7 Quietest Small Towns Near Indianapolis

Between the Indy 500, the Children’s Museum, and Newfields, life in Indianapolis is never dull. There is always something exciting to do, but in a city so vibrant, true peace and quiet can be hard to come by. Fortunately, if you’re ready to trade the high energy of the city for a few days of relaxation, you won’t have to travel very far. In a matter of an hour or two, you'll find peaceful communities, home to state parks, historic villages, and scenic railways, offering the perfect chance to disconnect and enjoy life at a slower pace.

Spencer

Sitting just an hour southwest of Indianapolis is Spencer, a small town that serves as the gateway to McCormick's Creek State Park. Designated as the first state park in Indiana, this park is filled with scenic waterfalls, a flowing creek, and a limestone canyon, all of which visitors can explore on its winding hiking trails. Travelers will also find the Canyon Inn inside the park, which opened in 1916 and features 76 guest rooms and amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and a game room. During a visit to Spencer, visitors should not miss the chance to catch a film at the Tivoli Theater, a historic venue dating back to 1928 that was later restored in 2013 to preserve its original architecture.

Rockville

Rockville is located in Parke County, the proud "Covered Bridge Capital of the World," just an hour and a half from Indianapolis. A couple of the bridges that are must-visit stops for any visitor here include the Billie Creek Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1895, and the Beeson Covered Bridge, built in 1906 and moved to its current location in 1979.

For even more history, spend an afternoon at Billie Creek Village, a small historic settlement with more than 30 preserved buildings, including Victorian homes and log cabins. The most unique place to conclude the day and spend the night is at the Old Jail Inn. Serving as the county jail between 1879 and 1998, the building has since been turned into an eccentric inn. Five rooms have been created from the old jail cells, where visitors can have the unique experience of paying to sleep behind bars. There's also a handful of suites available with more home-style comforts.

Metamora

Metamora, which lies 1.5 hours from Indianapolis, is a historic canal town reminiscent of the 1800s, famous for its continually operating grist mill. April through mid-December, travelers can visit this Metamora Grist Mill on Wednesdays through Sundays for a close-up view of its inner workings. Visitors can even purchase a bag of the cornmeal or flour that it grinds! If a scenic train ride sounds endearing, consider booking tickets aboard the Whitewater Valley Railroad, which departs from the neighboring town of Connersville and includes a two-hour layover in Metamora. Travelers wanting to spend the night directly in Metamora can lodge at the Metamora Inn, which has several antique-furnished rooms to choose from, along with a homemade breakfast served each morning.

Nashville

Nashville offers a wonderful balance of outdoor recreation with performing arts, and is a convenient, one-hour drive south of Indianapolis. To escape into nature, visitors can plan a Saturday at Brown County State Park, known for its resemblance to the Smoky Mountains and featuring nearly 16,000 acres of rugged ridges, hills, and ravines. Art enthusiasts searching for entertainment should head to the Brown County Playhouse for a good show. The venue frequently hosts concerts, musical tributes, and movie sing-alongs. Spend the night right in the heart of town at the Artists Colony Inn, which has a variety of Shaker-style rooms to stay in during your weekend away.

Greencastle

Travelers who love the night sky will adore a visit to Greencastle, where they will find the remarkable McKim Observatory. This observatory was built in 1884 and still uses much of its original equipment, comprising five rooms. On select nights of the year, it hosts open houses for the public. During the day, enjoy a walk or bike ride on the People Pathways, a network of over 20 miles of recreational trails that wind in and around Greencastle. Afterward, unwind for the evening at either The Doc's Inn or The Dandelion Inn, two historic homes right next door to one another, both built in the late 19th century.

Corydon

Corydon is about 2 hours south of Indianapolis and is known as the birthplace of Indiana’s statehood. Travelers can explore much of this history at landmarks such as the state's first Capitol building, a Federal-style building built between 1814 and 1816, and the Governor’s Headquarters, which served as the residence and office of the state’s second governor. Afterward, do some shopping at the Red Barn Antique Mall, a three-story antique store housed in a 19th-century barn. Furniture, glassware, and wall decor are just a few of the items locals and travelers can find here and take home. The Kintner House Inn, meanwhile, is a charming place to stay, composed of 11 elegant guestrooms and including a full breakfast each morning.

Knightstown

Travelers looking to avoid a long car ride while still enjoying a relaxing escape can head to Knightstown, about 40 minutes east of Indianapolis. The town is perhaps most famous as a filming site for the movie Hoosiers. In fact, the Hoosier Gym still houses the uniform worn by Jimbo Rayl in the film. Travelers can visit the gym free of charge, though donations of any amount are welcome. To spend the day relaxing in the sun or fishing, head to Sunset Park, a nearly 35-acre green space with a playground, a splash pad, a basketball court, a creek, and a lake well stocked with fish. Travelers with families looking to camp will love staying at Jellystone Park Indianapolis, just a short drive north of downtown Knightstown. The award-winning site offers plenty of recreational activities like volleyball, basketball, fishing, swimming, and more.

Plan Your Peaceful Escape

Living in a large city is a fantastic experience, but almost everyone craves a peaceful escape from time to time. These seven towns let you get away from the commotion of it all and surround yourself with nature, history, and art. The inns and hotels you will find in each town will perfectly round out the experience, offering a small-town charm that is hard to come by in the city. Your relaxing getaway has never been closer!