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Highwaymen Heritage Trail

5
·5 reviews·Fort Pierce, United States

Explore the vibrant legacy of the Florida Highwaymen artists through murals and galleries, celebrating their unique contribution to art history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Festivals and artist displays

CrowdMedium
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Highwaymen Heritage Trail - Image 1

Highwaymen Heritage Trail

Best Time

Weekends

Festivals and artist displays

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the vibrant legacy of the Florida Highwaymen artists through murals and galleries, celebrating their unique contribution to art history.

5
(5 reviews)

"Amazing artwork and craftsmanship. Kelvin and Meditha are both amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Festival Dates

Look for the Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival for a concentrated art experience.

🚗 Explore Beyond Fort Pierce

Newer Highwaymen artists also sell work along US-1 on weekends near Jensen Beach.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Highwaymen Murals

Highwaymen Murals

Various locations in Fort Pierce

Vibrant outdoor murals celebrating the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen artists, bringing art to public spaces.

TikTok
The Highwaymen Gallery

The Highwaymen Gallery

Fort Pierce

A hub for original and generational Highwaymen artwork, offering a deep dive into their history and creations.

Reddit
Annual Art Show & Festival

Annual Art Show & Festival

Moore's Creek Linear Park, Fort Pierce

An annual event celebrating the Highwaymen with original artists, second-generation artists, and community engagement.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Highwaymen Heritage Trail is an outdoor art experience. Plan your visit around the weather, especially during Florida's hot summer months. Many artists display their work at weekend festivals or specific gallery events, so check schedules before you go to catch the full experience. Instagram+1

Discovering the Art

The trail isn't a single location but a collection of murals and galleries across Fort Pierce and surrounding areas. Look for specific artist locations and gallery openings to make the most of your exploration. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Festivals and artist displays
Crowd
Medium
When
February
Why
Art shows and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Gallery opening days
Why
Meet artists and learn history
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come check out my latest mural located in Fort Pierce, Florida outside of Sailfish Brewery. I wanted give a huge thank you to everyone who made this possible and the generosity extended from everyone around me. This has really been such an amazing experience and I am forever grateful to be able to do art for a living
@jessejentzen
28.5K likes • 129.4K views

🎯 Check Festival Dates

Look for the Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival for a concentrated art experience. Instagram

🚗 Explore Beyond Fort Pierce

Newer Highwaymen artists also sell work along US-1 on weekends near Jensen Beach. Reddit

#floridahistory #daytrip #florida #hiddenflorida #floridahighwaymen #fortpierce #fortpierceflorida #alblack #alfredhair #floridaart #floridaartists
@hiddenflorida
3.2K likes • 44.7K views
🎨✨ Join Us for the 8th Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival! 🌴🎷 Celebrate the legacy of the Florida Highwaymen Artists in Fort Pierce! 🗓 Date: Saturday, February 15th ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 📍 Location: Moore’s Creek Linear Park, 435 N 7th Street, Historic Lincoln Park 🌟 Highlights: 🎨 Original & 2nd Generation Highwaymen Artists 🎶 Live jazz music 🍔 Food vendors & novelties 🎈 ...
cityoffortpierce
7 likes • 670 views

🖼️ Visit The Highwaymen Gallery

Discover original and generational art with knowledgeable staff. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Plan outdoor mural visits for cooler parts of the day, especially in summer. TikTok

The Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Festival is this Saturday, Feb 18. The Museum will be hosting tours at 10am, Noon, & 2pm. We’d love to see you!
florida.highwaymen.museum
40 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Festival Dates

Look for the Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival for a concentrated art experience. Instagram

🚗 Explore Beyond Fort Pierce

Newer Highwaymen artists also sell work along US-1 on weekends near Jensen Beach. Reddit

🖼️ Visit The Highwaymen Gallery

Discover original and generational art with knowledgeable staff. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Plan outdoor mural visits for cooler parts of the day, especially in summer. TikTok

📸 Capture the Art

Many murals are perfect for photos, so bring your camera or phone! TikTok

What Travellers Say

5
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Highwaymen Heritage Trail for its beautiful and inspiring artwork, highlighting the vibrant landscapes and the rich history behind the artists. The galleries and murals offer a captivating experience, with many appreciating the opportunity to learn about this significant cultural movement and acquire unique pieces. Some visitors noted that the trail is spread out, requiring some planning to see all the highlights.

"We had the pleasure of attending The Highwaymen Gallery “soft opening” at 111 Orange Avenue in Ft Pierce today and what a delightful experience it was. Kelvin Hair, son of original Highwayman Alfred Hair, also owner/manager of this wonderful new gallery - spent quite a bit of time with us explaining the intricacies and history of the infamous original Highwaymen’s beginnings on through todays presence in the art world. There will be a grand opening April 26, 2025 with 3 of the remaining original Highwaymen, the movie producer and cast of the upcoming Highwaymen movie Author Gary Monroe, books , book signing, documentaries on screen along with many other exciting stories to tell. The Gallery has an extensive collection of the original artists, Legacy artists, and generational artists at very good prices. A MUST SEE for beginners and classic collectors as well. We of course made a great purchase so there will one or two less great pieces for you to see however there are many more. See you all there !!!
Thank you Kelvin Hair!"

J P

"Amazing artwork and craftsmanship. Kelvin and Meditha are both amazing. I loved seeing the breathtaking portraits that fill you with peace and serenity as they each tell a story of inspiration and intrigue. Will definitely tell friends and family to go visit if ever in the fort pierce area."

chailin kvanvig

"Glad to see the one eleven full of art again. Beautiful art, beautiful people, beautiful chance to learn a bit about how this town came up"

Brendan Wenger

What People Like

Beautiful artwork
Rich history
Inspiring stories

What People Dislike

Trail is spread out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is spread across Fort Pierce and surrounding areas, featuring murals and galleries. Look for specific artist locations and gallery addresses. Some TikTok videos showcase mural locations, like one outside Sailfish Brewery in Fort Pierce. TikTok+1

Information on public transport is limited. It's recommended to have a car for flexibility in exploring the various mural sites and galleries. TikTok

Official trail maps may be available at local visitor centers or through the City of Fort Pierce. Online searches for 'Highwaymen Heritage Trail map' can also yield results. Instagram

Most murals are located in public spaces and are generally accessible. However, check specific gallery accessibility if planning a visit. TikTok

Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is advisable for efficiently visiting multiple mural locations and galleries across the region. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the murals are public art installations and are free to view. TikTok+1

Some galleries, like The Highwaymen Gallery, may have admission fees or suggested donations, especially during special events. Check their individual websites or social media for details. Reddit

Gallery hours vary. The Highwaymen Museum offers tours at specific times, and The Highwaymen Gallery has its own operating hours. It's best to check their respective schedules online. Instagram

Prices vary widely depending on the artist, size, and condition. Original works can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, while generational artists may offer more accessible price points. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase original and generational Highwaymen art at galleries and sometimes directly from artists at weekend events or along US-1. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

The Florida Highwaymen were a group of African American landscape artists from the segregated South who, starting in the 1950s, created and sold their art, often out of the trunks of their cars, to make a living. TikTokInstagram

Expect vibrant landscape paintings, often depicting Florida's natural beauty, created with oil on Upson board or canvas. TikTok

The Florida Highwaymen Museum offers guided tours at specific times. Kelvin Hair, son of Alfred Hair, also provides insights at The Highwaymen Gallery. InstagramReddit

The Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival typically runs from 10 AM to 3 PM on a Saturday in February. Arriving earlier can offer a less crowded experience. Instagram

While some original Highwaymen are still active, you might meet them at special events or galleries. Second-generation and generational artists are often present at festivals. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally encouraged at the outdoor murals. They make for great photo opportunities! TikTok

Photography policies vary by gallery. Some may allow it for personal use, while others might restrict it, especially for artwork for sale. Always ask permission first. Reddit

Any of the vibrant murals are excellent photo backdrops. Also, consider the entrance of The Highwaymen Gallery or the festival grounds during events. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the City of Fort Pierce or St. Lucie County for any restrictions before flying a drone. Instagram

Travelers often share photos of the colorful murals, close-ups of the artwork, and themselves posing with the art. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Highwaymen Heritage Trail offers a colorful and engaging experience for families. The vibrant outdoor murals are a fantastic way to introduce children to art in a fun, accessible setting. Kids can enjoy spotting different scenes and colors, making it a scavenger hunt-style adventure. TikTok+1

Visiting The Highwaymen Gallery or attending an art festival can also be enriching. While younger children might have shorter attention spans for detailed art history, the sheer visual appeal of the paintings and the stories behind the artists can spark curiosity. Look for family-friendly events or festivals that often include activities suitable for all ages. Instagram

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors

For art enthusiasts and collectors, the Highwaymen Heritage Trail is a treasure trove. You'll have the opportunity to view and purchase original works by the legendary Highwaymen artists, as well as pieces by their talented successors. Reddit The Highwaymen Gallery is a prime destination for serious collectors, offering a deep dive into the history and market value of these significant works. Reddit

Attending the Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show & Festival is a must, as it brings together many artists and their creations in one place. Instagram Keep an eye out for special events like gallery openings or book signings related to the Highwaymen, which can offer unique insights and acquisition opportunities. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History buffs will find the Highwaymen Heritage Trail a compelling journey into a significant chapter of Florida's African American history. Learning about the artists' resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of segregation provides a powerful narrative. TikTokInstagram Visiting The Highwaymen Gallery and engaging with knowledgeable staff or artists can offer firsthand accounts and historical context. Reddit

Consider researching the biographies of key Highwaymen artists before your visit to deepen your appreciation. The trail is more than just art; it's a story of perseverance, creativity, and cultural impact that shaped a unique artistic movement. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the Florida Highwaymen

The Florida Highwaymen are a celebrated group of African American landscape artists who emerged from the Jim Crow era in Florida. Facing significant racial segregation and limited opportunities, they found a unique way to express their artistic talents and earn a living by painting the state's natural beauty. Starting in the late 1950s, artists like Alfred Hair, Harold Newton, and George Buckner began creating vibrant, often idyllic, depictions of Florida's landscapes, seascapes, and wildlife. TikTok

Their innovative approach involved selling their affordable, mass-produced oil paintings directly to tourists and locals, often from the trunks of their cars along Florida's highways. This entrepreneurial spirit allowed them to bypass traditional galleries and art markets, making their art accessible to a wider audience. The Highwaymen Heritage Trail is a testament to their enduring legacy, preserving and celebrating their contributions to Florida's art history and cultural heritage. Instagram

Today, the movement continues with second-generation and generational artists who carry on the tradition, ensuring the Highwaymen's story and artistic style are passed down. Visiting the trail offers a chance to connect with this rich history, appreciate the unique artistic vision, and perhaps even acquire a piece of Florida's artistic soul. Reddit

Exploring the Art Trail: Murals and Galleries

The Highwaymen Heritage Trail is not a single, contained location but rather a dispersed collection of artistic expressions across Fort Pierce and its environs. The most visible elements are the vibrant outdoor murals that adorn various buildings, bringing the artists' work into the public sphere. These murals serve as colorful tributes, often depicting scenes inspired by the original Highwaymen's paintings. TikTok+1

Beyond the murals, the trail encompasses galleries and museums dedicated to showcasing the Highwaymen's art. The Highwaymen Gallery in Fort Pierce is a notable destination, offering a curated selection of original works, as well as pieces by legacy and generational artists. Visitors can learn about the artists' backgrounds and the evolution of their styles. Reddit The Florida Highwaymen Museum also provides tours, offering deeper insights into the movement's history. Instagram

To fully experience the trail, it's recommended to research specific mural locations and gallery operating hours beforehand. Many artists also participate in weekend art shows and festivals, providing opportunities to meet artists, learn about their craft, and purchase artwork directly. Instagram

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