St. Ignatius Mission
St. Ignatius, MT
An 1891 brick mission church with 58 interior murals painted by a Jesuit brother, set against the Mission Mountains. It is just off US-93 in the Flathead Reservation town of St. Ignatius; donations welcome.
St. Ignatius Mission is a Catholic mission church in the town of St. Ignatius, Montana, within the Flathead Indian Reservation. The mission was founded in 1854 by the Jesuits Pierre-Jean De Smet and Adrian Hoecken. The present brick church was built between 1891 and 1893 from bricks fired from local clay. It is a plain example of Gothic Revival, about 120 by 60 feet (37 by 18 m), with a bell tower nearly 100 feet (30 m) tall.
What sets it apart are the 58 murals inside. Brother Joseph Carignano, a cook at the mission with no artistic training, painted them and is also credited as the church's architect. The paintings combine Christian imagery with depictions of Salish belief. The mission has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973 and remains an active parish church.
For your route planning: the church stands about 200 meters (an eighth of a mile) southeast of US Highway 93 in the middle of St. Ignatius, so a short stop is easy. Because it is an active church, check visiting hours beforehand and behave respectfully (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- St. Ignatius, MT
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.3150, -114.0940
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- North Fork Jocko CampgroundCampsite15 mi from St. Ignatius Mission
- Diamond S RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from St. Ignatius MissionMotorhomes
- Lindbergh Lake CampgroundCampsite18 mi from St. Ignatius Mission
- Kreis Pond CampgroundCampsite21 mi from St. Ignatius Mission
- Jim & Mary's RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from St. Ignatius Mission · 74 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Granite Peak RV ResortMotorhome stopover25 mi from St. Ignatius MissionMotorhomes
All campsites in Montana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is St. Ignatius Mission?
St. Ignatius Mission is in St. Ignatius, MT, at GPS 47.3150, -114.0940. It is about 26 mi from Polson.
Can you camp near St. Ignatius Mission?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is North Fork Jocko Campground, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass St. Ignatius Mission?
St. Ignatius Mission is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Missoula to Whitefish via the Bison Range and Flathead Lake.
What is there to see near St. Ignatius Mission?
Places worth a stop nearby: CSKT Bison Range (8 mi), Wayfarers State Park (51 mi), Conrad Mansion Museum (62 mi) and Goat Lick Overlook (69 mi).
When is the best time to visit St. Ignatius Mission?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)