Summitville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Summitville, Indiana.
1. James Dean Museum
ICONIC HOLLYWOOD LEGEND TRIBUTE
The James Dean Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the Hollywood icon who grew up in nearby Fairmount. Exhibits showcase personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia from Dean's short but impactful career in film. Visitors can explore the cultural impact of this rebellious 1950s movie star who tragically died at age 24 but remains an enduring symbol of American youth culture.
2. James Dean Gallery
EXTENSIVE MEMORABILIA COLLECTION
The James Dean Gallery houses an extensive collection of rare photographs, movie posters, and personal items belonging to the legendary actor. This privately owned museum occupies a beautifully restored 1903 Victorian home where fans can immerse themselves in Dean's world through interactive displays. The gallery serves as both a tribute and a comprehensive archive documenting the cultural phenomenon surrounding James Dean's brief but influential career.
3. Park Cemetery
HISTORICAL RESTING PLACE
Park Cemetery attracts visitors from around the world who come to pay respects at James Dean's gravestone, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans. The peaceful grounds feature beautiful landscaping and numerous historical markers that tell stories of the community's past. Beyond its famous resident, the cemetery offers a serene setting for reflection and appreciation of local history.
4. World's Largest Ball of Paint
UNIQUE ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Ball of Paint has grown layer by layer since 1977, becoming an unexpected tourist attraction that draws curious visitors from across the country. Started as a baseball repeatedly dipped in paint, this odd masterpiece now weighs thousands of pounds and features over 25,000 layers of paint in a rainbow of colors. Visitors can add their own layer of paint to this quirky Guinness World Record holder, receiving a certificate commemorating their contribution.
5. Walnut Creek Golf Courses
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Walnut Creek Golf Courses offers golfers a picturesque playing experience amid the rolling countryside of central Indiana. The well-maintained fairways and challenging holes provide an enjoyable round for players of all skill levels. After a day on the course, visitors can relax at the clubhouse which offers refreshments and a friendly atmosphere.
6. Clifty Falls State Park
DRAMATIC NATURAL WATERFALLS
Clifty Falls State Park captivates visitors with its stunning waterfalls that cascade over limestone cliffs, creating spectacular views that change with the seasons. The park features nearly 15 miles of rugged hiking trails ranging from easy to very difficult, allowing adventurers to explore deep canyons and fossil-rich terrain. History buffs will appreciate the abandoned railroad tunnel dating from the 1850s, which adds a fascinating human element to the park's natural beauty.
7. Anderson Museum of Art
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
The Anderson Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional artworks in a beautifully renovated Carnegie Library building. Rotating exhibitions feature both local and national artists, providing fresh experiences for repeat visitors throughout the year. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops that engage the community in artistic expression and appreciation.
8. Anderson Roll Arena
CLASSIC ROLLER SKATING FUN
Anderson Roll Arena provides family-friendly entertainment with its spacious roller skating rink that has been a community fixture for generations. The arena features upbeat music, light shows, and special themed skating events that appeal to skaters of all ages. Visitors can rent quality skates, enjoy snacks from the concession stand, and participate in skating games that create memorable experiences.
9. Anderson Speedway
HIGH-OCTANE RACING ACTION
Anderson Speedway thrills motorsports enthusiasts with its high-banked quarter-mile oval track that hosts exciting stock car and open-wheel racing events. The venue is famous for the Little 500, one of the most prestigious sprint car races in the country that takes place annually during Memorial Day weekend. Spectators enjoy close-up views of the action from comfortable grandstands while experiencing the thunderous sounds and electric atmosphere of short-track racing.
10. Summitville Historical District
19TH CENTURY INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Summitville Historical District preserves the architectural legacy of this once-booming industrial town that flourished during the Indiana gas boom of the 1880s. Visitors can explore the remnants of the town's industrial past, including sites where glass factories, sawmills, and the largest clay farm tile factory in the U.S. once operated. Walking through the district provides insight into how this small town became an important manufacturing center due to its strategic location at the highest point between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
11. Mud Creek
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
Mud Creek offers outdoor enthusiasts a peaceful setting for fishing, wildlife observation, and photography in the heart of Indiana's countryside. The creek's geographical significance is tied to Summitville's name, as it flows in the opposite direction from nearby Black Creek, marking the town as a watershed divide. Nature lovers appreciate the serene environment where various bird species and small wildlife can be spotted throughout the seasons.
12. Anderson Municipal Airport
AVIATION HUB AND HISTORY
Anderson Municipal Airport serves as both a transportation facility and an attraction for aviation enthusiasts who can observe various aircraft taking off and landing. The airport hosts occasional air shows and open house events where visitors can get up-close views of vintage and modern aircraft. Aviation history buffs appreciate the airport's displays that document its role in regional transportation development since its establishment.
13. Mounds State Park
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS EARTHWORKS
Mounds State Park protects prehistoric earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people approximately 2,000 years ago, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Native American culture. The park features ten earthworks, including the impressive Great Mound, which was likely used for ceremonial and astronomical purposes by its builders. Beyond its archaeological significance, the park provides beautiful hiking trails along the White River, picnic areas, and a nature center with interpretive displays.
14. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING COMPLEX
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino combines the excitement of live harness horse racing with a full-service gaming venue featuring slots and electronic table games. The entertainment complex includes multiple dining options ranging from casual to upscale, along with bars and lounges where visitors can relax between activities. Throughout the year, the venue hosts concerts by national recording artists, making it a complete entertainment destination for visitors to the region.
15. Falls Park
URBAN NATURAL RETREAT
Falls Park centers around the beautiful cascades of Fall Creek, creating a picturesque setting for recreation in this historic town near Summitville. The 150-acre park features playgrounds, sports facilities, fishing areas, and a popular swimming pool that provides relief during hot summer months. Visitors particularly enjoy the park's extensive trail system that winds along the creek, connecting natural areas with well-preserved historic structures including a 1920s bathhouse and a limestone bridge.