Ravalli takes its name from the Jesuit missionary, Father Anthony Ravalli; who came to minister to the Indians in the Bitterroot Valley at Saint Mary's Mission. Originally fur traders established trading posts in the area. The Hudson Bay Company built Fort Connah in 1847 and it is still visible at the historical marker, 11 miles north of Ravalli along Highway 93. Northwest of Ravalli is the National Bison Range.
Ravalli is located in south area of Montana, on MT Highway 200 north of Missoula.