Crawfordsville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Crawfordsville, Indiana.
1. General Lew Wallace Study & Museum
HISTORIC AUTHOR'S RETREAT
The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum showcases the personal study of Lew Wallace, Civil War general and author of 'Ben-Hur.' Visitors can explore the museum's unique domed building, period furnishings, and rotating exhibits about Wallace's life and works. The beautifully landscaped grounds provide a quiet retreat and a glimpse into 19th-century inspiration.
2. Rotary Jail Museum
NOTABLE HISTORIC JAIL
The Rotary Jail Museum is famous for being the first rotary jail built in the United States, with its unique rotating cell block design still intact. Visitors can tour the well-preserved jail and learn about the unusual mechanisms that made this facility a marvel in the late 19th century. Interpretive displays and interactive elements bring the stories of former inmates and sheriffs to life.
3. Sugar Creek Nature Park
SERENE RIVER ESCAPE
Sugar Creek Nature Park is a picturesque spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to kayaking, fishing, and scenic trails along the gently winding creek. The park features diverse habitats, making it a favorite for birdwatchers and families. Its tranquil setting is ideal for a relaxing picnic or a day immersed in nature.
4. Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County
INTERACTIVE LOCAL HISTORY
The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County presents the area's history through interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Housed in a beautifully restored Carnegie Library building, the museum covers topics from local sports heroes to industrial innovation. Children and adults alike enjoy hands-on activities and educational events year-round.
5. Coal Creek Cellars
RUSTIC WINERY RETREAT
Coal Creek Cellars is a family-owned winery set on a former dairy farm, offering tastings of small-batch wines crafted from local grapes. Guests can relax in the historic barn tasting room or stroll the scenic vineyard grounds. Seasonal events and live music add to the charming Midwest ambiance.
6. Pike Place
DOWNTOWN GATHERING SPOT
Pike Place is a vibrant plaza in downtown Crawfordsville that frequently hosts farmers' markets, local festivals, and community events. The open space, public art, and convenient location make it a favorite meeting place for residents and visitors. Year-round, Pike Place provides easy access to downtown shopping and dining.
7. Old Coke Plant
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Old Coke Plant, located on Lafayette Avenue, is a nod to Crawfordsville's industrial past and is now repurposed for events and community activities. Visitors appreciate its distinctive architecture and the history of local manufacturing it represents. The site is often used for gatherings, markets, and seasonal celebrations.
8. Lincoln Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Lincoln Park is a favorite spot for family recreation, offering playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports courts, and open green spaces. The park is well-shaded by mature trees, providing a cool retreat during summer months. Regular community events and sports leagues create a lively atmosphere throughout the year.
9. Kathleen J. Steele Park
NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN SPACE
Kathleen J. Steele Park is a charming neighborhood park known for its welcoming atmosphere and modern playground equipment. Families enjoy the park's open lawns and sheltered picnic areas, making it a frequent choice for gatherings and outdoor activities. Its accessible location ensures it remains a beloved spot for residents.
10. Frances Wooden Park
PLAYGROUND AND OPEN FIELDS
Frances Wooden Park offers well-maintained playground equipment, open fields, and shaded walkways for leisurely afternoons. Local families value the safe environment and convenient facilities for picnics and games. The park's peaceful ambiance and community focus make it a staple of neighborhood life.
11. Bark Avenue Dog Park
CANINE PLAY HAVEN
Bark Avenue Dog Park is an off-leash park designed for dogs and their owners to enjoy secure, social playtime. The park offers separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and agility equipment. Pet lovers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and well-kept, grassy spaces.
12. Shades State Park
RUGGED NATURAL BEAUTY
Shades State Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and scenic hiking trails through lush forests. Outdoor adventurers enjoy the park's breathtaking overlooks and opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and canoeing on Sugar Creek. Just a short drive from Crawfordsville, it's a top destination for those seeking wilderness experiences.
13. Turkey Run State Park
ICONIC INDIANA WILDERNESS
Turkey Run State Park is celebrated for its rugged canyons, suspension bridge, and network of hiking trails winding through ancient gorges. The park offers guided nature walks, horseback riding, and modern camping facilities. Its dramatic scenery and recreational options make it a must-visit in the broader Montgomery County area.
14. Indiana Zipline Tours
ADVENTURE IN THE TREES
Indiana Zipline Tours provides thrilling treetop adventures with multiple zip lines, sky bridges, and family-friendly aerial activities. Certified guides lead guests through challenges while sharing the sights and sounds of the surrounding natural habitat. It's a popular choice for group outings, parties, and anyone craving a bit of adrenaline.
15. Ironman Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
PREMIER RACING EVENT
The Ironman Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, held annually in Crawfordsville, draws top motocross athletes and enthusiastic crowds from across the nation. Fans enjoy high-speed racing, fan zones, and vendor areas during this adrenaline-fueled event. The championship brings national recognition and exciting motorsports action to the region each summer.