What to See, Do, and Love in Downtown Shelbyville, KY

Sculpture Walk

Downtown Shelbyville features eight original art installations by local artists. I didn’t see them all, but the ones I did catch were really creative and worth checking out! If you want to track them down, there’s a handy downtown sculpture walk map that’ll point you in the right direction.

While it’s not officially on the sculpture walk, horse lovers—this one’s for you! There’s a beautiful forged bronze sculpture called American Saddlebred at the Shelbyville Conference and Welcome Center. It’s a perfect nod to Shelbyville’s claim to fame as the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World.” Definitely worth a stop.

Related: Töltally Unexpected: My Visit to Lettléiki Icelandics Horse Farm in Kentucky

Sixth Street Plaza

I loved this cute little pedestrian plaza on Sixth Street for its splash of color and historic architecture. Bright canvas sun shades stretch across the walkway, and the lamps and string lights create a lively atmosphere.

One of my favorite details was the vintage Dottie’s Beauty Shop sign. Even though the shop is long gone, the neon sign preserves its nostalgic charm. I never quite managed to be there after dark when everything lights up, but I sure wish I had seen it all aglow.

Community Murals

I always love coming across murals when I travel, and the ones in Shelbyville had a great local vibe. One was painted by a Shelby County high school student, which is so impressive. Another was a mosaic made from individual tiles—each one painted by a Shelbyville resident. Put together, they form a beautiful dogwood tree. It’s such a creative community project!

Historic Science Hill School (Wakefield-Scearce Galleries)

Back in the 1800s, Science Hill School stood out as one of the South’s premier girls’ academies. At a time when most girls were only taught reading, writing, and social graces, this school, founded by Julia Tevis, offered a full education, including the sciences. It quickly became one of the nation’s foremost preparatory institutions.

The school is now home to a renowned antique gallery, boasting one of the largest collections of antique English furniture, silver, and home decor in the United States. Alongside these incredible pieces are several display cases filled with Science Hill School artifacts, which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring.

I was really taken by the historic school’s beautiful construction, especially the balconies. They create such a perfect setting to showcase the antiques in the gallery today.

And I have to mention—if you’re on the hunt for a silver julep cup, Wakefield-Scearce is the place to find one. They’re not cheap, but they’re highly sought after and absolutely beautiful.

Chatham Gardens

The towering columns in Chatham Gardens definitely caught my eye. They’re what’s left from an Antebellum home that once stood here before it was destroyed by fire. I love that the town saved the columns—it’s such a unique way to keep the history alive.

Shelbyville Fountain

Every good downtown needs a fountain, and Shelbyville’s is a pretty one. It’s a great little spot to snap a quick photo, especially in the fall. When I was there, the bright orange leaves made the perfect backdrop!

Kentucky Black Trailblazers

One of the most interesting things I came across in Shelbyville was the Kentucky Black Trailblazers experience. It’s an augmented reality trail that highlights influential Black Kentuckians who helped shape the state’s history. There are 19 stops across six communities, each marked with a sign and a QR code. Just scan it with your phone, and a holographic image pops up to share a short story.

Shelby County has three stops—two in Shelbyville (one of them downtown) and another just up the road in Simpsonville. The downtown marker highlights Elijah P. Marrs, a key figure in the fight for educational equality in Kentucky. I visited all three Shelby County stops while I was in the area and really enjoyed learning from each one. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the trail, too, like the popular Muhammad Ali stop in Louisville, when I get the chance.

Shelby County Historical Society Museum

The Shelby County Historical Society Museum was closed when I visited, but it’s high on my list for next time. It’s in a beautiful old 1872 Presbyterian Manse and filled with local stories and artifacts—perfect if you’re into history or just want to get to know Shelby County a little better. (Currently open Wed-Sat)

Shelby County Courthouse

This gorgeous Beaux Arts building, built in 1912, is the last in a line of Shelby County courthouses—all of them stood right here on this exact spot. Court proceedings are now held in a newer building down the street, but this one still houses local government offices. Definitely worth a look if you’re into historic architecture.

Old Shelby County Jail

Built in 1891, the Shelby County Jail—nicknamed the “White Rock Hotel”—once housed inmates and served as the home of the sheriff and his family. Over the years, it saw its share of escapes and violent incidents, which have fueled local legends of hauntings. Staff have even reported unexplained activity inside.

Outside, historical markers reflect on the area’s painful past, including the racial violence that shaped its history. Two Black men, Sam Pulliam and Reuben Dennis, were lynched here—stories that are important to acknowledge and remember. It’s worth stopping by the jail just to read those accounts.

Fun fact: Some scenes from the movie Wildcat were filmed inside the jail.

Centenary Methodist Church

If you’re into historic churches, definitely check out Centenary Methodist. It’s a descendant of the first brick Methodist church in Kentucky—and only the second brick church of any kind in the state. That first structure was called the ‘Shelbyville Meeting House’.

The current building is beautiful, and the stained glass looks absolutely stunning when the light hits it just right. I just wish the church had been open so I could’ve seen the window up close!

Boutiques, Antiques and More!

If you love boutiques and antiques, get ready to treat yourself while shopping local! Shelbyville has some adorable shops. A few of my favorites were Polka Dotted Pineapple, Pineapple Paisley, and Paisley Pig (try saying those three times fast!). For vintage treasures, don’t miss Reclaimed on Main.

And if that’s not enough to satisfy your shopping cravings, the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass are just a quick drive away.

Downtown Info at Your Fingertips

Need help finding your way around? The interactive kiosk next to the Shelby County Historical Society Museum has you covered. It’s like a digital visitor’s guide, loaded with info on attractions, restaurants, coffee shops (check out the ShelbyKY Coffee Trail!), boutiques, maps, and more—all right at your fingertips.

You can also visit the ShelbyKY Tourism website at www.visitshelbyky.com/

Final Thoughts

I had such a nice time wandering through downtown Shelbyville, KY. I’m so glad I took the time to do it and if you get the chance to visit, I think you’ll like it too.