Communities across Kansas are embracing mural movements and sharing their unique history in artistic ways. One north-central Kansas community is painting its way as a top mural destination in the Great Plains.

A Mural Movement of Clay Center, Kan., is elevating public art to new heights. “Bucolic America,” on a Key Feeds grain elevator, is Clay Center’s newest and largest mural, paying tribute to farmers and rural America. In the mural, a bright red barn stands proudly in the background and a windmill stands tall in a big blue sky, while a calf stands close to its mother in a lush green field. The Key Feeds mural stands out in Clay Center’s skyline and draws in visitors and passersby alike.

Mural movement

In the last year, A Mural Movement of Clay Center has supported 12 works of art, bringing the total number of murals to 14 and counting. Each colorful mural tells a different story, showcasing the talent and dedication of the 13 artists who have contributed to the movement: from the iconic “Greetings from Clay Center” mural, to the heartfelt depiction of Joe Rosenthal’s famous photo of the flag being raised during the battle of Iwo Jima on Clay Center’s Veteran’s Mural.

VETERANS MURAL: Clay Center’s Veteran’s Mural is a proud tribute to Kansas veterans. The town has 14 murals and is quickly becoming a tourism draw for Instagrammers and others seeking an artistic slice of rural life.

As with all tourist attractions and destinations, economic development is the driver for this project. Beautifying Clay Center with these vibrant public art installments increases community pride, helping make bring tourists to their town, which they describe as “a great place to live, work and play.” The intent is getting the traveling public off Highway 15 and into the businesses that call Clay Center home. A Mural Movement of Clay Center is supported by local businesses and property owners, artists, generous donors and those across the community.

Make a day of it

Several kiosks around town have maps available locating the 14 murals. You can also skip the map and turn it into a family fun scavenger hunt — just don’t forget to snap some pictures and use #ToTheStarsKS for a chance to be featured on Kansas Tourism’s social channels. Want to stay a little longer? Cool off at Clay Center’s Aquatic Park, explore one of the three public parks, have some retail therapy downtown and grab some grub from local favorites like 15-24 Brew House or El Puerto Mexican Restaurant. (Insider tip: The nut roll at Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee is out of this world.) Pile in the car, take a Sunday drive and head to Clay Center for an unforgettable mural tour.

Mural road trip

North-central Kansas is a perfect weekend getaway and makes for a stellar road trip to see murals. Concordia boasts the longest sculpted brick mural, conveniently named, “The Whole Wall Mural.” Mankato’s 150th birthday celebration includes a tribute to Kansas in its new “Ad Astra per Aspera” mural, which portrays a Kansas warrior. It’s similar to the sculpture that sits atop the dome of the Kansas State Capitol. Marysville’s “LifeTiles Murals” are interactive storytellers that allow you to view history in motion, becoming a moving picture as you move from one side to another.

Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on the state and local communities. To learn more about murals across Kansas or for road trip inspiration, visit TravelKS.com.

For more trip inspiration and to order a free Kansas Travel Guide, head to TravelKS.com.