Leading art tours around Missoula has taught me one thing: creativity is everywhere—and it’s not always where you expect it.
From massive murals to intimate galleries, Missoula’s art scene
is as vibrant and varied as the people who create it. Out of all the incredible places we visit on the tour, these five stops are my personal favorites. Each one holds a unique story, and I’m
excited to share why they mean so much to me. Here are my top five favorite stops on the Art Tour at Local Missoula Tours.
1. Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC)
The ZACC isn’t just a gallery—it’s a creative universe. This stop is hands-down my favorite. With multiple galleries, a printmaking studio, and a rotating lineup of around 25 shows and performances a month, the ZACC is the heartbeat of Missoula’s art community. Whether you’re here to admire or to create, it’s the place to be. If you’re ever feeling the itch to try something new artistically, this is where you want to go.
2. Dorothy Dragon Mural
Towering and vibrant, this 7,000-square-foot mural by Lillie Nelson (a.k.a. “The Mother of Dragons”) is an explosion of color and imagination. It’s a stunning fusion of dragon styles—from
Eastern serpentine figures to classic Western beasts—all merging into one dazzling, mythical creature. The vibrant pinks, blues, and greens pull you in from a block away. I love seeing people’s reactions when they first round the corner and see it for themselves—jaw-dropping,
every time.
3. Missoula Art Museum (MAM)
If you want to see the soul of contemporary Western art, the MAM is the place. It’s a hub for diverse and powerful exhibits, featuring everything from local Missoula talent to renowned
Indigenous artists. With monthly rotating exhibitions, there’s always something new to experience. And just outside the museum is the Art Park—a peaceful outdoor space where large-scale installations meet fresh Montana air. It’s the perfect pause point on the tour.
4. The Mercantile Prints by James G. Todd
Inside the historic Missoula Mercantile building is a quiet gem: a collection of prints by legendary Montana printmaker James G. Todd. As someone who got into printmaking after moving to Montana, Todd’s work was a huge inspiration to me. Each print here portrays an author featured in the anthology The Last Best Place—from Norman Maclean to Lewis and Clark. It is a moving blend of visual and literary tribute, and I love introducing visitors to Todd’s legacy. (Shout out to the Radius Gallery for curating the Merc!)
5. Cattin Around Sculpture
This whimsical cement cat sculpture is pure Missoula charm. It’s a birdbath when it rains, a photo op when it’s sunny, and a symbol of how art can live with the community—not just in galleries. One of my favorite facts to share? Shortly after it was installed, it was accidentally hit by a snowplow. But like all great art (and all great cats), it persisted. It’s playful, practical, and just the kind of surprise that makes the tour fun.
Missoula’s art scene is always growing, always surprising—and it’s an honor to share it with
people every day. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, I hope these stops inspire you as much as they continue to inspire me.
— Evan (Art Major and enthusiast!)
Book an Audio Art tour at localmissoulatours.com!