and wrens will be singing all about, and the calls of coots, geese and ducks from across the water add to the symphony.

Belted kingfisher with his catch. John Dowd photo.

Swallowtail on showy milkweed. John Dowd photo.

Magpie surveys the area.

"Taste a little of the summer. My grandma put it all in jars."-- Greg Brown. All the arts of farm, home and garden will be on display at the annual Ravalli County Fair August 30-September 2. Jean Schurman photo.

Summer Is Here!

Remember: We Clean Chimneys & Pellet Stoves as well as Service Gas Stoves year round. We recommend cleaning or servicing in the Spring and Summer to get you ready for next season, without having to wait in the fall.

Monday thru Friday 8 am – 5 pm

There's no shortage of glorious sunsets to end yet another fabulous day in the Bitterroot Valley. Victoria Howell photo.