Cartography Comes Alive
Join us at Xplorer Maps' world headquarters in Missoula, MT, for Cartography Comes Alive (CCA)—our monthly event series running from September through May. Each event showcases extraordinary explorers, engaging storytellers, and expert educators who bring the world to life through their incredible journeys and insights.
Whether you're an adventure seeker, travel enthusiast, national park lover, or history buff, you'll find inspiration in every presentation.
📍 Location: Xplorer Maps Brick-and-Mortar Store, 1245 S 3rd St W, Missoula
🎟 Admission: Most Cartography Comes Alive events are free, though some special programs require a ticket purchase. Due to high demand, all tickets—free or paid—must be reserved in advance via RSVP or purchase. Any unclaimed reserved seats will be released to walk-in attendees on a first-come, first-served basis at the start of the event.
PAID EVENT
Cost: $10
Out There: A National Park Story
Q&A with director Brendan Hall and guest Jack Gladstone to follow the film! Out There: A National Parks Story follows a young filmmaker and his childhood friend on a 10,000-mile road trip through America's national parks during the centennial of the National Park Service. What begins as a search for awe-inspiring landscapes evolves into a deeper journey that uncovers the human stories embedded in these wild places. Along the way, they meet rangers, conservationists, and everyday visitors whose lives have been shaped by the parks. Through personal stories of healing, transformation, and connection, a rich tapestry of the national park experience begins to emerge. One that reflects not just the beauty of the land, but the spirit of the people who love and protect it. Blending stunning cinematography with archival travelogues, posters, and maps, Out There is both a tribute to the enduring legacy of the parks and a call to recognize the human presence that gives them meaning. It invites us to see these places not just as landscapes, but as living stories, reflecting on our own role in their preservation.
📅 September 23 | 📍 1245 S 3rd St W; Missoula | Trailer
FREE EVENT
A Woman Among Wolves
Diane Boyd
We are proud to partner with Wild MT to bring Diane for two special speaking nights, November 11 and 12. Often called the Jane Goodall of wolves, world-renowned wildlife biologist Diane Boyd has devoted four decades to studying and advocating for wolves in Montana near Glacier National Park. Beginning her work in the 1970s as the only female biologist in the U.S. researching wild wolves, she tracked packs through harsh winters, pioneered radio-collaring methods, and helped shepherd wolf populations from near absence to more than 3,000 in the West today. Boyd’s groundbreaking research and fearless fieldwork continue to shape the global conversation on wolf management and human–wildlife coexistence.
📅 November 11 & 12 (Two Nights) | 📍 1245 S 3rd St W; Missoula
FAQ
Are tickets free?
Yes! Most Cartography Comes Alive events are free to attend, though some special programs may require a ticket purchase. For free events, seating is limited, so we encourage guests to reserve their spot early with an online RSVP. Any unclaimed reserved seats will be released to walk-in attendees at the start of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I get tickets or reserve my seat?
To reserve your tickets, visit our event page: xplorermaps.com/pages/cartography-comes-alive. Any unclaimed reserved seats will be released to walk-in attendees at the start of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I Call to reserve tickets?
Short answer: no. Due to high demand, all tickets for ticketed events must be reserved in advance through RSVP or purchase.
When should I arrive?
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Seats are first come, first serve. We encourage you to pick up tickets early.
Please arrive by 10 minutes before the storytelling starts. If you are unable to make it, give your tickets away or let us know, so we can give them away for you.
What if I didn't get tickets?
Admission for non-ticket holders is not guaranteed and will depend on availability. We recommend arriving promptly at show time to increase your chances of getting a seat.
To accommodate all guests, any unclaimed reserved seats will be opened up to walk-in attendees at time of event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is Cartography Comes Alive located?
Join us at Xplorer Maps' headquarters in Missoula, MT.
Address: 1245 S 3rd St West, Missoula
Phone: 406-546-4972