In the heart of Missoula, there's a place where nature, history, and art converge. Silver Park, located along the serene Clark Fork River, was once the site of a century-old lumber mill. Today, it serves as a gorgeous escape for locals and visitors alike, with open spaces, lush greenery, and easy access to the city center. Now, Silver Park is more than an escape for those seeking a peaceful reprise or a place to recreate–it is now the home of the inspirational Sculpture Park, too. Discover the park's roots, the inspirational community-driven efforts for revitalization, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the local arts movement in Missoula.
Polley's Mill, 1924, from the University of Montana Mansfield Library's Archival Collection
The 15-acre Silver Park was not always an oasis for recreation and escape–it once hummed with industry of Polley's Mill, where the logging industry and sawmills rapidly shifted the landscape of Western Montana. By the 1990s, the site was abandoned and all that was let behind was the remnants of the mill. The creation of park was a community-driven effort led by the Morris and Helen Silver Foundation, the City of Missoula, and local revitalization efforts, and thanks to these efforts, the space was reclaimed and reimagined as a gathering place for Missoula. With paths winding the reclaimed green space and timber shelters echoing the park's past, Silver Park is now a symbol of the growth and possibility that comes from localized community efforts.
Sculpture Missoula, the nonprofit behind impressive sculpture display in Silver Park, was founded out of a vision to make sculpture accessible to all. The Missoula community has deep roots, the Sculpture Missoula's vision is no different. They strive to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of sculpture for all ages, offer sculptors a platform to show and sell their work, and to give Missoula a shared space that champions creativity. Together with Missoula's Parks and Recreation department, that vision became a reality! The exhibits at Silver Park, also known as Sculpture Park these days, celebrate nature, invite playfulness and exploration, and breathe new life into Missoula's already-thriving arts community.
Easily accessed via Wyoming Street about a mile and a quarter from the city center, Silver Park features hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters and tables, and a boat landing on the Clark Fork River. The sculptures are dotted across the park, inviting contemplative exploration and discover and were curated from selections from artists across the country and Canada. According to Sculpture Missoula, who provides all the funding through private donations and grands, the initial goal is to place 10 sculptures in Silver Park within the next two years, with five having already been installed. For more information about how to support Sculpture Missoula's mission, visit their website to learn more.
If you’re looking for a moment of quiet wonder on your Missoula itinerary, Sculpture Park is the place. Bring a friend, bring a camera, or bring nothing at all but your curiosity. Silver Park and its sculptures are ready to welcome you.
