Stevensville is a good place to get acquainted with the early days of Montana, particularly with a visit to St. Mary’s Mission.
It’s a great place for lunch or a drink, or to stock up on some candy at Big Sky Candy.
Polson has an excellent public beach area with ladders going right into the water if you want to take a dip.
If it’s history and architecture you’re looking for then we recommend doing a day trip from Missoula to the city of Butte.