Murals in Franklin KY – Simpson County
One of the best parts of travel is the opportunity to see unexpected things. Finding public art, historical landmarks or murals along floodwalls is always a highlight. If you are traveling through Simpson County, Kentucky off I-65 at Exit 2, you will find eight detailed, realistic murals painted on a 200-foot long highway retaining wall right beside the Simpson County Tourism Office & Welcome Center.
Life-Sized Outdoor Murals – franklin ky
These life-size murals show the history of Simpson County over the past 200 years. You can follow the theme of how transportation has changed from horse-drawn carriages to train locomotives, mules, farm wagons, automobiles, pickup trucks, school buses, tractor-trailers, and recreational vehicles.
Location: 81 Steel Road (Just off I-65 at Exit 2)
Start at one end and move chronologically through the seasons from winter to fall.
- Mural 1: “Duel at sunrise” 1819-1850
- Mural 2: War clouds” 1850-1875
- Mural 2A: “Frontier Portraits”
- Mural 3: “Bringing in the sheaves” 1875-1900
- Mural 4: High Noon – The Courthouse” 1900-1925
- Mural 5: Mule Day Afternoon” 1925-1950
- Mural 6: “School Days, School Days” 1950-2000
- Mural 7: “Drive-time” 1950-2000
- Mural 8: “Riding off into the Sunset” 2000 and Beyond
Thanks to Ritchie Hale for taking the pictures and sharing this great place to enjoy public art!
How to find Street Art
Ready to find street art and public murals near you? Check out these tips and ideas!
The murals in Franklin KY are more than just works of art – they’re windows into our community’s soul. 🎨 Have you taken a mural tour yet? Each vibrant mural tells a unique story, from our agricultural heritage to local legends and historical events. Which mural resonates with you the most? It’s incredible how art can breathe life into our streets, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of pride in our town’s identity. Next time you’re downtown, take a moment to appreciate these colorful masterpieces and the stories they tell.