Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural

Carthage, Missouri

MissouriRoadside Attraction

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links from which we make a commission from your purchases. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided may have changed since initial publication.

Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

The Big Dreams Grow in Carthage mural in Carthage, Missouri, is a colorful celebration of the big names who once called this small town home.

This larger-than-life project was sparked by Vision Carthage, a local nonprofit focused on community beautification and revitalization. Their goal was to blend public art with historic preservation and remind kids that growing up in a small town doesn’t mean you have to dream small.

To bring their idea to life, Vision Carthage turned to hometown artist Andy Thomas. Known for telling stories through his paintings, Thomas took their vision and turned it into a stunning watercolor scene. The mural captures Carthage’s character with familiar landmarks like the Jasper County Courthouse and the 66 Drive-In Theatre. At its heart, it shows children at play while the accomplished, grown-up versions of themselves look on.

To make the painting permanent, Paul Whitehill of Whitehill Enterprises recreated the artwork on durable porcelain tiles. The final piece, installed in 2021, stands 44 feet wide, 28 feet tall, weighs in at 6,500 pounds, and is made up of 459 tiles.

Here is who is depicted in the mural:

  • Bill Snow – Stone sculptor and mentor to many
  • Andy Thomas – Storyteller on canvas
  • Jerry Ellis – Watercolor artist, National Watercolor Society
  • Bob Tommey – Western artist and painting mentor
  • Lowell Davis – The grandfather of Rural Art
  • Sam Butcher – Creator of Precious Moments
  • Annie Baxter – First woman elected to public office in Missouri
  • Kent D. and Mary L. Steadley – Philanthropists to Carthage, supporting the city and its charities since the 1970s through their family trust
  • Carl Hubbell – 1933 World Series pitcher for the New York Giants; Hall of Fame inductee in 1947
  • Janet Kavandi – Astronaut with over 33 days in space and 535 Earth orbits under her belt
  • Marlin Perkins – Zoologist and host of Wild Kingdom
  • Felix Wright – NFL player for the Browns, Vikings, and Chiefs
  • James Scott – Ragtime composer and pianist
  • David Newell – Actor who appeared in 110 films

You’ll find this inspiring mural on the side of the McBride Building on the historic Carthage Square.

Last Modified:

State:

Attraction Type:

,
Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri

Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural

Be the first to write a review

Address:

136 E 4th St, Carthage, MO 64836

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

Get Directions
Save to My Trip
Please login to bookmark Close

Photos of the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri

Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri
Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri
Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri
Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri
Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural?

The Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural is a large public art installation that celebrates the accomplished people who got their start in Carthage, Missouri. Created to inspire future generations, the mural highlights the message that big dreams can begin in a small town. The project was spearheaded by Vision Carthage as a way to combine public art, community pride, and historic preservation.

Where is the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural located?

The mural is located on the east side of the historic McBride Building at 136 E. 4th Street in downtown Carthage, Missouri, just off the historic town square and within easy walking distance of several Route 66 attractions.

Who created the mural?

The mural was designed by renowned Missouri artist Andy Thomas. The artwork was commissioned by Vision Carthage, and Whitehill Enterprises helped transform the painting into a large-scale tile mural installation. The mural was completed and installed in 2021 as part of Vision Carthage’s Downtown Mural Project.

Who is featured in the mural?

The mural showcases notable individuals with ties to Carthage, including astronaut Janet Kavandi, baseball Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell, television host Marlin Perkins, ragtime composer James Scott, professional football player Felix Wright, actor David Newell, and several other influential Carthaginians.

Look for the plaque that describes who each person in the painting is.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there is plenty of free parking around the square.

Where to Stay Near the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest on your road trip with a stay at one of these Missouri hotels near Route 66.

Boots Court Motel

The Boots Court Motel in Carthage, Missouri opened in 1939. This historic Route 66 motor hotel hosted actor Clark Gable numerous times.

Rockwood Motor Court

Rockwood Motor Court opened as a Tourist Camp in 1929, just three years after Route 66 was commissioned. Renovated in 2019, you’ll enjoy clean and comfortable rooms themed to eras of Route 66 with vintage décor, furniture, and memorabilia.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven

After a day behind the wheel, stopping at all of the Mother Road’s iconic roadside attractions, museums, restaurants, and more, a good shower and a comfy bed is always a welcome sight. Take that and add modern amenities, vintage charm, and a touch of Elvis, and you have the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven motel in Springfield, Missouri. Book a stay in the iconic Elvis Suite for a unique night!

Attractions Near the Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural on Route 66

Plan Your Missouri Route 66 Road Trip

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning
Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

Be the first to write a review

Leave a Review of Big Dreams Grow in Carthage Mural in Carthage, Missouri

Rate and Leave a Review

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.