Historical Mural Revitalizes West End of Downtown Lander

In Lander, the west side of Main Street has struggled with empty buildings, creating a lack of vibrancy that discourages residents from exploring local businesses on that end of downtown. After years of commissioning public art throughout Lander, community volunteers had an idea to use a mural not just as decoration but as an economic catalyst for this overlooked area. Working with the Pioneer Museum and local historians, they planned a comprehensive visual narrative depicting Lander’s full history—from prehistoric times and petroglyphs through the creation of the reservation, ranching, apple orchards, railroads, mining, NOLS, and modern tourism. This collaborative approach will engage Indigenous artists and cultural advisors to create a nuanced representation that moves beyond mythologized depictions of the West, acknowledging diverse cultures and histories that shaped the region. The highly visible mural will complement existing historical building signs while drawing foot traffic to revitalized businesses on the expanding west end of downtown. LOR’s funding will help cover materials and partial artist fees, with the building owner and additional fundraising covering remaining costs.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Lander Community Foundation.