Top Three Notable Hoosier Murals On Your Next Road Trip!

Joni Michels • September 12, 2025

Share this article

Indiana Joni Hidden Gems- Famous Hoosier Murals

Indiana Joni here with an "Adventure" in color & culture because I'm sharing some of my favorite destinations for famous murals in Central Indiana & beyond!  Art adds so much to our world's beauty. Since I was a kid growing up in New Palestine, IN, I've been fascinated by large colorful paintings on walls, ceilings and other architectural surfaces.  For me, murals are like powerful bridges connecting people with their environment and history.


When my parents took me camping and on vacation road trips we used to stop and snap photos at historical murals along our joy rides. (I'm talking the OG polaroid selfies) These beautiful pieces of art make cool photo ops for any kind of personalized card you want to create for special occasions. Or even the perfect profile picture in today's digital world.  I like the fact that these photos are fun memory makers that last a lifetime!


Here are my top picks for notable murals that make for the perfect joy ride! (And no they're not ranked because art is in the eye of the beholder).


1. Greenfield



Hancock County has several notable murals in Greenfield. Many of the most notable murals were commissioned to create a "Riley Literary Trail," celebrating the county's heritage and the famous poet James Whitcomb Riley. My pick is in Greenfield "A Barefoot Boy".  The large-scale mural is based on James Whitcomb Riley's poem of the same name.  It's a timeless poem that captures the essence of growing up in the Midwest. The mural was painted by California artist Andrew Hern in 2018.

Location: West Main Street (U.S. 40) West of SR 9. Greenfield, IN 46140. It's in a parking lot or as I like to call it "Alley Art". There's easy free parking near the mural and plenty of local antique shops, boutiques, and locally owned diners! And bonus while you're in Greenfield visit The James Whitcomb Riley Home and Museum. https://parksingreenfield.com/riley-home


2.   Seymour


Seymour, IN isn't just A small town, it's the Theee small town, where Rock Icon JohnMellencamp was born! The mural is located on the side of "This Old Guitar Music Store", which was owned by the late Larry McDonald, who played in garage bands with Mellencamp when they were young. The mural was painted by local artist Pam Bliss and initiated by John Mellencamp on a surprise visit. The larger than life image shows present -day Mellencamp with an acoustic guitar while the smaller one shows him with a Seymour FFA jacket.  I love this 'Little Ditty" mural about Indiana's own and Rock Hall of Famer, John Mellencamp.

Photo Credit: Jackson County Public Library


Location: 106 W. 2nd Street, Seymour, IN 47274


3. Fountain Square - Indianapolis


The World Famous Hotboys mural in Fountain Square is a vibrant piece by artist Berk "Visual" Gibbs located on the north-west side of the World Famous HOTBOYS building at 1004 Virginia Ave.. The large-scale mural features many figures and objects, including an IndyCar, the Indianapolis skyline, skateboards, and flames, all in a red, yellow, and blue color scheme. You can view it from the restaurant's patio or the adjacent parking lot! 

Location: World Famous Hotboys Restaurant, 1004 Virginia Ave, Fountain Square, Indianapolis


Make sure you dine in or out at Hotboys because the menu is on fire! All the comfort flavors of childhood but you choose the spice level and they bring the heat.  From Southern to Hot and everything in between. https://worldfamoushotboys.com


Please keep following me for more Travel and Adventure destination idea starters!


Adventurously Yours,

Indiana Joni

Recent Posts

By Joni Michels February 13, 2026
Hey Friends, it's "Joni On The Go" for an exciting musical adventure and catch up with the joyful, soulful, singer and songwriter Jennie DeVoe! She's back on stage kicking things off at the Brown County Playhouse . February, 21st for one night only. Vibe to Jennie's unique blend of R&B/Blues with a dash of hippie-funk and some great storytelling. Get tickets here . I've known Jennie for years and she was one of the FIRST artists to come and play LIVE on the FOX59 Morning show. In 2004, LIVE music on a morning news program was just crazy and no other local TV station was doing that combo thing of entertainment in the studio and going back to the anchor desk for hard news. As a music & entertainment & traffic reporter I knew this concept would work. After convincing the powers that be (Producers, News Directors etc...) I reached out to Jennie and she graciously agreed to perform LIVE at 7am in the morning! I also knew one of our first performers had to be an artist who had a lot of depth and soul and love for the community. No brainer, Jennie Devoe to the FOX 59 stage! And viewers loved the experience. Jennie brings her talent and heart to every stage and it's one of things I admire most about her not only as an artist but as a person. Going to a Jennie DeVoe show is a true experience. You soak in the sultry, vibrant sound that she creates through the Blues, R&B, Pop, and her unique blend of what she calls "hippie-funk" and it's captivating It was fun to sit down and chat with the Divine Jennie DeVoe and find out what's next in her music bag of magic!
By Joni Michels February 7, 2026
Hey friend it's Indiana Joni! Woo Woo All Aboard for an adventure on the rails with the Nickel Plate Express. I've always been fascinated with trains, perhaps it's because it's the one mode of transportation that allows for real interaction from seats that face each other to dining and sometimes entertainment! This is my ‘Road Trip Adventure Pick of the Week”. All aboard for “Amore” this Valentine’s Day with the Nickel Plate Express https://nickelplateexpress.com/ Looking for the sweetest way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Indiana? Step aboard this romantic 2 Hour vintage train ride filled with cozy vibes, scenic winter views, and special treats along the way. Beautiful vintage train cars Scenic winter countryside views Every table is private Reservation includes flight of three curated cocktail samples, and a shareable charcuterie board loaded with cheeses, meats, fruit, and sweet and savory treats A relaxed, intimate atmosphere made for memory-making ONE NIGHT ONLY— February 14th https://nickelplateexpress.com/tra.../candlelight-cocktails/ Your table is waiting… Find them: Located inside Forest Park. 825 Forest Park Dr., Noblesville, IN 4606 Call:317-674-3840
By Joni Michels November 11, 2025
2025 Veterans Day Freebies and Deals In Central Indiana
By Joni Michels November 7, 2025
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." I've always been a dog person and have had a dog in my life since I was a toddler and sharing my Cheerios with 'Muffin, my parents first "fur baby" before I came along. She was my protector, my play buddy, and ate the yucky stuff I didn't want off my plate and she was also my first love affair with a furry friend. My family always adopted shelter dogs and when I was out on my own I kept with that loving tradition with shelter dogs and rescue dogs Cuddles, Ginger, Vinnie & Mona, and now Lilly & Sonny (brother and sister). The pain is unbearable when we lose them but the love they give us unconditionally is more than they will ever know. I'm proud of my shelter pups and aways say that they rescued me! And making sure that they are happy, loved and taken care of is a top priority in my life. And that includes plenty of recreation. And if you're a pet mom like me, there are times the guilt sets in because we can't them out as much to run, and play, and socialize. Because dogs are pack animals and need that socialization.
By Joni Michels October 29, 2025
Hey friends it's Indiana Joni with a day trip adventure in the beautiful Fort Ben area of Indianapolis! "Fort Ben" is an historic district and surrounding community in Lawrence, Indiana, that grew around the former Fort Benjamin Harrison military post. The area blends its historical military past with modern amenities and recreational opportunities. I think it's the perfect outing for a girls trip, family trip, or even a picnic in the park for a date. Hidden treasures surrounding Fort Ben include The Indianapolis Salt Cave , a tranquil Halotherapy center located in a historic firehouse. If the great outdoors and nature are your thing, you should explore the extensive trails and natural beauty of Fort Harrison State Park. Other unique spots include the Theater at the Fort for community spirit, live theater productions or a movie!
By Joni Michels October 13, 2025
Keep reading to learn about Indiana Joni's Halloween TV Pick Of The Week! and how you can watch for free!
By Joni Michels September 25, 2025
Hey friends it's Indiana Joni and Fall has officially arrived (Sept. 22nd) bringing with it a canvas of glorious colors to enjoy in the great outdoors! I love Autumn for the apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patch visits, festivals and hayrides but especially for a Fall road trip to soak in the beauty of nature. If you're looking for the perfect day trip to be awed by all the bright and bold colors of Fall, one of my favorite destinations is Brown County State Park . As a kid one of my first New Palestine grade school field trips (remember those!) was to BCSP. It was love at first sight with all the majestic trees and the fiery red, gold, orange, yellow leaves just ripe for the picking and the fallen leaves lining the park like a royal blanket! For me an annual road trip to Brown County to witness the changing leaves is nostalgic and reminds me of simple care free days growing up in the Hoosier State. And as an adult it's one of my favorite annual "besties" road adventures to make new memories and still get the warm and fuzees from being a kid!