Montgomery County: Heritage, Parks, and Rolling Landscapes

The Mt. Sterling Art Trail takes you on a scenic walk through downtown, connecting public art with restored buildings and colorful murals. Architectural history and archaeological heritage also shape the impressions of Montgomery County: In Mount Sterling, you’ll find historic districts, and the Little Mountain Indian Mound tells the story of a much earlier time.

Historic Streets and Buildings

Mount Sterling’s Commercial Historic District includes the courthouse square and commercial buildings along North Maysville Street and East and West Main Street. There are 63 buildings in all; the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Northwest Residential District offers another perspective on the city’s history: It covers an area of 18 blocks along West Main Street and North Maysville Street.

Ascension Episcopal Church is a historic Gothic church dating from 1878. Its notable features include hand-carved walnut woodwork and Mt. Sterling’s first stained-glass memorial windows. A historic bell is considered a symbol of Mt. Sterling. The Art Trail also features public art and restored buildings—a walk that brings together different sides of downtown.

The History Museum next to the courthouse is the starting point for the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. The tour includes historic sites and restored buildings. Downtown also has historic markers, and local merchants welcome visitors. The J.D. Wilson Gallery houses the permanent Contemporary Kenyan Art Collection, described as the largest collection of its kind in North America.

The area’s older history is also part of the visitor experience: The Little Mountain Indian Mound was built by the Adena culture about 2,000 years ago. Court Days in Mount Sterling offers a glimpse of local traditions. This recurring three-day event features handmade goods, antiques, tools, and collectibles. A behind-the-scenes tour of the Ruth Hunt Candy Factory shows visitors how candy is made; confirm tour arrangements before your visit.

Landscapes, Parks, and Recreation

The terrain in Montgomery County is mostly hilly to rolling. Along the eastern and southern edges are high knobs and ridges, many of which rise more than 1,200 feet. The rolling landscape contrasts with Mount Sterling’s historic buildings.

For time outdoors, Botts Park offers walking trails and a disc golf course. Becca’s Butterfly Garden, registered as a Monarch Waystation, is also located there. Easy Walker Park has an inclusive playground. Recreation Bowl Park, also known as “The Mound,” has pickleball courts; the park has been renamed and is being renovated. The variety of amenities ranges from walking trails and disc golf to playgrounds and pickleball.

The MSMC Aquatic Center features zero-depth entry, water sprays, tipping buckets, and a large vortex slide. Plant enthusiasts can see or buy more than 1,300 daylily varieties at Hickory Springs Of Montgomery Daylilies. Judy Drive-In has shown movies outdoors since 1952; check current showings before your trip. Tenth Frame Cinema & Sterling Lanes offers current movies, bowling, and arcade games. Irish Hills Golf Course combines golf with views and dining in a country club setting; check its operating status before your visit.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Mount Sterling is accessible via Interstate 64, Exit 110. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can start by considering whether historic downtown, parks, or recreational activities will be the focus of your trip. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences you actually plan to enjoy, rather than to a general idea of the right location.

Discover more destinations: Mt Sterling, Marion County, Warren, McCreary County, Kenton, Morgan County, Calloway County, Bourbon County.

View the main travel overview: Kentucky.