9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Indiana
At The Crossroads of America, the photographic Midwestern US State of Indiana is home to a cornucopia of small communities, each with its own spirited version of a main street which has been driving the town's economic development for decades, if not centuries. Whenever one thinks of these picture-perfect thoroughfares, images of brick-lined streets replete with locally owned small businesses offering products to hardworking townsfolk, gourmet hideaways, and tourist attractions spring to mind. Presenting an eclectic assortment of architectural treasures and modern comforts, the peerless downtown strips of these Hoosier State towns attract visitors from all corners of the world.
Franklin
Franklin, situated approximately 20 miles south of Indianapolis, highlights an unparalleled fusion of conventions and modernisms. The walkable downtown of this picturesque college town is teeming with well-preserved landmark buildings, including the Historic Artcraft Theatre and the Johnson County Courthouse, and antique stores like Vintage Whimsy and Salvage Sisters Antique Market. Court Street Café offers comfort food made from scratch and outdoor seating on a streetside patio in the heart of downtown Franklin.
A great place to start is the Festival Country Indiana Visitor Center, which includes interactive, 3-D exhibits such as an 11-foot apple, an indoor slide, a theatre, and a working radio booth where you can make an announcement and play a favourite song live "on air." You may also choose to walk the miles of immaculate trails that connect the diverse parks, community centers, public pools, and libraries, and enjoy live music and special late-night shopping along the downtown strip on the first Friday of every month.
Madison
Madison, the government seat of Jefferson County, is located on the Ohio River’s northern shores in the southeastern part of the state. The largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the United States, Madison's 133 blocks of historic buildings include the 1844-built Greek Revival style Lanier Mansion; the Federal-style Schofield House, which housed Madison's first tavern and became the birthplace of the Indiana Freemasons' Grand Lodge; the Jefferson County History & Art Center, Indiana's oldest historical society; and the renovated 1895 Railroad Depot with a restored red caboose. All are available for tours and viewing, along with dozens of other historic sites.
To experience the more contemporary side of downtown Madison, peruse the unique boutiques and specialty shops, like Fine Threads & Little People’s Boutique, and locally-owned coffee shops such as The Red Roaster Coffee & Eatery. If you're in town at the end of September, you can take advantage of the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art, or check out the Hometown USA Parade on The Fourth of July.
Angola
Founded as the Steuben County seat in 1838 and christened after its homonymous hamlet in New York, Angola is situated in the County’s Pleasant Township. The principal feature of Angola’s downtown is a traffic circle, nicknamed 'The Mound,’ at the heart of which stands a 67-foot-tall Soldiers’ Monument in remembrance of those who fought in the American Civil War.
Vistors to Angola must check out the many historical properties downtown, like the Steuben County Courthouse, as well as the infinite boutiques and art galleries, like The Gallery on the public square’s southwest corner. When you get hungry, there is no shortage of restaurants and cafes, including The Village, a family-centered spot for casual dining and classic American comfort food.
Hobart
One of the oldest communities in Lake County, Hobart was named by English immigrant George Earle’s in honor of his brother, Frederick Hobart Earle. Apart from platting the town in 1849, George Earle constructed a dam across the Deep River. This led to the creation of a mill pond, which was later named Lake George. Today, it is a much-beloved recreation site for fishing, boating, and walking along the waterfront, as well as annual events like the Clocktower Model Boat Race in early September.
Entrenching Main, Center, and Third Streets, the Lake George Commercial Historic District features prominent buildings like the Post Office in the Colonial Revival style, the Friedrich Building in the Italianate Commercial style, and the Neoclassical-style American Savings and Trust Bank. For more information and a deeper appreciation of this Lake County destination, you can visit the Hobart Historical Society's impressive photograph collection. Admission is free of charge and includes information to support a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Hobart.
Wabash
Wabash is an enchanting town in northeastern Indiana, situated in Noble Township on the banks of the Wabash River. Also called the Wabash Marketplace District, the 17-acre Downtown Wabash Historic District includes 27 architecturally-unique properties, like the James M. Amoss Building and the Solomon Wilson Building. The Wabush County Museum has actually created a mobile self-guided walking tour in partnership with Pocketsights, which allows you to stroll the streets and explore the Historic District at your leisure.
Downtown Wabush is also packed with internationally-acclaimed cultural anchors like Honeywell Center, which hosts larger-scale concerts and other live performances, and the beautifully renovated Eagles Theatre for stage productions and community events. Cap off your visit with a comfortable stay at the luxurious Charley Creek Inn, where luxurious modern amenities meet old-world charm.
Aurora
Aurora, located on the banks of the Ohio River in Dearborn County’s Center Township, is a vibrant community steeped in history. The central business district of this southeast Indiana town draws attention to multiple beautifully-preserved time-honored buildings, such as the Hillforest Mansion (also known as the Thomas Gaff House), an embellished Italianate Renaissance-style estate. You can tour the house and grounds from April to December, or attend one of the many events hosted at the estate, like themed tea parties and a Victorian Chritmas Exhibit.
For a real treat, however, all you need to do is stroll through the streets of Aurora, browsing the many antique stores, gift shops, and cafes that give this town its unique flavour. Alejandra’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant is a favourite for margaritas and, as the name suggests, authentic Mexican cuisine. Downtown also pulls out all the stops each October for the Aurora Farmers Fair Parade during one of the oldest festivals in Indiana.
Corydon
Corydon is situated to the north of the Ohio River in Harrison Township, nearly 25 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. Tourists are especially drawn to this must-see location in Southern Indiana, attracted by the plentiful notable historical structures, such as Corydon Capitol, Indiana's first state capitol. Tour Governor Hendrick's Headquarters and explore the place where Hoosier statesmen transformed Indiana from a territorial outpost to the modern state it is today.
Walk down Main Street’s brick-paved sidewalks and peruse the many gift shops and art galleries, like The Artisan Center, which hosts four exhibits annually with a focus on local artists. Eateries like 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks offer farm-to-table menus that highlight the flavours of Indiana and beyond, while community events like the two-day Glasstoberfest in October transform Main Street into a carvnival, with vendors, live music, and a celebration of all things Corydon.
Albion
Spread over 7.5 acres, the Albion Courthouse Square Historic District comprises about 61 notable properties, the most prominent among which is, fittingly, the red brick Noble County Courthouse built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The Super Town of Albion Revitalization (S.T.A.R.) Team works diligently to improve and maintain the historic structures, as well as coordinating projects to ensure Downtown Albion is an inviting space for all. One such festival is the Fall Celebration & Cruise-In, during which classic cars and trucks cruise the streets of Albion and artisans set up shop along vendor row. Other seasonal events in downtown Albion include Scare the Square in October, and Christmas in the Village.
Jasper
This prosperous community by the Patoka River is the seat of Dubois County. Robustly reflecting the town’s Deutsch-American roots, Main Street is famed for its fusion of timeless charm and present-day developments. The downtown area is filled with historic architecture and carefully-preserved old buildings, a sizable number of which house boutiques and gift shops, as well as restaurants like Snaps, with live music and loads of character. Enjoy a craft brew and 'snap' a photo with the toothy mascot out front.
Close to the end of Main Street, the paved Jasper Riverwalk follows the Patoka River for about 4 1/2 miles for an easy stroll or bike ride through town. Strassenfest is another way to immerse yourself in the community of Jasper, with a four-day German-inspired street festival held downtown every summer.
From exploring the extensive National Historic Landmark District in Madison to celebrating cultural roots at Strassenfest in downtown Jasper, each picture-perfect Main Street in the Hoosier State has one-of-a-kind stories to share. With their unique shops, galleries, restaurants, festivals and lovingly preserved history, these Indiana Main Streets have something special to suit all tastes.
