Sharpsville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sharpsville, Indiana.
1. A Summer Place
LOCAL HISTORICAL ATTRACTION
A Summer Place is a charming historical attraction in Sharpsville that offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved grounds and learn about local heritage through informative displays. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal stop for those interested in Indiana's small-town history.
2. Kelley Agricultural Historical Museum
RURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Kelley Agricultural Historical Museum preserves and celebrates the agricultural heritage of Sharpsville and surrounding areas. The museum features a collection of vintage farming equipment, tools, and exhibits documenting the evolution of farming practices in Indiana. Visitors can gain appreciation for the agricultural foundation upon which the community was built through interactive and educational displays.
3. Sharpsville Area Recreation Park
COMMUNITY OUTDOOR SPACE
Sharpsville Area Recreation Park serves as the community's primary outdoor gathering space with amenities for families and visitors. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green spaces perfect for relaxation or recreational activities. Seasonal events and community celebrations are regularly held here, making it a hub of local activity.
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL WONDER
Indiana Dunes State Park encompasses over 2,000 acres of magnificent sand dunes and pristine beaches along Lake Michigan's southern shore. Visitors can explore the unique ecosystem through an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through diverse habitats including dunes, wetlands, and forests. The park offers swimming, bird watching, and spectacular sunset views over Lake Michigan, making it a natural treasure of Indiana.
5. The Spillway
SCENIC WATER FEATURE
The Spillway is a picturesque water feature located near Sharpsville that attracts visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Water cascades over the structure creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for photography, picnicking, or simply enjoying the sounds of flowing water. The surrounding area provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation throughout different seasons.
6. Whispering Pines Park
TRANQUIL FOREST RETREAT
Whispering Pines Park offers a serene natural getaway characterized by its mature pine forest and peaceful ambiance. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking paths that meander through the whispering pines, creating a refreshing escape from busy life. The park includes picnic facilities and open areas where families can gather and children can play among the towering trees.
7. McConnells Mill State Park
RUGGED GORGE ADVENTURE
McConnells Mill State Park features a spectacular gorge carved by Slippery Rock Creek, showcasing stunning geological formations and lush vegetation. The historic gristmill, built in the 19th century, stands as a centerpiece of the park and offers visitors insight into early industrial practices. Hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the park, allowing adventurers to experience dramatic vistas and the rushing waters of the creek below.
8. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park provides an intimate wildlife experience where visitors can observe and interact with a variety of animal species. The park emphasizes education and conservation through up-close encounters with both exotic and native animals in naturalistic habitats. Families particularly enjoy the feeding opportunities and informative presentations that create lasting memories and foster appreciation for wildlife.
9. Kraynak's Flower Boutique & Greenhouses
FLORAL WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE
Kraynak's Flower Boutique & Greenhouses delights visitors with its expansive selection of flowers, plants, and seasonal decorations in a region near Sharpsville. The greenhouse complex transforms throughout the year, most notably during their famous Easter and Christmas displays that attract visitors from throughout the state. Plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike appreciate the vibrant colors, expert gardening advice, and unique gift items available year-round.
10. Buhl Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARKLAND
Buhl Park is a historic 300-acre recreational area established in 1911 that offers diverse activities for visitors near the Sharpsville region. The park features a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and extensive walking trails winding through beautiful landscapes including the picturesque Buhl Park Lake. Cultural attractions within the park include an outdoor performing arts venue, the Buhl Casino (a community building, not a gambling establishment), and seasonal events that have created traditions for generations of families.
11. Irons Mill Farmstead
RURAL FAMILY FUN
Irons Mill Farmstead offers seasonal agritourism experiences highlighting the beauty and bounty of rural Indiana. Fall visitors particularly enjoy the elaborate corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and festive food offerings during their autumn harvest celebration. The farm maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with activities designed for all ages, making it a popular destination for creating annual traditions.
12. Golden Star Park
FAMILY RECREATION CENTER
Golden Star Park serves the community as a beloved recreational facility with modern amenities for active families. The park features sports fields, basketball courts, and playground equipment suitable for children of various ages. Well-maintained picnic areas with shelters make this an ideal location for family gatherings and community events throughout the warmer months.
13. Kokomo Opalescent Glass
HISTORIC ART GLASS FACTORY
Kokomo Opalescent Glass stands as America's oldest art glass factory, continuously operating since 1888 and producing handcrafted glass for artists worldwide. Visitors can take factory tours to witness the fascinating process of glass production using techniques that have been preserved for generations. The on-site gift shop offers unique glass pieces and art supplies, allowing guests to take home a piece of this living industrial heritage.
14. Seiberling Mansion
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Seiberling Mansion showcases magnificent late-Victorian architecture and houses the Howard County Museum near Sharpsville. Built in 1891 by industrialist Monroe Seiberling, the mansion features intricate woodwork, stunning stained glass, and period furnishings that transport visitors to Indiana's gas boom era. The museum's exhibits detail local history through artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the past to life for visitors of all ages.
15. Elwood Haynes Museum
AUTOMOTIVE PIONEER TRIBUTE
The Elwood Haynes Museum preserves the legacy of one of America's automotive pioneers in his former residence near Sharpsville. Visitors can explore the Queen Anne-style home built in 1915, which contains original furnishings and personal possessions of the inventor who created one of America's first automobiles. The museum showcases Haynes' contributions to metallurgy, including his development of stainless steel and stellite, alongside exhibits about early automotive history and innovation.