Wingate IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wingate, Indiana.
1. Midtown Museum of Native Cultures
GATEWAY TO NATIVE HERITAGE
The Midtown Museum of Native Cultures offers visitors a gateway to learning about Native American culture and traditions. Visitors can explore various displays and artifacts that showcase the rich heritage of Native Americans. This educational destination provides a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate indigenous cultures through its carefully curated collections.
2. Noel's Gift Shop
UNIQUE LOCAL TREASURES
Noel's Gift Shop is a charming local store offering a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs. The shop features one-of-a-kind items that make perfect presents for loved ones or mementos of a visit to Wingate. Shoppers will appreciate the friendly service and distinctive selection that makes gift shopping a delightful experience.
3. Linden Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Linden Depot Museum preserves the rich railroad history of the region in a beautifully restored train depot. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage railroad equipment, memorabilia, and learn about the importance of rail transportation in developing the area. The museum offers an engaging journey back in time to the golden age of train travel.
4. Coal Creek Cellars
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Coal Creek Cellars offers wine enthusiasts a delightful tasting experience featuring locally produced wines. Visitors can tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and sample a variety of unique wines in a picturesque setting. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding while enjoying the flavors of Indiana's wine country.
5. Adventure Rentals
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPECIALISTS
Adventure Rentals provides equipment and guidance for exploring the natural beauty of Montgomery County's waterways and outdoor spaces. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, and other outdoor gear for a day of adventure on local rivers and trails. The friendly staff offers recommendations tailored to all experience levels, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience for everyone.
6. Badlands Off Road Park
THRILLING ALL-TERRAIN ADVENTURES
Badlands Off Road Park offers adrenaline-pumping adventures for off-road vehicle enthusiasts across 800 acres of diverse terrain. Visitors can navigate challenging trails that range from muddy tracks to rocky climbs and sandy paths in their 4x4s, ATVs, or dirt bikes. The park provides varying difficulty levels suitable for beginners to experienced off-roaders looking for an exciting outdoor experience.
7. Montgomery County Rotary Jail Museum
UNIQUE HISTORIC PRISON
The Montgomery County Rotary Jail Museum showcases America's first rotary jail, an innovative 1882 structure that still operates today in downtown Crawfordsville. Visitors can discover the fascinating origin and mechanics of this unique rotating cell block system during guided tours of the preserved facility. The museum offers a glimpse into historical incarceration methods and local law enforcement history through its exhibits and the attached Sheriff's Residence.
8. Whitewater Valley Railroad
SCENIC HERITAGE TRAIN RIDES
The Whitewater Valley Railroad offers passengers a luxurious journey through time on a heritage railroad connecting Connersville and Metamora. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Whitewater River Valley from vintage train cars while learning about the region's railroad history. The excursions include special themed rides throughout the year, making each trip a unique experience for train enthusiasts and families alike.
9. Whitewater River Adventures
REFRESHING WATER RECREATION
Whitewater River Adventures provides exciting opportunities for water recreation on the scenic Whitewater River. Visitors can choose between relaxing tube floats or more active kayaking trips along the river's gentle currents. The outfitter supplies all necessary equipment and transportation, allowing guests to focus entirely on enjoying their refreshing adventure on one of Indiana's most beautiful waterways.
10. Mounds State Park
ANCIENT EARTHWORKS WONDER
Mounds State Park features ten remarkable prehistoric earthworks built by ancient Native Americans that rival famous sites like Stonehenge in historical significance. Visitors can explore these mysterious mounds while hiking through the park's network of trails that wind through beautiful natural landscapes. The park also offers educational programs about the cultural and archaeological importance of these structures, providing insight into Indiana's prehistoric past.
11. Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
HOOSIER HOOPS HERITAGE
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the state's rich basketball tradition in a 14,000-square-foot museum filled with memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore displays honoring legendary Hoosier basketball players, coaches, and teams that have contributed to Indiana's basketball legacy. Basketball enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and stories that showcase why Indiana is known worldwide for its passion for the game.
12. Minnetrista
BOB ROSS LEGACY SITE
Minnetrista invites visitors to explore the life, philosophy, and art of iconic American painter Bob Ross in the historic home where 'The Joy of Painting' was filmed. This cultural center features changing exhibits, beautiful gardens, and historic buildings that celebrate the creative legacy of East Central Indiana. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities, attend special events, and wander through the picturesque campus that connects art, nature, and regional history.
13. Wendell Willkie Mural
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE TRIBUTE
The Wendell Willkie Mural decorates the side of a local pharmacy, commemorating the only native-born Hoosier to be nominated for President of the United States. This impressive artwork depicts Willkie's life and accomplishments as a notable figure in American political history. The mural serves as both a point of local pride and a colorful reminder of Indiana's contributions to national politics.
14. Quilters Hall of Fame
FABRIC ARTS CELEBRATION
The Quilters Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding contributions of quilters from around the world in a charming historic setting. Visitors can admire exquisite quilts ranging from traditional patterns to innovative contemporary designs that showcase the evolution of this art form. The museum offers rotating exhibitions, workshops, and special events that highlight the cultural significance and artistic merit of quilting throughout history.
15. Cardinal Greenways
INDIANA'S LONGEST TRAIL
Cardinal Greenways offers outdoor enthusiasts Indiana's longest span of recreational trails with paved pathways perfect for walking, running, and cycling. The trail system extends across multiple counties, providing scenic routes through diverse landscapes including rural countryside, wooded areas, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained paths at their own pace while experiencing the natural beauty and small-town charm of East Central Indiana.