X marks the spot

The "XXX" sculpture on North Higgins has become one of downtown Missoula's most recognizable landmarks.

Arts & Culture

Although many may not realize it, Missoula’s scenic beauty has actually helped shape its culture. The majestic mountains and forests that surround this community, as well as the three rivers that converge within it, have inspired countless artisans to honor the area’s unique setting and scenic surrounds.

The most culturally-diverse community in Montana, Missoula is home to hundreds of artists, actors, musicians, and writers, and plays host to the many who visit here each year.

Today, you can experience all that the Garden City has to offer at local art galleries, museums, music venues, riverfront parks, and historic theaters. With so many attractions and offerings, it’s no wonder Missoula is ranked 37th in the nation by Norman Crampton in The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.

If you’re visiting Missoula visit Destination Missoula for additional information on Missoula Art Galleries.

"John Updike once called Missoula the Paris of the Nineties, because of the city’s legendary population of writers, but Paris lacks three world-renowned trout rivers and proximity to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks."

- Outside Magazine

Missoula is for Lovers

By AARON TRAYLOR - The best spots to meet singles in Missoula.... more

Children’s Musician Bill Harley Comes to Missoula

By JEN SLAYDEN - When Bonner School principal Ashley Parks found out th... more

What’s Happening This Week

Listen to the Trail 103.3 FM each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for the l... more

What’s Happening This Week

Listen to the Trail 103.3 FM each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for the live version of "Make it Missoula Monday." Our DJ's share what's hot this week.... more

What’s Happening This Week

Listen to the Trail 103.3 FM each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for the live version of "Make it Missoula Monday." Our DJ's share what's hot this week.... more

Photo Gallery: Signs of Missoula

By ERIN STONER - If you wander downtown Missoula long enough, you'll notice some little eponymous gems hidden amongst the brick and mortar.... more

A Guide to Missoula Bars & Nightlife on a Budget

By AARON TRAYLOR - If you've got an evening off that doesn't fall on a Friday or a Saturday, where do you go, what do you do? And how do you do it on a budget? This is where I can help.... more

What’s Happening This Week

Listen to the Trail 103.3 FM each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for the live version of "Make it Missoula Monday." Our DJ's share what's hot this week.... more

What’s Happening This Week

Listen to the Trail 103.3 FM each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. for the live version of "Make it Missoula Monday." Our DJ's share what's hot this week.... more

Missoula is the Place for Bluegrass Music

By MARK VOSURGH. Wanna Jam? Missoulians, You are SO in luck. Missoula has a great bluegrass scene with at least 15 area bands playing bluegrass, and a ton of great musicians.... more

The Making of Off White Christmas, Part Deux

By BOB WIRE - Gather 'round the Christmas tree, kids! It's the second part in Bob Wire's bedtime tale about the making of his new album, Off White Christmas.... more

What’s Happening This Week

MAKE IT MISSOULA MONDAY. Here are the top picks from the DJ's at the Trail on what's hot this week.... more

Behind the Music: Off White Christmas

By BOB WIRE - Like Mozart's Requiem and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the inspiration for Bob Wire's Off White Christmas album was a big, greasy, delicious hamburger.... more

What’s Happening This Week

MAKE IT MISSOULA MONDAY. Here are the top picks from the DJ's at the Trail on what's hot this week.... more

Reserve & Green: A New Missoula Musical

By MARK VOSBURGH - Local writer and composer Amy Martin will debut act one of her new musical, Reserve & Green, on Friday, Dec. 16 at 8:00 p.m. at the Downtown Dance Collective.... more

Christmas Music Events in Missoula

By JEN SLAYDEN - For me, the holidays are celebrated around musical performances. Each year, as I wander downtown Missoula, I realize how lucky we are to live in such a musical city.... more

What’s Happening This Week

IT'S MAKE IT MISSOULA MONDAY. Here's what's happening this week around Missoula.... more

Dial “M” for Mandolin

By BOB WIRE - I bought a mandolin. Don’t worry, the bluegrass world is safe. ... more