This article originally appeared in the Resolutions print issue, in stands February 2026. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
Salt Lake City often dominates conversations about Utah’s arts and culture, but just 40 miles north, Ogden is quietly building a creative identity of its own. From artist-run galleries and large-scale murals to live music venues and mountain backdrops, Ogden offers students an affordable way to break routine and explore a different side of the state.
Ogden’s appeal lies in how art, music and landscape intersect. Much of the city’s creative life is concentrated around Historic 25th Street, where galleries, murals and venues coexist within walking distance, making the arts scene accessible to visitors unfamiliar with the area. The city is close enough for a day trip, but distinct enough to feel like a getaway. Rather than hopping on a plane or planning an expensive weekend away, students can experience something new simply by heading north.
A gallery built by and for local artists
One of the anchors of Ogden’s arts community is Gallery 25, a cooperative gallery that has operated for more than two decades. Located on 25th Street, the gallery was founded by local artists who wanted control over how and where their work was displayed. “A group of artists here in town decided they didn’t want to play by someone else’s rules, so they pooled their resources and rented a space of their own,” BJ Jensen said, an artist and member of Gallery 25. “Gallery 25 has been a co-op for about 24 years now, and we’ve been in this location for 22.”
Unlike rotating exhibition spaces, Gallery 25 features resident artists who are deeply tied to Ogden. Jensen said that local connection is central to the gallery’s mission. “We’re really the only traditional gallery in town that has resident artists, and they’re all local,” Jensen said. “We’re not interested in bringing in artists from California or Texas — you’re supposed to be part of this community.”
Beyond showcasing artwork, Gallery 25 serves as a space for mentorship and collaboration, particularly for artists who may not have access to formal art education. “When I was starting out, there really wasn’t a place like this,” Jensen said. “Gallery 25 is a place where artists can come talk to other artists and learn what they don’t know yet.”
The street’s layout makes the arts scene accessible even to visitors unfamiliar with the area, allowing people to experience multiple forms of creativity in a single afternoon or evening.
Murals that shape the city
Public art is another defining feature of Ogden’s creative landscape. Murals appear throughout downtown, turning ordinary buildings into visual landmarks.
One of the most recognizable is the “Mona Lisa” mural by artist Brent Atwood, located on Washington Boulevard. Atwood said the story behind Leonardo da Vinci’s original painting is what continues to draw people in.“The story of the Mona Lisa is a love story,” Atwood said. “I believe Leonardo da Vinci fell in love with her, and that’s why he carried the painting with him for the rest of his life.” Atwood believes murals can reshape how people experience a city and how they feel within it.
“A mural can change a neighborhood,” he said. “A hundred dollars in paint can turn a worthless wall into a cherished icon.” Nearby, the “You Belong” mural on Kiesel Avenue sends a simpler but powerful message. Its words reinforce the idea that Ogden’s art scene is built on inclusion and community rather than exclusivity, welcoming both longtime residents and first-time visitors.
Music, movement and living art
Ogden’s creativity extends beyond visual art. Venues like Funk ’n Dive Bar and The Thirsty Horse regularly host live music, offering intimate shows that contrast with Salt Lake City’s larger concert spaces. These smaller venues allow audiences to experience music up close while supporting local and touring artists in a more personal setting.
During the summer months, the Ogden Amphitheater brings national acts and festivals downtown, offering students a way to experience live music without the chaotic crowds and long waits that often come with bigger venues. The smaller setting creates a more laid-back concert experience, making it easier to enjoy the music and the atmosphere at the same time.
Even the city’s surroundings contribute to its artistic identity. The glow of the lights along 25th Street, paired with views of Ben Lomond, Mount Ogden and Snowbasin, creates what many locals consider living art, a backdrop that changes with the seasons and shapes the experience of the city itself.
For students looking to expand their horizons without straining their budgets, Ogden offers a reminder that meaningful travel doesn’t have to mean crossing state lines. Sometimes, it just means getting out of the city and paying attention to what’s nearby.
