Mt. Sterling Art Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk through the heart of our award-winning downtown, featuring a variety of public art, beautifully restored buildings, and colorful murals.
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Start your tour off with this historic bell that is the symbol of the city of Mt. Sterling. From this point, you can view the historic brick streets and gorgeous façades along Broadway.
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Peek into the alley next to the Montgomery County History Museum to find this Kentucky icon created by local artist Steve Jackson.
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Look high above Main Street to see the state bird of the commonwealth, painted by Brianne Raye. Fun fact: The music notes the bird sings are the starting notes of our state song, My Old Kentucky Home!
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Presented by Leadership Montgomery County 2025, these life-size letters invite visitors to explore Mt. Sterling’s story through public art. Each letter, painted by students from the Montgomery County High School Art Department with support from the Smithsonian Institution, highlights scenes from local heritage and culture. Snap a photo!
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Welcome to the heart of award-winning Downtown Mt. Sterling! View the vibrant polka-dot tree that sparked a revitalization of our historic downtown.
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As you head down South Maysville and take in the quaint shops and restaurants, poke your head in the alley to view this striking mural by local artist Steve Jackson, representing his journey of breaking free from addiction.
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This exciting new mural by Cheyenne Renee features lesser-known sites and people who had a profound impact on our community. These include: Monk Estill, the first freed Black Kentuckian; Ruth Hunt, a local woman who opened her now-famous candy business in 1921; the Adena Mound that gives us the “Mount” in our town name; and October Court Day, which happens each year and is Kentucky’s oldest festival!
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Make your way back to Main Street, then look into the alley on your right. You will see the haunting murals from Mt. Sterling's history, uncovered and restored during a downtown restoration. These "ghost" murals can be found throughout the downtown area. Look closely - you might see a brand you know!
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In the alley across the street, affectionately known as "Umbrella Alley," you will discover two interactive murals by local artist Josh Spencer. Pro tip: Jump as you take the picture, and it'll look like you're flying!
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Slide your way down Umbrella Alley to find a fun and interactive mural - be sure to come out of your shell and snap a silly photo with this giant installation by Mt. Sterling Artist-in-Residence Brianne Raye.
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Walk to the Downtown Athletic Club, then look up! You will see the newest mural in town! This gorgeous painting by artist Brianne Raye shows people and places that represent our local heritage.
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Peeking out from the side of a building on High Street, you’ll see Brianne Raye’s homage to the deer who frolic across our rolling hills and through our woods.
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Finish your art tour of Mt. Sterling by visiting the crown jewel of downtown! Go inside and check it out - bonus points if you explore the three art galleries with rotating exhibits on display!
Step 1: Strike a Pose: Snap a photo or selfie of your group at each location on the trail. Post to social media use the hashtag #MtSterlingArtTrail!
Step 2: STEP 2 - Redeem Your Free Gift: Bring your photos on your phone to the Gateway Regional Arts Center and receive a free gift!
Mt. Sterling is more than murals - we have lots of history, too! Look for these unique spots by identifying the gold stars on the map.
Historic Highlights
Nancy Green Historical Marker: Born enslaved in Montgomery County in 1834, Nancy Green went on to become one of America’s first national brand ambassadors—as the original “Aunt Jemima.” Hired in 1893 by the R.T. Davis Milling Company, she portrayed the character at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where her warmth, humor, and storytelling made her a sensation. But behind the character was a real woman—a mother, activist, and respected speaker—whose image would later spark critical conversations about race, representation, and exploitation. This state historical marker honors her and calls attention to how stories are told, who tells them, and what gets remembered.
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Depot Site: Once Mt. Sterling’s proud connection to the wider world, the Chesapeake & Ohio Passenger and Baggage Depots were the town’s front door. Here, people arrived for business, holidays, or homecomings. Freight rolled in bringing coal, lumber, and goods. While the tracks are now gone, the original passenger depot and baggage building still stand, quiet sentinels of a once-vibrant transport hub. Stand here long enough and you might just hear the faint whistle of a bygone locomotive. Fun fact: this depot was one of only two Prairie-style railroad buildings in the state!
Montgomery County History Museum, 36 Broadway Street: This red-brick building once echoed with the clatter of horse-drawn fire engines rushing into action. Later updated for early motorized vehicles, it served as the city’s firehouse until 1974, then as police headquarters through 1999. Today, it’s been lovingly restored to house the Montgomery County History Museum—a treasure trove of rotating exhibits, artifacts, and hometown stories. Inside, you’ll find everything from Civil War memorabilia and court documents to vintage photos and furniture from Mt. Sterling’s grand homes. Bonus: it's the perfect rainy-day stop or kickoff to your downtown exploration.
Some of our best art is in our architecture! Check out these buildings during your tour. Look for the blue star on the map.
Architectural Attractions
Historic Log Cabin: Next to the Hot Air Balloons, view this architectural example of early life in Mt. Sterling when it was settled in 1795. Snap your photo from the parking lot as the house sits on private property.
The Bell House: Located nearby, this Federal-style brick home was built by a hat maker and later became the jailer’s residence. Abandoned for years, it’s now lovingly restored by the Montgomery County Historical Society.
National Hotel Building (1881): This beautiful structure once housed travelers coming by train to Mt. Sterling. They’d stay here, then rent horses to reach the rest of the region. Now it houses Gateway Children’s Services, continuing its legacy of care. Look up at the top of the fac to see the name of the hotel still inscribed!
Ascension Episcopal Church (1878): Just down the street, this historic Gothic church features hand-carved walnut woodwork and Mt. Sterling’s first stained-glass memorial windows. A quiet but deeply inspiring sanctuary—inside and out.
Downtown Mt. Sterling has hosted a surprising number of presidential powerhouses over the years! Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Bill Clinton have all made stops here—and even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt rolled through town. History is made on our streets!