Russell County Mural Tour

Discover the stories and creativity that bring Russell County to life through our 14-piece self-guided mural tour. These vibrant works of public art celebrate the people, places, history, and traditions that make our communities unique!

Many of the murals were commissioned by the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR), whose vision has transformed walls into colorful landmarks that inspire both residents and visitors. From historic tributes to modern artistic expressions, each mural offers a unique glimpse into the character of Russell county.

Whether you're visiting for the day or looking for a new way to experience your hometown, the Russell County Mural Tour offers a fun and flexible way to explore. Travel at your own pace, stop to shop and dine along the way, and take time to appreciate the stories behind each work of art.

Below you'll find each mural, its location, and the story behind the artwork. As you explore, be sure to snap a few photos and share your favorites using #RussellCoMuralTour. We can't wait to see Russell County through your eyes!

Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom

Located at 248 Bob Dole Drive, Russell, KS

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) commissioned artist Dennis Schiel of Hays to create a mural honoring America's military veterans. Painted on the east exterior wall of the Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6240, the 20-by-60-foot mural traces the timeline of U.S. military history while incorporating military symbols that recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans.

The mural was painted primarily in earth tones, allowing the American flag, bald eagle, poppies, VFW emblem, and Purple Heart medal to stand out as powerful focal points. A kiosk and lighting were added before the mural was dedicated on October 13, 2018.

Helping Hands

Located at 15 N. Front Street, Russell, KS

Painted by artist Dennis Schiel of Hays in 2021, Helping Hands celebrates the generosity and compassion that defines Russell County. The vibrant mural depicts hands working together to share the earth's bounty, serving as a reminder of the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

A Salute To All Who Served

Located at 315 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

In 2022, the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) commissioned artist Buck Arnhold of Olathe to create three murals for the Russell community. A Salute to All Who Served, located on the south side of the American Legion building, is the first of the three.

Spanning approximately 22 by 64 feet, the mural honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military through scenes representing World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War in Afghanistan. Each branch of the military is represented through period uniforms, while historic equipment and modes of transportation help tell the story of America's military service across generations.

Play Ball

Located at 315 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

Play Ball is the second of three murals commissioned by the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) in 2022 and is located on the north side of the American Legion building. Created to honor past, present, and future American Legion Baseball players, the mural celebrates a tradition that has long been a part of the Russell community and communities across the country.

Measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet, the mural features young ballplayers wearing the style of uniforms worn by Russell Legion teams during the 1980s. It serves as both a tribute to generations of local athletes and an invitation for today's youth to step onto the field and "Play Ball."

Joy

Located at 540 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

Painted by Olathe artist Buck Arnhold in the summer of 2025, Joy was created to bring a sense of nostalgic comfort and cheerful optimism to downtown Russell. Through its bright colors and uplifting design, the mural serves as an oversized reminder to appreciate life's simple pleasures.

Stories Under The Kansas Skies

Located at 126 E. Wisconsin Street, Russell, KS

Commissioned by the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) in 2020, Stories Under the Kansas Skies is one of two murals located at the Russell Public Library. Painted by Dennis Schiel of Hays, Kansas, the 6-by-43-foot mural transforms the library's northeast corner into a three-dimensional bookshelf.

The books featured on the shelves represent works by Kansas authors, biographies of notable Kansans, and beloved titles from throughout the years. Suggestions from local teachers, librarians, and community members helped shape the collection, making the mural a celebration of both Kansas literature and the people who call Russell home.

Breakout

Located at 126 E. Wisconsin Street, Russell, KS

Wanting to create a mural especially for children, the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) commissioned artist Dennis Schiel of Hays, Kansas, to transform the west side of the Russell Public Library. Appropriately located outside the library's children's area, the 11-by-27-foot mural features Hathi, the elephant from The Jungle Book, bursting through the brick wall in a striking 3D design.

Joining Hathi are beloved storybook characters, including Harry Potter, Curious George, and the Cat in the Hat, along with other familiar faces from classic and contemporary children's literature. Together, they celebrate the imagination, adventure, and joy that books inspire in readers of all ages.

Prairiesta Wheat & Sunflower

Located at 811 N. Kansas Street, Russell, KS

Painted by Russell artist G.J. Long as the community prepared for Prairiesta 2021, the Prairiesta Mural was created as part of a community-wide effort to showcase Russell at its best. Featuring a bold sunflower, golden wheat, and the "Russell, Kansas 1871–2021" emblem, the mural celebrates the community's agricultural heritage and hometown pride.

Its vibrant design has also made it a favorite stop for photos, inviting visitors to capture a little piece of Russell during their visit.

Forever

Located at 901 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

Commissioned by the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) in 2023, Forever was created as a tribute to longtime Russell High School art teacher Derril Castor. Painted by artist Buck Arnhold of Olathe, Kansas, the mural features Derril's restored 1954 Chevrolet wheat truck, which he proudly owned and restored himself.

Derril was instrumental in starting the annual ROAR show and worked tirelessly on its many projects, always willing to share his knowledge and expertise in the arts. Though he is greatly missed, Forever serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions and ensures he will "Forever" be remembered.

Windmills To Wind Power

Located at 901 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

Following the 2010 Prairiesta theme, Windmills to Wind Power, the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) invited artist G.J. Long to create a new mural for the wall. Drawing inspiration from Russell County's past and present, Long designed a 300-foot mural that captures the county's evolving landscape through agriculture, the oil industry, and renewable wind energy.

Built around a stylized Russell County horizon, the mural reflects the industries that have helped shape the community over time while looking toward its future. Work on the project began in the summer of 2010 and was completed in May 2011.

Honoring The Call

Located at 851 N. Maple Street, Russell, KS

Honoring the Call is the third mural commissioned by the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) in 2022. Located on the west side of the Russell City Building, the mural pays tribute to the firefighters of Russell County through imagery that reflects their service, dedication, and sacrifice.

Measuring approximately 8 by 12 feet, the mural is dedicated to the men and women who have answered the call to protect and serve the communities of Russell County.

Historic Russell

Located at 805 N. Main Street, Russell, KS

As the mural at 8th and Main began to show its age, many community members and local organizations expressed the desire to see it restored or replaced. Believing that a beautiful downtown plays an important role in the vitality of Russell, the Russell Original Art Review (ROAR) accepted the challenge of creating a new mural that would preserve the community's story.

Working alongside the Russell Historical Society and the Kansas Historical Museum, ROAR developed a historic collage featuring scenes from Russell's past, spanning from 1871 to the present day. Artist Rick Rupp of Victoria, Kansas, brought the vision to life, creating a mural that honors the people, places, and moments that have shaped the community. The project began in May 2010 and was completed in May 2011.

Czech & Post Rock Heritage

Located at 135 S. Main Street, Lucas, KS

Created by Lucas-based artist Erika Nelson, the Czech & Post Rock Heritage mural explores the experiences of Czech immigrants who settled the region and the role native stone played in shaping our communities. The mural combines scenes of migration, farming and early settlement with images of the landscape that greeted the region’s pioneers.

From fence lines and farmsteads to buildings, bridges, backroads and byways, the mural reflects the many ways settlers put local stone to use. Painted on the north side of the Lucas Community Center and Library, the mural also includes a map identifying the Post Rock region and its place within the surrounding landscape.

Lucas Literary

Located at 135 S. Main Street, Lucas, KS

After receiving grant funding in 2022, the Lucas Public Library and City of Lucas began a collaborative process to develop a new mural for the south side of the Lucas Community Center and Library. Community members were invited to vote on color schemes and mural styles, share ideas about the imagery, and reflect on their own experiences with books and libraries. Their input helped guide a final design shaped by the community’s connection to reading.

Completed in 2023 by Andrea and Alex Polzin of A&A Sign Writing, the mural features an open book surrounded by colorful images of science, nature, fantasy and exploration. The message “Reading is a portal to adventures and other worlds” ties the imagery together and celebrates the creativity and sense of possibility that books inspire.

Bonus Mural: Wheat Workers

Located inside of the Russell Post Office at 135 W Wisconsin Street, Russell, KS

Painted by Martyl Schweig in 1940, Wheat Workers is a 5-by-14-foot oil-on-canvas mural located inside the Russell Post Office. The mural depicts workers harvesting and bundling wheat, with horses, farm equipment, and oil derricks visible throughout the landscape.

The mural was commissioned through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Section of Fine Arts, a New Deal-era program that placed original artwork in public buildings across the country. Schweig later became known as Martyl Langsdorf and designed the original Doomsday Clock image in 1947.

Explore More In Russell County!

Discover even more to see and do along the way! Browse our Business Directory and Events Calendar to see local shops, restaurants, attractions, and upcoming events throughout Russell County!