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Downtown St. Cloud’s Most Captivating Murals
While Downtown St. Cloud is charming in itself with its historic buildings and small businesses, the artistry displayed around town covers the streets in an explosion of color and creativity. Local property owners have offered up the sides of their historic buildings to highlight the town’s story, the moments that defined them, and the people who built them. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply seeking unique experiences, adding a self-guided walking tour of Downtown St. Cloud's murals to your itinerary promises to be an enriching and unforgettable free activity during your trip to Central Florida.
Welcome to St. Cloud Mural
This is St. Cloud’s most recently painted mural, and definitely the one you want to grab a group photo or selfie in front of! This mural was painted by Alan Pepin, a local artist known for figurative art, who broke out of his normal style to paint this cannot-miss mural as you enter Downtown St. Cloud. If you look closely, you’ll see a “mini mural” inside each of the letters. This matches artwork that the St. Cloud Main Street Program had made as a fundraiser, depicting scenes of Joyland Beach, our military history, and prominent women in the community, just to name a few. This campaign was a raging success, and many locals have the posters of the mini murals in their homes today. You can purchase these in the form of postcards or posters at the St. Cloud Main Street office on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 9th Street!
Amaryllis Minerva, the Official Flower of St. Cloud, FL
While most people might recognize this flower as the iconic hibiscus, the red amaryllis also has a beautiful, rich color that is recognized as St. Cloud’s official flower. The City of St. Cloud chose the red amaryllis minerva as their city’s official flower because of how tolerant it is to Florida’s climate and because of the symbolism behind the flower. Amaryllis means sparkling in Greek, referring to its large star shape, which can further represent the stars on the American Flag.
Joyland Beach Mural at 10th Street and Massachusetts Avenue
This mural has true Florida vibes. Located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street, the St.
,the Joyland Beach mural invites you to a special time in St. Cloud’s history. Joyland Beach is a once cherished recreational destination that brought joy to residents and visitors alike. Situated along East Lake Tohopekaliga, along Lakeshore Boulevard in St. Cloud, the beach provided a picturesque spot for leisure and relaxation. It was a hub of activity during the mid-20th century, featuring sandy shores, swimming facilities, and picnic areas that attracted families seeking respite from the Florida sun. While the original Joyland Beach no longer operates, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its charm and splendor. As you explore Downtown St. Cloud, you can walk down to the Lakefront where Joyland Beach once stood and grab your favorite bites dockside at Crabby Bills.
Hamilton Disston’s Sugar Mill
This mural on the side of Lewis and Massey PA shows one of St. Cloud’s greatest contributors, Hamilton Disston and the Disston Sugar Mill. Hamilton Disston's arrival in Florida marked a turning point in the state's development. In the late 19th century, Disston - a, a Philadelphia industrialist - , purchased a massive tract of land, including the swamplands around Lake Tohopekaliga, with the vision of draining them for agricultural use. His ambitious drainage efforts transformed the landscape, making once-inhospitable areas suitable for farming. Disston's influence laid the foundation for the growth of our community, and his legacy can still be seen in other landmarks around Downtown St. Cloud. This, This is a great homage to the mill's story, vividly depicting its intricate machinery and the labor that once fueled its operations.
St. Cloud Veteran Fife and Drum Corps
While this small town is located in the big, bold heart of Florida, its history has humble, patriotic beginnings. Also known as Soldier City, Downtown St. Cloud's nickname can be traced back to the late 19th century when the United States government introduced a program that rewarded veterans’ military service. Under this initiative, veterans were offered the opportunity to claim land as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication. The Grand Army of the Republic Post 34 played an active role in bringing thousands of Union veterans to St. Cloud. This mural commemorates their efforts in welcoming veterans when they arrived at their new homes.
We can’t possibly list all the history in the 15 murals throughout Downtown St. Cloud, but a #protip is to stop by St. Cloud Main Street prior to your walk and grab a free guide to this tour as well as several others through Downtown St. Cloud! If you prefer something guided, there are some groups that organize ticket tours throughout the year. The funds raised from these tours go towards purchasing additional historic markers.
These murals highlight just some of the iconic stories Downtown St. Cloud has to tell. Read more about this little town and what it has to offer with its hidden gems and local hotspots that’ll make for the perfect day trip on vacation. And sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on special events and activities happening during your trip you won’t want to miss.
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