Tell City is one of those little towns nestled along the Ohio River, about halfway between Evansville and Louisville. And like its fellow river city to the east, Vevay, Tell City has its roots in the Swiss settlers who came to this part of Indiana.

To commemorate their earliest settlers, the people of Tell City held their first Schweizer Fest (Swiss Festival) in 1958, to honor their centennial anniversary of the city. They had such a good time, the Tell City Historical Society decided to do it every year.

That brings us to today, 55 years later, and the Tell City Schweizer Fest has become one of the longest running community festivals in Indiana. And with good reason — the entire city gets involved. Civic groups, clubs, and businesses all work together to make the festival a grand success.

And by looking at the festival schedule, I can tell it’s not quite the same as other community festivals, which makes it all the more interesting. You can see the entire schedule here, but here are some of the highlights that really caught my attention.

Schweizer Fest parade

• The Festival actually runs from August 7 – 10, but on the 3rd they’re already getting the ball rolling with some events. Sort of like the preliminary events before the actual Olympics start.
• On Saturday, August 3rd, there’s an archery contest. I have never seen an archery contest at a community festival, so they already get big points for that one.
• Monday, August 5th has the Princess and Prince pageants. The princes and princesses will be crowned and reign over the Festival, plus they’ll appear in the parade on Wednesday. (I don’t know if this actually gets them anything. Maybe cutsies in the food tent lines.)
• On Tuesday, it’s the 39th annual Old-Timers Baseball Game, for active and inactive players over the age of 40. In other words, if you were 1 year old or older the first time they held this game, you can play.
• There’s a kaffee klatch on the 7th. Seriously, a kaffee klatch. That’s basically German for “sit around and drink coffee and gab,” but when you say it in German/Swiss, it sounds so much cooler. I only see kaffee klatches at a local coffee shop here in Indianapolis, so the fact that they’re having one to celebrate their Swiss heritage is interesting.
• There’s also a fitness competition that starts on Wednesday and ends on Sunday. The contestants do get a break (although that would be an interesting competition to watch if they didn’t). This is an all-around fitness competition, with weight lifting, calisthenics, jumps, and other ghastly sounding events. The entire competition goes for 6 heats, and concludes on Sunday. Prizes will be given to the winners, or survivors, whoever there are more of.
• There are also guided walking tours, a bicycle tour, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and a 6 mile and 2 mile run. None of this namby-pamby 5K and 1 mile crap. The people of Tell City are strong, hearty people. This is a 10K (10 kilometers is 6.2 miles) and 2 mile not-so-fun run! There’s also a kid’s run, which apparently I’m too old for. (Having made jokes about all that, I do appreciate the fact that there are a lot of fitness-related activities here, which is something you don’t see at other festivals.)
• They’re also celebrating Dot Kessner of Kessner Furniture for her 40 years of community service. It’s nice to see that they’re making it part of the event itself. Dot Kessner must be some kind of awesome.
• There will also be hands-on robotics activities for kids (I’m guessing the kids’ hands, not the robots’ hands). You expect to see this kind of thing at Purdue University, not in Perry County.
• There’s a wine garden. Since there are already so many wineries around southern Indiana, thanks to the fertile soil and Swiss vintners who came to the area in the 19th century, you can’t go wrong with a wine garden.

Schweizer Fest band

While every festival has a car show and a pageant and music every night (they just aren’t festivals without them), only Tell City is celebrating the body, the mind, the heart, and their heritage. Show me another festival that has an archery tournament, robotics demonstrations, fitness competition, and a koffee klatch, and you’ll find me there too.

Congratulations on 55 years, Tell City Schweizer Fest!

Tell City Schweizer Fest, August 7 – 10 is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Tell City Schweizer Fest, August 7 – 10 was written by Erik Deckers for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Have you ever been 350 feet in the air looking down on Indianapolis? Not too many people have, but thanks to Conner Prairie you can do just that. The 1859 Balloon Voyagegives visitors the opportunity to learn about the first airmail delivery – via balloon – in Lafayette, Indiana.

Photo Credit: Conner Prairie

Through an interactive exhibit, visitors become familiar with the history of balloon flight and then can experience soaring 350 feet above the prairie with spectacular views of the area – including downtown Indy!

Photo Credit: Conner Prairie

It is pretty amazing! I have gotten to do the balloon voyage a few times. Once, during a daytime visit to Conner Prairie a few years back …And once last weekend during an evening of Symphony on the Prairie …If you go during the day, be sure and check out everything else there is to do at Conner Prairie and if you go at night, make sure to check out the various symphony dates and pick your favorite! There are only a few left this season.

With such a unique view of the city and the surrounding area, you won’t regret taking flight!

Balloon Voyage! is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Balloon Voyage! was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Never got the chance to get away this summer? Well don’t worry because Spencer County has plenty to offer for your fall weekend getaway.

The Fall-O-Weekends is finally here & is offering you and your family an overnight package to Santa Claus, Indiana for their Halloween Weekends. Book yourself the spacious Gingerbread House or Mistletoe Bungalow at NorthStar Vacation Rentals. Taking the RV? Stay at the Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort and enjoy ghost stories around the bonfire, a costume contest, haunted hayrides and even some trick-or-treating.

Continue the Halloween fun at Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park where you’ll get to enjoy fun rides, corn mazes, a Halloween-themed laser light show and much more!

Needing a break from the Halloween celebration? No problem! Travel back in time and visit Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum where you can look back at history by exploring the Pioneer Schoolhouse, Lincoln’s Homestead Cabin and the Old Pigeon Baptist Church. Learn about the lives of Lincoln’s family, as well as where he stayed when he was a boy, at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. In addition, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful fall colors by hiking the trails or paddle-boating the two scenic lakes at Lincoln State Park.

Finish off the day by unwinding at Monkey Hollow Winery with a complimentary wine tasting, all while taking in the beautiful view of the rolling hills. Afterwards, travel along the Ohio River Scenic Byway where you’ll not only get a great view, but can learn about the history of the area as well.

For more information about upcoming events & lodging in Spencer County, visit http://santaclausind.org/.

Spencer County: Your Fall Destination is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Spencer County: Your Fall Destination was written by Amy Finke for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Just in time for Halloween, Conner Prairie is turning into “Conner Scairie” on a few special nights, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Headless Horseman. Visitors can still ride the Headless Horseman haunted hayride, but they’re adding a lot of new programs and special events to the experience.

Conner Prairie Headless Horseman

Visitors who visit Conner Scairie get to elect the new mayor out of one of six possible candidates.

• Dr. Acula’s Monsters and Magical Creatures Show – A comical introduction to the  town of Conner Scairie and the monsters who inhabit its grounds, presented by the vampire and expert in monsters, magic and all things pertaining to the underworld.
• Beautisha’s Magical Tips for a More Beautiful You – Beautisha, the cosmetics-loving witch, will share her magical secrets to achieving “true” monster beauty in this hilarious show full of crazy concoctions. Be prepared, she will need help from the audience.
• Ed’s Electrical Spectacle – Ed, the mad scientist, and his assistant, Ezmerelda, will demonstrate the power of electricity and attempt to bring their latest creation to life.
• Holly’s Hollow – Child monster, Holly Ween, will invite visitors ages 8 and younger to romp through her wooded trail containing magical creatures and fairy houses. Make it through the path to her chute and enjoy sliding down on potato sacks. Then stop and hear Holly’s family-friendly, magical stories, perfect for the little ones.
• Crane Bros. Superstition Emporium – Join Ichabod Crane’s brother and sister, Ingelbert and Ilka Crane, as they show off amulets, superstitious charms and try to spook visitors with their stories of ghostly encounters.
• Harry Howler’s Scary-o-ke – This crazy crooning werewolf will pass the microphone to visitors who dare to out-sing him.

— Source: Conner Prairie press release

Visitors can also use a catapult to launch a ball of flying monkeys, watch the Disney classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (the only Disney movie to scare me enough that I’ve never watched it again), see the Legend of Sleepy Hollow marionette show, have your fortune told in the Mystic Tent, and several other shows, crafts, and attractions. You’re also encouraged to come into costume to the event.

You’ll get to vote for your choice of mayor on any of the Headless Horseman days, October 11 – 13, 17 – 20, and 24 – 27, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. (Activities and hayrides may run past 10:00.) You’ll cast your vote into the smoking cauldron, and the results will be announced on Conner Prairie’s social media accounts, their website, and live at the festival on the night of October 27.

Presale tickets are available at select central Indiana Marsh, Mainstreet, and O’Malia’s locations. Thursdays and Sundays, tickets are $10 presale, $12 at the gate, free for all members. Fridays and Saturdays, tickets are $14 presale, $16 at the gate, free for Plus-Level members and above.

Conner Prairie Becomes “Conner Scairie’ for Headless Horseman’s 30th Anniversary is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Conner Prairie Becomes “Conner Scairie’ for Headless Horseman’s 30th Anniversary was written by Erik Deckers for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Hi there! My name is Matt Rhinesmith. I was born in Muncie, but only lived in the great state of Indiana for a year before college. I’m currently a senior at Butler studying electronic media and journalism. I am a passionate sports fan and hope to get into the field after graduation. I hope you enjoy reading about all Indiana has to offer!

“Welcome to Indiana Basketball.”

I am left with a new appreciation for those famous words spoken by Coach Norman Dale in the movie “Hoosiers”. I was able to visit the gym where a majority of the movie was filmed.

Despite living all over the country for most of my life, I was raised believing that Indiana is the premiere basketball state in the United States. My mom grew up in Anderson and saw Steve Alford play her Madison Heights Pirates every year. My dad, a Warren Central grad, spent his high school years as the radio voice of the Warriors. Indiana and basketball were synonymous, that’s what I always believed.

An interior view of the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, IN.

After my visit to the Hoosier Gym, I can see that my thoughts were not misplaced. Upon walking through the original heavy, wooden doors, the smell of hickory (same as the name of the fictional high school in the movie) greets you. In front of you is a ticket booth built in the 1940’s. When I walked in, I could hear the dribbling of a basketball on the court. The gym has taken on the role of a community center now and is open everyday for anyone to come in and get some shots up. I walked down the creaky floor, looked up at the original wooden rafters and picked up a ball, took a shot from beyond the three point line and drained it. I didn’t take another shot the entire afternoon. I wanted to leave saying I made my first and last shot in the Hoosier Gym.

My grandparents and I were able to take a short, free of charge guided tour through some of the restored areas of the building. The locker rooms look the same as they did in the movie, all the way down to the writing on the white board. The words “Don’t get caught watching the paint dry”, spoken by Shooter Flatch during a game Hickory needed to win without Coach Dale, are written on the white board, one of the many touches of history around the place.

The final leg of our tour took us to a convention area that has been added on to the back of the gym in the last few years. Complete with a kitchen and several large rooms, the area can be rented out for everything from wedding receptions to business meetings. To read more about the gym and for rental information, access the gym’s website here.

I have grown up hearing about Milan High School’s improbable run to the state championship in the 1950’s. As a current student at Butler, I get to see part of the story everyday when I enter the doors of Hinkle Fieldhouse, where they won the state championship. With my visit to the Hoosier Gym, I completed my tour of Indiana basketball. I encourage you to do the same.

Knightstown’s Hoosier Gym Takes Indiana Basketball to the Next Level is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Knightstown’s Hoosier Gym Takes Indiana Basketball to the Next Level was written by Matt Rhinesmith for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Vevay-Switzerland County celebrates its Bicentennial on October 4-13, 2013. Logo design by Donna Weaver.

It’s a 200th birthday party and you’re invited!

Vevay-Switzerland County is celebrating their Bicentennial on October 4-13, 2013 with activities and events for all ages. Dubbed the “Birthplace of the First Successful Commercial Winery in the United States,” Switzerland County is also where the Mormon hay press was invented and is home to the famous Swiss Wine Festival.

Vevay’s 200^th birthday is a year before the 1814 founding of Switzerland County. Because the milestones are only a year apart, the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial Committee decided to celebrate both occasions this year.

Several mini-events–gearing up to main events– have included Bicentennial-themed festivities such as the Bicentennial Swiss Wine Festival parade, a tea at the Community Art Center and a community book reading at the Switzerland County Public Library.

Local men have joined “Brothers of the Brush” with ladies signed up as “Bicentennial Belles.” All wear ribbons  and  earn buttons to signify their participation at each Bicentennial mini event. Several of “Brothers” have been growing beards to mark the occasion (as men folk did during the 1963 Vevay-Switzerland County’s Sesquicentennial) with “Belles” wearing specific items during themed events.

There is so much going on during the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial that a website went live earlier this year listing current and upcoming events with times and locations.  Log on to http://vevaybicentennial.org for schedules and to view historic photos of the area.

Bicentennial merchandise is also on sale at the Switzerland County Visitors Center including, tee-shirts, tote bags, wine glasses, coloring books with sketches by artist

A limited edition bronze medallion was created by Indiana Artisan Donna Weaver for the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial. Weaver is a Switzerland County resident and has worked with the U.S. mint.

Donna Cole, a Bicentennial basket with lid design by Erin Williams and a limited edition commemorative bronze medallion designed by Indiana Artisan Donna Weaver.

A special Bicentennial wine made by award-winning winemakers Tom and Mary Jane Demaree is  available at The Ridge Winery.

On October 4 the main celebration begins with a “Patchwork of History” quilt show at the Switzerland County Technology and Education Center. Located at 708 West Seminary Street in Vevay, the show spans 100 years and includes Switzerland County history displays of social and service organizations. The event is from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, continuing on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 6 from noon until 5:00 p.m. There is no admission.

Vevay Main Street will host their monthly First Friday event themed “Patchwork of History” on Friday, October 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Enjoy late night shopping, dining, art openings, live entertainment, and free carriage rides around downtown Vevay.

The Switzerland County Visitors Center will host a kids of all ages “Patchwork Pumpkin” craft table and will give away free pumpkin stencils. The event is Friday, October 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The center is located at 128 West Main Street in downtown Vevay.

An encore presentation of “The Stripping Room,” a play about stripping tobacco will be shown at the Historic Hoosier Theater beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4. Written by local playwright Libby Kinman, the performance is geared towards mature audiences. The theater is located on 209 Ferry Street in downtown Vevay. Admission is $10.

An old-fashioned tent “Chautauqua” will take place at the Switzerland County Historical Museum grounds at 208 East Market Street at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. Known as an outlet for guest speakers to talk on social and political issues, Vevay will once again hold a Chautauqua in celebration of the Bicentennial.

William Jennings Bryan, one of Vevay’s most popular Chautauqua speakers of 1917, will make a return visit this year. Period performances of music, dance and comedic relief will also take center stage. Guests are invited in dress in appropriate attire of the 1900s and mingle at a tea following the performances. Admission is free and open to the public.

As part of the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial, the Vevay White Stockings will play at Paul Ogle Riverfront Park on Sunday, October 6, 2013 beginning at 1:00 p.m.

For those more sports minded, the Vevay White Stockings are back! Vevay’s own men’s baseball team will take to the diamond at Paul Ogle Riverfront Park in Vevay on Sunday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. against the Rising Sun Belle River team. Donning vintage uniforms, the troupe plays in an open field using circa 1869 rules and no ball gloves.

Honoring Switzerland County’s rural heritage, the “Rural Heritage Tour” will take place at Musee de Venoge; the Thiebaud Farmstead; and Garland Farm on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 from noon until 5:00 p.m.

Musee de Venoge (111 State Road 129) and Thiebaud Farmstead (5147 East State Road 56) are revitalized properties that are now home museums listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Both locations will feature military demonstrations, domestic arts, hearth cooking and period trades during the Rural Heritage Tour.

Thiebaud Farmstead was built in the late 1850s by Justi and Mary Thiebaud for their family of 10 children. Photo by Kendal R. Miller

While admission is free for the tour, tickets are available for $11 for an ox dinner to be served at Musee de Venoge. Dessert will follow down the river at the Thiebaud Homestead.

Garland Farm (2767 Garland Road) is a modern dairy farm located at 2767 Garland Road. Devoted to producing organic foods, the Garland’s Jersey herd is grass-fed. The business is located on a family farm complete with a scissor-truss barn and a house built in 1836.

Other activities during the Vevay-Switzerland County Bicentennial include a “Cast Iron Chef” contest, antique tractor show, cake decorating contest, tobacco stripping contest, Bicentennial art tour, and more.

For a complete list of Bicentennial events, times and locations, log on to vevaybicentennial.org. For information on local lodging, businesses and year-around events, contact the Switzerland County Visitors Center at (812) 427-3237, e-mail visitsc@switzcotourism.com or log on to www.switzcotourism.com. Switzerland County Tourism-Vevay, IN is on Facebook.

2013 Vevay-Switzerland County celebrates Bicentennial-Oct. 4-13 is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post 2013 Vevay-Switzerland County celebrates Bicentennial-Oct. 4-13 was written by Kendal Miller for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

I had the privilege to travel to Evansville a few weeks ago and experience all the wonderful outdoor adventures they have to offer.

One of my favorite stops was Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. I was not familiar with Wessleman at all before my visit and am so thankful for the opportunity to go there. Part of their mission is to create experiences which connect people with nature. Well, with the largest urban forest of its kind in the US, it is easily accomplishing that!There are over six miles of trails at Wesselman Woods that allow you to get up close with nature. We were even able to get our picture next to an award winning tulip tree!We also visited the nature center where there is a bird watching area and (if you are lucky) you might even get to hold a snake!And be on the lookout for what’s new at Wessleman Woods. Big plans are in the works for a new entrance, updated nature center and new additions outside as well. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to engage with your kids about nature and this is the perfect place to do just that.

Next stop … Mesker Park Zoo. While rain is not usually the ideal weather for a zoo trip, it worked to our advantage. The animals were a bit more active and the crowds were much smaller!We got to hand feed a giraffe (warning – they have freakishly long tongues!) …

See their new red panda!And visit my favorite exhibit – Amazonia! Think of a rain forest – indoors.

Inside Maggie got to feed a porcupine and we got to see the beautiful jaguar!All in all a great morning (despite the weather) and can’t wait to visit again.

Another outdoor spot in Evansville worth a stop is Angel Mounds. Believed to have been inhabited as early as 1000 AD, this fortified town served as the social, political and religious center for a much larger area of villages that ran along the Ohio River. The land, now owned by the state, seeks to educate visitors about the history of what once was.

The grounds are beautiful and you can see several of the mounds that would have been used for various purposes back in the day. Educational programs are available and (if you are there this month) be sure to visit their corn maze made in the shape of an ancient spider. Oh and stop in at the interpretive center to learn more about the people that once inhabited the land.There are more outdoor activities (architecture, LST, golf courses) available in Evansville. To learn about them and plan your trip to the above, make sure to check out Visit Evansville. They have a wealth of information that will help plan your trip. And many thanks to them for assisting me! I hope to make it back soon.

Beautiful Outdoors in Evansville is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Beautiful Outdoors in Evansville was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

I mentioned my visit to Evansville the other week and all of the great outdoor attractions they have. While I was there, I also got to visit a few wonderful indoor attractions as well and since the weather is turning a bit colder, I thought it would be a great reminder of all there is to do.

I often have a four-year-old with me when I travel and that does guide a lot of where I go. However, I think it is important for her to visit some educational sites as well and learn about history. That is why stopping at the Reitz Home Museum was a great fit.Located in the heart of the historic preservation district sits this beautiful house that was once home to John Augustus Reitz. Upon arriving in Evansville and realizing his idea of supporting the pottery industry wasn’t profitable (because of over saturation in the area), he built a sawmill. Within 40 years his mill produced more feet of hardwood lumber than any other in the country. He built his home in 1871 for his wife and seven of his children. (Note the picture of the woodwork. Remember … he owned a sawmill and it is easy to see why the home has such gorgeous custom flooring.Five of the children never married (four sisters and a brother) and they continued to live together in the house. Don’t you just wish you could go back and be a fly on the wall then?Pictures don’t do it justice, but the decor is beautiful and while the home has changed hands a few times, it forever became part of the Reitz Home Preservation Society in 1974 and is now open for tours. (And here is my tip for traveling with young ones to places that might challenge their freedom: I always have Maggie pick her favorite thing in each room and tell me why she likes that. It might be furniture, a toy, a picture, but it helps for her to have something to look for and helps me be able to enjoy the visit as well!)

Our second indoor stop was one that certainly fit my daughter to a T – The Children’s Museum of Evansville or cMoe as it is called. Housed downtown in an old library building, this museum was a great find on a rainy day!

A few of our favorite exhibits were:

Speak Loud – Arts is encouraged in here and they have a music room, a theater and face painting.Work Smart also provided plenty of entertainment …And who can forget the Quack Factory! It was a HUGE hit with all age groups.So if you are looking for some indoor fun as the weather gets a little colder, be sure and check out Visit Evansville and all they have to offer.

The Great Indoors – Evansville Style! is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post The Great Indoors – Evansville Style! was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

During a recent trip to Lafayette I was fortunate to visit a few of their historical sites: Tippecanoe Battlefield, Wabash and Erie Canal and XXX Family Restaurant (I may be stretching a bit for this to be a historical site, but hang with me).

Tippecanoe Battlefield is located just seven miles north of Lafayette and holds quite a bit of American history on its property. This is the site where Tecumseh, his brother (known as The Prophet) and their tribes lost a battle that would send them scattering to other parts of the country.

It all happened in November of 1811 and the battle has certainly become a large part of American history. On-site is a memorial,a nature centerand a museum.To read more about what happened on this battlefield and in the surrounding areas, check out this history. And if you have time, be sure and hike or walk down the trails adjacent to the property. It certainly has beautiful views of the area.Now we have to fast-forward a few years to the mid 1800s. As Indiana was getting settled it became apparent that additional goods and people needed to arrive in a more timely fashion and the current routes weren’t quite doing the job. Discussions turned into decisions and in 1832 construction began on a canal that would go from Toledo, Ohio to Evansville, Indiana. This provided a water route that connected New York and the East Coast with the Mississippi River, New Orleans and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico.  Today, most of the Wabash and Erie Canal is non-existent. However, a three-mile stretch of the historic, man-made waterway is located in Delphi, Indiana and visitors are welcome to learn more about this important piece in Indiana history.

On the property is a interpretive center that tells the story of how the canal came to be and how it was used.During weekends and special events, visitors can board a replica boat and travel down the actual canal. Well, I visited when it was raining and no rides were offered, but I still got to sit on the boat and meet the captain himself!On a beautiful day, this is what it would look like.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

One of the most impressive pieces of the Wabash and Erie Canal is the Pioneer Village that sits on the property. Through an incredibly dedicated staff of all volunteers, buildings have been moved from other locations in Central Indiana to this site in order to construct what a village would have looked like around the time of the canal. Unbelievable.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

I think I’m going to have to schedule another trip back during one of their many events. You might want to as well. Check out their event listings here.

And my final “historic” stop – XXX Family Restaurant. I know this may be stretching it to call it a historic site, but since its been around for over 75 years AND it’s Indiana’s oldest drive-in, I’m going to go ahead and claim it! I’ve been to XXX before but never really knew where it got its name. I found out this time – Triple X is a brand of root beer. The XXX means excellence, the highest grade and the best. So there you have it and I can attest … their root beer is fantastic!But it doesn’t stop there. The food is as All-American as you can get. I was lucky to be with someone who enjoyed splitting food so we shared a tenderloin and a Boilermaker Pete. Oh … and the fries. Those I had remembered from my last visit and they did not disappoint.To polish it off we got a brownie hot fudge sundae and a special pumpkin cake. To say I ate too much is an understatement!Quick note on XXX … seating is really limited and only counter seats available. Really adds to the feel I think. They also only take cash, but if you forget, they conveniently have an ATM located inside.

So as you can see I covered a little bit of history and had a whole lot of fun doing it! Make sure and Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette’s site which is full of additional information on all of the above (and PS: they also offer packages and coupons!).

A Little History … A Lot of Fun in Lafayette is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post A Little History … A Lot of Fun in Lafayette was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Outlet malls, The Blue Chip Casino and Indiana Dunes State Park are among attractions that await you in LaPorte County, about 60 miles east of Chicago in the northern part of Indiana. I had a chance to visit Michigan City and LaPorte County a few weeks ago and would recommend the location to anyone looking for a quick, affordable getaway.

Michigan City’s functional main street allows for many festivals during the summer months.

Many residents of the Chicago area retreat to LaPorte County for weekend getaways. With attractions like Mt. Baldy, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and the Washington Park Zoo, LaPorte County truly offers something for every member of the family.

Each summer, hundreds of thousands are drawn to LaPorte County for the annual Great Lakes Grand Prix, an offshore power boat race. This is one of the largest events in the state each year and draws crowds days in advance. Many local hotels and attractions discount prices during this event each year, the biggest event in LaPorte County.

LaPorte County and Michigan City are within a day’s drive of Indianapolis, Louisville, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland. I would recommend that anyone interested come and see what LaPorte County has to offer, I enjoyed my time there immensely.

LaPorte County/Michigan City Appeals to All Members of the Family is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post LaPorte County/Michigan City Appeals to All Members of the Family was written by Matt Rhinesmith for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/contactUs.aspx

Beautiful Seiberling Mansion at Christmas!

With 20 rooms and just about that many Christmas trees the home that was built during Kokomo’s gas boom in late 1800s is practically a castle.

One of many decorated trees in the Seiberling in December.

What immediately struck my husband and me as we arrived to tour the Seiberling was its immense front porch! Seriously, it would be large enough to host a good-sized class reunion– in warmer weather of course!

Oak, cherry and other woods fill the Seiberling.

Piano room at Seiberling contains old photos from an earlier era.

The third floor was where people played–I should say danced–as the house has its own ballroom. How smart was that, especially since Seiberling’s two daughters had their wedding receptions in the ballroom!

I want to play with these miniatures!

Check out the phonograph player in back of this fake piano!

Parking is along the side of the building. Self-guided tours are available or by a museum official for a fee. There is a small gift shop. This would be a fun place to take a ladies group, family outing or history group.

The Seiberling Mansion/Howard County Historical Museum is located west of downtown Kokomo.

December hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 pm
The mansion is closed in January and re-opens in February.

Adults: $5.00
Senior Citizens (60+): $4
Children 12 and under: $2.00

1200 West Sycamore Street
Kokomo
765-452-4314

http://www.howardcountymuseum.org

http://www.facebook.com/hchistory

While downtown, stop for a bite at
Foxes Trail
305 South Main Street
765.450.7670

Cook McDoogal’s Irish Pub
100 North Main Street
765.450.6143

http://www.cookmcdoogals.com

or

The District
107 West Sycamore Street
765.456.3663

http://www.thedistrictkokomo.com

Kokomo’s Seiberling Mansion– Christmas Delight is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Kokomo’s Seiberling Mansion– Christmas Delight was written by Kayleen Reusser for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

If you are like me, when school is out you want to take advantage of all there is to do around your city. I just heard about a perfect opportunity for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – FREE admission to the White River State Park attractions with a canned good donation (one can per person, per attraction). This has been around for 15 years and I’m just now hearing about it??Special activities will take place throughout the day and all for FREE:
•       Indianapolis Zoo: Visitors can walk the grounds and see animals, especially the ones that love the cooler temperatures.

•       IMAX Theater: Experience the IMAX film “Island of Lemurs.” Shown for free as space permits at 11:25am, 12:50 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:40 p.m. & 5 p.m. Get your tickets early as they typically are all gone by noon.

•       NCAA Hall of Champions:  Get your workout in at the NCAA Hall of Champions where current and former student athletes lead classes.

•       Indiana State Museum: Films, activities and performance art fill the museum as the life and times of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are celebrated. Visitors can see first-hand two of the documents that laid the foundation for equality: the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment.

•       Eiteljorg Museum: Immerse yourself in Native American and Western cultures with the museum’s exhibits. It’s also your last chance to visit Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a one-of-a-kind locomotive wonderland where eight model trains travel on 1,200 feet of track to wind past treasures of Indianapolis and the American West, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana State Fair, a working replica of Old Faithful, Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon and more.

Not only that, but you get FREE parking (on a first come, first served basis!). You can’t beat it folks. And I love things that have good causes … over the years this annual event has resulted in more than 85 tons of non-perishable, canned food donations to Gleaners Food Bank. That’s just awesome.

For more information on this FREE event next Monday, January 19, be sure and visit White River State Park.

White River State Park is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post White River State Park was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

Geneva Stratton-Porter Limberlost cabin in Geneva.

Wooden furniture pieces from Porter’s home used local natural materials.

The Limberlost State Historic Site, located along US Highway 27 in Adams County in northeastern Indiana, will feature a program by ‘Professor Passion’ (Limberlost naturalist Curt Burnette).

Professor Passion’s program, designed to reflect Porter’s love of nature and conservation, is called ‘Particularly Peculiar Procreation Practices of the Animal Kingdom’. I said it would be quirky, didn’t I?

The event also includes the viewing of a movie of one of her most famous books, A Girl of the Limberlost. When ‘A Girl of the Limberlost’ was published in 1909, the novel propelled Porter to the status of one of America’s most successful female authors. She wrote many other titles, mostly with a view of conservation of nature, before her death in 1924.

The Valentine’s Day program is planned for 6:30-9:00pm and the cost for both events is $5.00. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.

The dining room at Porter’s home is elegant and homey.

I have visited this place several times, first as a child with Girl Scouts and later as a writer when I studied her life and success. My latest visit just a few days ago caused me to be struck anew by the home’s lovely simplicity and design.

The homey feel of the cabin is accented with numerous wooden pieces of furniture and trim, much of which would have been native to the area. Paintings by Geneva are displayed throughout the cabin, as well as photographs of the author and her family.

Porter’s conservatory is maintained by volunteers.

Schug House Inn was built in 1907.

The owners, John and Jane Minch, have filled the house with Cherry, oak and walnut furniture, mostly antique.

Lighting, pictures and other accents are also period and give the impression of the house’s appearance in its infancy.

The Minches remodeled the home so each bedroom has its own bath, television and phone.

I loved special features like pocket doors, inlaid floors and a second-story enclosed porch with wicker furniture. Even though it was too chilly on a recent wintry day to sit on the porch, I could imagine relaxing there in warm weather, viewing the street below with slow-moving traffic and horse drawn carriages from Old Order Amish who live in the area.

The house is often rented to groups for a weekend, such as families, businesses or churches. Breakfast ranges from fresh fruit to locally made cheese, homemade pastries and beverages. It’s a quiet locale and accommodations are comfortable and inviting.

The renovated cottage at the rear of the property makes the writer in me see it as a possible quiet retreat.

Canopy bed at Schug House Inn offers look and feel for the past in quiet comfort.

The Schug House Inn is located at 706 W. Main Street in Berne (one block west of the clock tower).
260.301.6393 or 260.589.2303
Schughouseinn@comcast.net

For more information about the Limberlost State Historic Site call Burnette at 260.368.7428 or Cburnette@indianamuseum.org.

Limberlostshs@indianamuseum.org
www.Indianamuseum.org/Limberlost
Hours: Tues- Saturday 9 am- 5 pm.
Sunday 1-5 pm (closed in winter)
Closed Mondays.
Open most holidays. Call ahead to confirm.

Admission cost:
5.00 adults
$4.00 seniors
$2.00 children
Indiana State Museum and Historic Site members are admitted free.

Spend Valentine’s Day with Gene Stratton-Porter is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Spend Valentine’s Day with Gene Stratton-Porter was written by Kayleen Reusser for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

I have your attention, right? Next Monday, February 16 from 10-5, guests can enjoy festive Presidents Day activities all for free.

Courtesy of Conner Prairie

You can spar with Andrew Jackson, join a surprise birthday party for George Washington or try on the whiskers of past presidents.

Courtesy of Conner Prairie

Courtesy of Conner Prairie

While I will be out of town this year, I have had the privilege of going a few years ago and we had a ball! You can see a full list of activities here, but some more highlights will include Lady Liberty and George Washington leading songs, Franklin D. Roosevelt hosting a fireside chat and Abraham Lincoln fielding guests’ questions.

Also open throughout the day are the indoor experiences, including Create.Connect, Discovery Station and Craft Corner and the store.

So, looking for something to do while the kids are out of school? Head to Conner Prairie and live out some history.

Conner Prairie – FOR FREE! is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Conner Prairie – FOR FREE! was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

I’m a little like Buddy the Elf and I love syrup. Who doesn’t? So I’ve been hearing a lot about different syrup events across the state and have already marked a few in my calendar:

Photo Credit: Sugar Camp Days

Maple Syrup Festival in Brown County

The 2015 National Maple Syrup Festival will be held March 5-8 in Brown County. Visitors will be able to enjoy tree tapping, sap boiling, incredible foods and unique drinks with syrup as the main ingredient!

The event takes place all over the county:

• Brown County State Park – Events include interpretive hike, live reenactments of maple sugaring techniques and on-site cooking by The Dutch Oven Diva!
• The Story Inn – Home to The Sweet Victory Challenge – a maple culinary competition of national recipe contests for youth and adults
• Downtown Nashville – Pioneer Village will come alive with demonstrations of pioneer sugaring methods and Nashville restaurants and retailers will focus on maple-related food and wares.

There will be some admission costs for events, so be sure and check out the National Maple Syrup Festival website for more info.

Be sure to visit Brown County for more information on events, attractions and lodging.

Sugar Camp Days

Photo Credit: Sugar Camp Days

On March 21-22 head north to Bendix Woods County Park just west of South Bend to enjoy Sugar Camp Days. Visitors can watch sap cook into syrup, enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast, tour the Sugar Bush and enjoy family music!While there, visit the Studebaker Trees, which spell out the Studebaker name from an aerial view and have been around for more than 75 years!

Time is 8:30-3 and cost is $7/vehicle entrance into the park.

Fore more information on events, attractions and lodging, be sure to Visit South Bend Mishawaka.

Maple Sugarbush Festival and Pancake Breakfast

On March 7-8, join in the 37th annual celebration of the maple sugar harvest at the Wessleman Nature Society in Evansville. Visitors will be guided through the woods to observe how sap becomes the pure maple syrup. Everyone is served a hearty breakfast that includes sausage, all you can eat pancakes and a beverage (cue the stomach growl!). If you haven’t expierenced Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, this is the perfect opportunity. 

Maple Syrup is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Maple Syrup was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

Rich history, incredible artifacts, and the only two Egyptian mummies in the state of Indiana. Where can you find all of these things in one exciting Eastern Indiana community? At the Wayne County Historical Museum and the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History in Richmond! Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an educational and enjoyable place to visit, both of these museums provide a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Wayne County Historical Museum

In 1930, the Indiana Historical Society accepted the gift of personal collections from Richmond resident and world traveler Julia Meek Gaar. Gaar had long dreamed of displaying her invaluable items from around the world in a museum, and eventually her dream was realized with the opening of the Wayne County Historical Museum.

There are countless artifacts and collections to see, all with a vibrant and unique story to tell.

As I entered the museum, I was greeted by the Wayne County History collection, which includes dozens of items and displays that outline the community’s rich history, such as a Conestoga wagon representing the travels of pioneers heading west on the Historic National Road, and a Davis airplane showcasing the endeavors of the Davis Company, as well as the Wright Brothers’ time spent living in Richmond.

I was awestruck by the Julia Gaar Collection, featuring beautiful items from her world travels, including stunning Japanese armor, beautifully crafted Chinese furniture, authentic Native American objects, and the Egyptian mummy.

One of only two mummies in the state of Indiana, this priceless treasure was determined to be about 3,000 years old. It is on display inside its exquisitely crafted coffin. It is an incredibly stunning piece, making you feel as though you are directly connected back to Egypt!

The impressive Automotive Collection features eight models from fourteen different auto companies that were once located in Richmond. There are electric automobiles, the oldest Richmond-made automobile, a Model T fire truck, a horse-drawn hearse, and more.

These are not even all of the museum’s incredible displays and highlights. There are thousands of items to see, things to do, and stories to learn. This is a top-notch museum for visitors of all ages! Head to waynecountyhistoricalmuseum.org to plan a visit!

Joseph Moore Museum

After visiting the Wayne County Historical Museum, you can travel a short six minutes to the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History on the Earlham College campus. This museum is also host to a plethora of unique artifacts and staples of natural history.

The museum was born out of the collections of Richmond teacher Joseph Moore. With a focus on education and appreciation of museum materials, Earlham students not only give tours but also curate collections and design new exhibits.

I was fascinated by the museum’s extensive collections of skeletons, fossils, and even live animals! There’s something to see around every corner.

Incredible skeletons of a giant ground sloth, a dire wolf, the Randolph Mastodon, and the most complete fossilized giant beaver in the world await in the fossil exhibit.

The second of Indiana’s two Egyptian mummies housed in Indiana is found in the collection downstairs.

The live reptiles exhibit allows the more brave visitors to interact with snakes, turtles, iguanas, and a bearded dragon.

The Ralph Teetor Planetarium allows visitors to explore the universe under the full dome, as well as get a close-up view of the planets, their moons, and other galaxies and nebulae.

Throughout the museum’s exhibits, there are several areas for children to experience hands-on interaction to engage them in the natural history that surrounds them.

With its emphasis on student involvement, community education, and preservation of materials, the Joseph Moore Museum is an exciting exploration of our natural world and its history. It’s a highlight of Richmond the whole family will enjoy! Go to earlham.edu/joseph-moore-museum to plan a visit!

The next time you’re in Richmond, hankering for a little dose of history, consider stopping by the Wayne County Historical Museum or the Joseph Moore Museum. There are fantastic stories to be told and spectacular sights to see that you won’t soon forget!

Head to Richmond for an adventure back in time is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Head to Richmond for an adventure back in time was written by Chelsy Nichols for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

We just got back from a weekend of syrup-filled fun at the National Maple Syrup Festival in Brown County. This was Brown County’s first time to host the event and our entire visit was wonderful. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the maple flavored food I digested! We spent quite a bit of time in town exploring Pioneer Village. Here they had puppet shows, art and food artisans and exhibits of what life was like for pioneers. Since we were there to take full advantage of all festival activities, we made sure to hit the library where there was cookie decorating. And my husband was quite excited about the “Moonshine” exhibit at the brand new Brown County History Center. After that, we headed to the Brown County State Park … We watched some French Colonial demonstrations … We saw a Native American Encampment …And took part in an interpretive hike (it was pretty busy!) …Of course, one of my favorite activities in Brown County is the shopping! My only regret is that we didn’t get to the Story Inn where the breakfast and dessert competitions were held. I guess next year!

More to come on my favorite meal stops and overnight accommodations … so stay tuned.

Click here to learn more about the National Maple Syrup Festival. You won’t want to miss next year’s event and in the meantime, plan a trip to Brown County … shopping and eating – what more can you ask for?

National Maple Syrup Festival is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post National Maple Syrup Festival was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

Cannons are part of Old Fort.

Click here for a video of the Old Fort in Fort Wayne 

What do costumes, spinning wheels, music and fresh air have in common? They’re all part of Fort Wayne’s Old Fort experience!

If you want to inspire a love of history in your family, schedule a visit to the Old Fort in your summer plans. Volunteers of Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. plan to host a series of events, including guided tours, to teach and interest people of all ages.

Re-enactors wear costumes reflecting military life.

It’s a great family attraction not only for its educational opportunities, but because of the low cost. It is free to visit the Old Fort. Visitors are asked to contribute a freewill donation.

My family visited the Old Fort for Fort Wayne’s Be A Tourist in Your Hometown Day 2014. Hundreds of people strolled along with us through the fort’s huge wooden doors.

Old Fort’s size is intimidating!

Inside, we chatted with soldiers in uniform who confessed their wool uniforms were a little itchy on that warm day!

I loved watching kids learning how to play old-fashioned games that were created 100s of years before electronics were part of their lives. Their smiles showed their enjoyment of handmade toys.

The women who spun wool on spinning wheels right before our eyes fascinated me. How did they keep it from tangling and knotting?

Village blacksmith works hard for visitors.

We visited the Officers’ Quarters and watched a demonstration from the village blacksmith. Snacks were available for purchase onsite.

All of the re-enactors welcome respectful questions from visitors about what it was like to sleep in the fort, how much they were paid for being a soldier, family life and health tips.

Even the musical instruments from that time period were different as you’ll see in the video above.

The complete line-up of events through November is posted at the Old Fort’s website.

Here are highlights for 2015:

May 16 and May 17: Members of the Historic Old Fort, Inc. and Friends of the Fort will be in costume and ready to depict the lives of soldiers and countrymen from the 1700s-1800s.

June 13-14: Siege of Fort Wayne 1812

June 27-28: Camp Allen Muster

July 11-12: Revolutionary War—Western Front, The Continental Army, French fur traders, settlers, British Rangers, native Americans will camp at the Fort this weekend!

The interior of the Old Fort is not open except for these special events, although visitors are welcome to walk around its exterior.

Historic Old Fort
1201 Spy Run

Directions:
The Old Fort is located over the bridge on the north side of Spy Run Ave. Go to Fourth Street and park at Lawton Park. The fort can be reached after a short stroll down the River Greenway. Parking is across the river at Headwaters Park and on Fourth St between Spy Run and Clinton St.

Most of the monthly events observe hours of 10am-6pm on Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

For additional information contact Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. at 260.437.2836 or Info@oldfortwayne.org

Learn about the Past at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Learn about the Past at Fort Wayne’s Old Fort was written by Kayleen Reusser for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

All this month, Cambridge City (just about an hour east of Indianapolis) will be marking a significant national event – the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train procession.If you don’t know, Cambridge City is situated on the historic National Road and the train procession passed through on its way from Washington, DC to Springfield, Illinois in the early hours of April 30, 1865. At that time thousands of people lined the route from Richmond (a city next door) to Indianapolis.

In order to commemorate the event, downtown building owners have decorated their buildings in mourning. It was common in that era (the Victorian era) for property owners to pay homage to community leaders by draping buildings in black and patriotic bunting. In addition, Cambridge City Main Street, Inc. is commissioning a mural to memorialize the event in a more permanent way. Newspaper accounts from that year say that as the train came through it slowed as it passed the home of General Solomon Meredith (Union Army General in the Civil War).

Cambridge City is known for its antiques (heard of Antique Alley?) and on Saturday, April 25 they will be having the annual spring antique show. A great added bonus if you are visiting! For more information on other events and attractions in the area, be sure to Visit Richmond-Wayne County.

Cambridge City Marks Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Death is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Cambridge City Marks Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Death was written by Carrie Lambert for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx

Lanier Mansion was built in 1844.

OK, after visiting Madison, located approximately 75 miles south of Indianapolis, I can see why it has received so many accolades.

According to the town’s tourism website (VisitMadison.org), the small town has been ranked #4 in top 100 places to visit in the Midwest. Add to that one of Indiana’s top 10 most exciting places and its listing in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die in Canada & North America.

Zowie!

If that doesn’t make you want to put Madison on your must-do list as a place to visit this summer, I don’t know what does!

You need more convincing? Let’s talk history and architecture. This town has it in abundance!

Madison is one of the state’s largest historic districts. While visiting the area, you’ll see structures that belong to the Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts styles.

Lanier’s spiral stairway is dizzying!

Some of the most charming historic homes you’re apt to find in our fair state are located in Madison. When prosperous lawyer, banker and railroad financier James Franklin Doughty Lanier built his Greek Revival home in Madison on the banks of the Ohio River in 1844, he made it one of the finest homes in the area.

The Lanier features a cool spiral staircase. The back of the house looks out on the Ohio River, formal gardens and stone fence. The appearance is so elegant that weddings are conducted there.

Today The Lanier Mansion is one of three National Historic Landmarks in Madison. Guided tours are offered April through October. You may want to call ahead and arrive early as only a limited number of people are allowed on each tour.

While you’re close to the Lanier, stop by the Visitors Center, 601 W. First Street, in Madison. It has a full selection of souvenirs to take home of your great visit to Madison. The staff can help arrange tours and answer questions about things to do in the area.

You want more than one gorgeous mansion to make your trip worthwhile? How about 133 on the National Historic Register of Historic Places? Wait, that’s not just 133 houses – that’s 133 blocks of buildings on this register. Wow!

The homes are truly some of the oldest in the state. Madison was founded in 1809, making it older than the state of Indiana, which will celebrate its bicentennial in 2016.

The town on the river flourished during the early part of the century when the Ohio River brought trade and visitors to the southern part of the state.

Citizens of Madison became certain their beloved city would become the next state capital. They began preparations for increased traffic by widening city streets to boulevard size.

When the railroad ran north of Madison, that meant fewer people and less commerce traveled by boat. When Indianapolis was chosen to succeed Corydon as the capital, Madison became a sleepy little river town, nestled among the southern Indiana hills.

Thankfully, in 1960, a group of citizens in the area started restoration efforts by creating the nonprofit group Historic Madison. Their efforts to buy and restore 19th and 20th century buildings in town were so successful that, in 1976, the town was chosen to participate in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Pilot Project. You can learn more about Historic Madison, Inc. 

Today, you can’t help but be struck by Madison’s cozy feel. The numerous shops in the downtown area are small and fetching, stuffed with friendly folk who, if they can’t please you with something, will recommend another shop down the street.

One blog post can’t cover everything to see in this quaint town so I’ll finish up with a related post soon. Until there here are some highlights.

Broadway Fountain was part of the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.

The Broadway Fountain, originally cast in iron for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, was recast in bronze as a community Bicentennial project in 1976. This is a fun place to sit on a hot summer day and be spritzed by the water!

Crystal & Jules Restaurant is fine dining cooked by a trained chef who grew up in Madison.

For dinner head to Crystal and Jules (www.crystalandjules.com), 709 W. Main Street. If this wasn’t already a classy place to eat with a fabulous steak, I’d still like it. The owner, Andy Richmer, grew up in Madison, moved away to get trained in culinary arts and then brought his considerable talents back to his hometown. He named his restaurant after his mother and wife. How great is that?

On our visit a couple of weeks ago I ordered steak with steamed broccoli and glazed squash.

Creme Brulee at Crystal & Jules is worth the calories!

Everything was perfect. My steak was tender, fully cooked as I had ordered and juicy. The broccoli was crisp and squash was so good I thought it should be dessert! But it didn’t take much coaxing to convince me to try Andy’s Crème Brulee, a  popular dessert at Crystal & Jules. Talk about velvety smooth!

Staying at A Garden Cottage was cozy and comfortable.

We could / should have walked to our accommodations after our meal, but we drove the couple of blocks to A Garden Cottage  on W. Second St. It was not hard to find with its bright blue exterior. Inside we found a modern, comfortable overnight area with sofa, kitchen, full bath and bedroom. A light rain lulled us to sleep.

I should mention Clifty Falls State Park is just a few miles away, but we didn’t make it there. That will have to wait for another trip to Madison which will be very soon!

The End

Historic Madison Lives up to Its Name is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

The post Historic Madison Lives up to Its Name was written by Kayleen Reusser for the Indiana Insider Blog and can be found at The Indiana Insider Blog. If you read this post somewhere other than the link above, please contact us and let us know: https://visitindiana.com/contactUs.aspx