City Murals: Small Town and Big City Character

Bringing fun and creativity to a bland wall or a desolate alley, city murals are cultivating tourism along with an appreciation of art and history to small towns and big cities all across America. They give ‘POP’ to dreary alleys and a whimsical flair to brick walls. The pictures can be found in all sizes – from 5’ to over 100’. The images often promote the city’s heritage. This can include depicting those that once inhabited the area, portraying important figures throughout the city’s history or even illuminating significant economic developments. The murals can be a perfect Instagram location, boosting city tags.

City Mural Walking Tours

Regardless of the reason, city murals bring color to a downtown. Many towns have incorporated the murals into a self-guided walking tour. This is something that locals can enjoy, but it also serves as a source of entertainment for tourists. Local businesses benefit by having these pedestrians around town. Nothing beats walking around with an ice cream cone, a smoothie or a warm drink in hand while admiring the art.

These city murals also serve as an outlet, and even a source of income, for artists. This connection to the community very often leads to more projects for these artists.

In the age of excessive billboards, murals serve as a more pleasing alternative. The artistic advertisement can be painted right on the side of the business, enhancing the area and benefitting the environment. This is not a new concept. Mail Pouch tobacco was well known for using the side of a barn to promote their product.

I’ve been amassing mural pictures during my travels. This post serves as a resource for locating and enjoying the murals around Ohio. I will add to the post as more are spotted, so be sure to come back before your next trip.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth took a huge flood wall and turned it into an astonishing work of art. This wall is ¼ mile long and highlights everything Portsmouth. The flood, shoe and shoestring manufacturing, professional sports teams and more are painted within individual panels all along the wall.

You will want to park at the east end of the wall. You have the choice of downloading an app which will narrate as you walk along the sidewalk, or you can read the information boards as you go along.

Once you get to the end, you can go on the other side of the flood wall and walk along the river. Names of famous people from Portsmouth are painted on stars on the river’s side of the wall.

Short North, Columbus

The Short North, in Columbus, has several art walks. They each can be accessed via the website. You can also print off a map. There is an audio guide that can be downloaded on your phone to tell you about the art as you are walking.

The murals here are extremely varied. Some are a play on famous paintings, others give nod to local culture and others are creative works that the artist has envisioned. The elephant water fountain is obviously not a mural, but Goodale Park is part of the art walk.

New Philadelphia

Not necessarily known for its art scene, New Philadelphia is changing the way the city is viewed. A few murals went up, then a few more. Soon, people were wondering not if, but when and where the next one would be painted. Drab alleys are now filled with motivational quotes and pictures that bring smiles.

These murals encompass the surroundings and give excellent backdrops for photos. You can log onto the website to be guided through the experience. The city walk is approximately a mile long.

Sugarcreek, Ohio

Sugarcreek has a guided walking tour to help you find and engage in the murals around town. Many of their murals have movable parts such as the train featured in the picture below. They also have an amazing wall of murals carved from brick.

Circleville

These huge murals are so well done they almost make you feel as if you could walk through the wall they are painted on. These murals are part of the Ohio Art Corridor.

Canal Winchester

The murals in Canal Winchester are not painted directly on the brick walls. Instead, they are painted on a canvas like material and then glued onto the side of the buildings.

Grove City

Grove City’s murals can be seen easily as you enjoy a stroll through their downtown. A cute little town completely different from the chain store build up just a few miles down the road.

Utica

Only one city mural is present in Utica, but it is a beauty. Glass making was a predominant business for many decades in this part of Ohio. The mural is a very detailed painting showcasing the art of glass blowing.

Springfield, Ohio

A popular image from the 1950s and 60s, Springfield has a postcard perfect spot to get your picture taken.

Miami County

The Piqua Indians were native to this part of Ohio. The town of Piqua in the northern part of the county has a gorgeous mural downtown. The canal served as a huge source for commerce  during its time helping locals buy and sell goods at a much better price. The mural is located in downtown Troy.

Laurelville

Laurelville Fruit Farm’s mural was painted in 2020. It serves not only as a billboard for the business, but as a work of art for the community.

Murals are for Everyone

Murals can be enjoyed by all ages. Seeking out local art gives you a peek into what is important in the community and usually a bit of history. It’s a great activity that can be enjoyed walking around or even driving by during inclement weather.

What are some of your favorite murals in Ohio?

Remember to Pin this article as a resource for your next travel adventure.