Rain or shine, Ashland’s Hometown Trolley brings visitors and locals to see the city’s 21 historic murals.

“It started back in 1998, and then we were designated the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin in 2005,” Visit Ashland Executive Director Mary McPhetridge said.

All of the historic murals were done by the same two local artists: Susan Prentice Martinsen and Kelly Meredith. Some, like the Storefront Mural on West Main Street, took years to complete.

The murals can all be found in the nine-block Historic District.

“Most of the buildings and architecture are on the Register of Historic Places,” McPhetridge said. “So that just kind of created this home for the murals.”

Each mural has its own theme, like Ashland’s lumberjack heritage, its natural features, and its industry.

“This public art has been great for us. It’s like our history book, you know, outside and in the public for everybody to view,” McPhetridge said.

The 90-minute trolley tours run on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tickets are $5 per person.