Take a Mint Julep art walk in Bourbon City

March 10, 2026 | Katie Molck

Stroll through Downtown Louisville and NuLu to see art installations dedicated to the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.

Colorful streetside sculpture features playful phonetic spellings of "Louisville," with vibrant boxing gloves painted above. Urban setting with glass storefronts.

There’s more than one way to enjoy a Mint Julep in Bourbon City. This walkable tour features four art installations dedicated to the iconic cocktail, including life-size Mint Julep statues created as part of Louisville’s Derby Gallopalooza and murals.

The 2.5-mile loop, which can also be driven, weaves through parts of Downtown Louisville and the East Market District — aka NuLu.

You can make this julep journey round trip (~1 hour walking/~20 minutes driving), starting and ending at the Louisville Visitors Center, or take it one way (~30 minutes walking/~10 minutes driving), ending in the trendy NuLu area where you can finish your tour by visiting shops and eateries.

“All About Lou”

📍Louisville Visitors Center, 301 S. Fourth Street

As the title suggests, this Mint Julep statue pays a colorful homage to all things Louisville. Created by artist Carla Terwilliger of Twiggy Originals, it features Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, the city’s official fluer-de-lis symbol, and a Louisville Slugger. While you’re there, stop inside the Louisville Visitors Center to browse Bourbon City-themed gifts and learn more about the city.

“Hint of Mint”

📍South 3rd Street and West Jefferson Street

Located in an underpass near the Kentucky International Convention Center, you’ll find this mural painted by The Art Cartel in 2019. It depicts a common sight in April — hot air balloons and steamboat races, both part of the festivities leading up to the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May.

"Hint of Mint" Mural
Grab a drink or a bite across the street from the "Hint of Mint" mural at Porch Kitchen & Bar.

“A Day at the Distillery”

📍 Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen,122 W. Main St.

Created by artist Casey McKinney, this Julep was sponsored by and showcases the Maker’s Mark Bourbon brand. Located on Whiskey Row, note the artist’s nod to Maker’s Mark signature red bottle wax via the dripping red paint on the base of the statue.

“You're the Mint to my Julep”

📍Quills Coffee, 802. E. Main St.

Residing on the side of an 1897 fire station turned coffee shop, this 22-foot-tall mural was created in 2018 by designer Bryan Patrick Todd specifically for Mint Julep Month. Be sure to stop into Quills for a coffee — we recommend the espresso tonic or Miele latte.

If you happen to be embarking on this Mint Julep art walk in April — aka Mint Julep Month — be sure to check in on the Mint Julep Month Trail to win prizes.