St. Ignatius, MT

At the base of the majestic Mission Mountains on the Flathead Indian Reservation, St. Ignatius is home to the St. Ignatius Mission. A National Historic Site, the mission was built in 1891 by American Indians and Jesuit missionaries. Adorning the mission's walls and ceiling are 58 hand-painted murals by Brother Joseph Carignano—a self-taught artist who worked as the mission cook and handyman years ago. Also nearby: Three Chiefs Cultural Center, the Mission Mountains Wilderness, stellar rock climbing, McDonald Lake and the Bison Range.

Salish Name: Snyel̓mn
Meaning: “Place Where Something is Surrounded”