One of Montana's Best Surprises: Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in the Wild
- High Stakes Foundation
- May 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Lincoln, Montana. Sculpture + Landscape + Nature + Human experience
We believe in solutions that support vibrant, interconnected communities that give everyone in the local community a direct, long-term interest in the prosperity, health, and beauty of Montana. We know that early money on bold ideas can make an enormous impact. Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in the Wild is a prime example of how a wild idea with a great team can impact people, place, economy, beauty, and education. - High Stakes Foundation
At High Stakes, we love to explore Montana– especially the small unexpected corners. On 26 acres in Lincoln, Montana is one of Montana’s best surprises– a world-class environmental contemporary sculpture has found a home among the trees. Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild is a world-class outdoor art installation that blends creative expression with the rugged beauty of the region. The Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture In the Wild has flourished, drawing artists and visitors alike. The quote "If you build it, they will come" is one Kevin O'Dwyer, the Artistic Director, repeated and he was spot on. Sculpture in the Wild has anywhere between 40 thousand and 55 thousand visitors every year. Lincoln, MT, with a population of less than 1000 people, is considered a national art destination.
The initiative began with local sculptor Emily Larson’s Eagle’s Perch, a striking metal sculpture that quickly became a symbol of resilience. The foundation’s support enabled artists in residences to create pieces inspired by Montana’s landscapes, transforming the forest into a living gallery. Sculpture in the Wild expanded its education initiatives, residencies and public programs, inviting locals and tourists to experience art in a way that feels organic to the landscape. The installation has brought economic and cultural vitality to Lincoln, attracting art lovers, hikers, and photographers while boosting local businesses. It was even listed as one of 15 Best Places To Road Trip in 2022.
After the first few years, the business community of Lincoln started hearing from their patrons "We are here to visit or we just visited Sculpture in the Wild" and it continues to add an economic boost to Lincoln. Lincoln residents enjoy taking their visitors to Sculpture in the Wild year-round. The community has embraced and enjoyed the visiting artists and the summer events in the park on Saturday afternoons. The school program during the fall residencies has also been a great success in teaching local students about art and nature and seeing museum-quality artwork in their backyard.
What began as a bold vision and creative experiment has become a center of excellence in Montana, showcasing how public art can enhance, amplify, and celebrate the natural world. Blackfoot Pathway: Sculpture in the Wild stands as a testament to Montana’s artistic and environmental beauty. We are so proud to have this incredible program as part of our grantee community and encourage you to explore, experience, and enjoy it as well.
The support from the High Stakes Foundation was tremendously helpful in our fledgling years and as we grew. We are in our 12th year at Sculpture in the Wild and without Foundations like High Stakes, we could not and will not be able to grow.
Mission Statement:
Provide an environment for the creation of significant artworks, both permanent and temporary, inspired by the environmental and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley while fostering an awareness and appreciation of the arts through community participation and education.
Goals and Objectives:
Celebrate the rich environmental and cultural heritage of the Blackfoot Valley through contemporary art practice.
Provide the framework for the development of a vibrant artist community thus improving the quality of life in rural Montana.
Provide community engagement and learning opportunities through hands-on participation and education.
Establish a learning and resource center that brings creativity, cultural tourism and economic vibrancy into the community.
Create a community identity and a “sense of place”.
To learn more about Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture In The Wild click on their website below.
