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Sheltowee was the name given to early explorer, Daniel Boone, by Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee Indians. His name was made official in 1778 upon adoption into the tribe. Chief Blackfish thought Boone had broad shoulders and looked like a turtle, hence the meaning of the name Sheltowee, big turtle. If you follow the Sheltowee Trace NRT, you see a striking logo, turtles, more specifically land turtles.

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In the spirit of the turtle an idea was formed, to create statues throughout the community honoring the turtle. The most unique part of the program, local and regional artists are invited to paint and embellish turtles.

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In July 2014, Morehead was certified as the third Kentucky Trail Town. The certification came a few months before the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail was re-routed down Main Street. Today, Morehead continues to be the only city in Kentucky with a national recreation trail on Main Street.


To apply to sponsor a turtle to be placed at your local business, organization or personal property follow us on Facebook to watch for updates or check back here annually in April.  To be added to our waiting list, please email rcac@moreheadtourism.com

About....

  • C. Roger Lewis Agency.....129 E. Main Street.....Egan Colbert

  • Cave Run Lake Chapter - Sheltowee Trace Association.....2375 KY 801N......Amy Richardson

  • Creative Touch.....Miana Ratcliff.....125 Candlelight Way

  • First Baptist Church.....Abbie Grace.....123 E. Main Street

  • First Christian Church.....Jenny Conrad.....227 E. Main Street

  • Friends of Rodburn Hollow Park.....Allison Slone.....740 Rodburn Hollow Road

  • Fuzzy Duck/Coffeetree Books.....Stef Ratliff.....159 E. Main Street

  • Gatti’s Pizza of Morehead.....Kaylee Thornsberry.....520 E. Main Street

  • Holbrook’s Embroidery Plus.....Haley Younce.....117 E Main Street

  • Homeland Real Estate.....Allison Slone.....172 E. Main Street

  • Morehead Optimist Club.....Kaylee Thornsberry.....6940 US 60 W

  • Morehead Rotary Club.....Isaack Evans.....Braham Avenue/Fountain Park

  • Morehead-Rowan County Tourism.....Gary Mesa-Gaido.....150 East First Street

  • Morehead Woman’s Club.....Dee Biebighauser.....Morehead Women’s Park

  • Painted Hills Garden Club.....Dee Biebighauser.....Braham Avenue, Fountain Park

  • Pathways Inc......Isaack Evans.....321 E. Main Street

  • Rowan County Fiscal Court.....Alison Baker.....600 West Main Street

  • St. Claire Healthcare.....Chrystal Williams.....716 West Main Street

  • St. Claire Healthcare.....Elizabeth Mesa-Gaido.....245 Flemingsburg Road

  • St. Claire Healthcare.....Nona Camuel.....222 Medical Circle

  • St. Claire Healthcare.....Alison Baker.....431 Hampton Way

Phase 1 Turtles

Coming Soon!

Phase 2 Turtles

Morehead Turtle Walk
Sponsor Packet

Morehead Turtle Walk
Artist Packet

THIS YEAR'S DEADLINE HAS EXPIRED.  CHECK BACK IN APRIL 2025
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