This Indiana Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown
Corydon, Indiana's first capital, has one of the best downtowns in the state, centered on the First State Capitol, built from 1814 to 1816, and the Governor’s Headquarters, built in 1817. Both landmarks sit within a few short blocks of East Chestnut Street, where visitors can eat at delicious spots 1816 Modern Kitchen and Drinks. That same street also has Lazy Cow Creamery and Zimmerman Art Glass, which stages live glassmaking demonstrations. A five-minute walk from the capitol, Constitution Elm marks the site tied to Indiana’s 1816 state constitution. With historic landmarks, restaurants, and shops packed into a few blocks, Corydon offers one of Indiana’s easiest downtowns to explore on foot.
Capitol Avenue
Downtown Corydon is anchored around Indiana’s First State Capitol, on Capitol Avenue. This federal-style limestone building sits on the town square and was built between 1814 and 1816, serving as the state capitol from 1816 to 1825. It was later used as the Harrison County Courthouse after the government moved to Indianapolis. Today, it is open from Wednesday through to Sunday for guided tours.
Tours include access to the Governor’s Headquarters, a two-story brick building built in 1817, which is one of nine original buildings from the time Corydon served as the state capital. It was the home of William Hendricks, Indiana’s second elected governor from 1822 to 1825.
The writers of the first Indiana State Constitution are said to have met under the branches of a large elm tree in 1816. Although the tree died in 1925, its stump has been preserved and encased in a large sandstone monument, which today is known as Constitution Elm. It is on West High Street, within a five-minute walk of the original state capitol building.
East Chestnut Street
On East Chestnut Street, 1816 Modern Kitchen and Drinks is only one of many establishments that pay homage to Corydon’s history. Patrons can sip on themed cocktails like the Old Capitol Fashioned while snacking on Southern staples with a contemporary flair. Newer establishments like Lazy Cow Creamery and Sweets are just as popular, known for their hand-dipped ice cream cones and milkshakes.
Witness live glassmaking demonstrations farther down East Chestnut Street at Zimmerman Art Glass, the second-oldest family-run studio glass factory in the United States. Specializing in functional art glass, they offer over 110 different pieces such as paperweights, fruit, and holiday ornaments. Detour slightly up North Mulberry Street to the Vintage Treasures Antique Mall and Flea Emporium, which comprises different rooms showcasing vintage and antique items from over 80 vendors.
Downtown Festivals
The Harrison County Fair is Indiana’s oldest continuously running county fair, dating back to 1860. It has taken place in the same location every year, the Harrison County Fairgrounds, on South Capitol Avenue. As well as showcasing agriculture with cattle barns, an entertainment grandstand, harness racing track, and tractor pulls, there is also a parade and carnival with classic fair food, rides, and games.
The Spring Wine Walk sees wineries from all over the region flock to downtown Corydon. At least a dozen wineries set up stations inside participating local businesses all over downtown. Sample a wide range of varietals while stopping at food trucks parked on the street and watching live street entertainment.
Nearby Towns
Other walkable downtowns in Indiana can be found in places like New Albany, which is around 20 miles east of Corydon, and stands out for its downtown dotted with mansions. The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, on East Main Street, is among the most iconic. It is the former home of William Culbertson, who at one point was one of the richest men in Indiana. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion to learn about his life, family, and philanthropy. Turn off East Main Street and onto East Market Street to find Brooklyn and the Butcher, a steakhouse and speakeasy bar housed inside a 145-year-old building that once operated as a hotel.
Jeffersonville is farther up the Ohio River from New Albany, at 25 miles east of Corydon. Walkability is central to Jeffersonville, as is evident from the Big Four Bridge. This former railroad bridge connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, letting pedestrians and cyclists cross back and forth between Kentucky and Indiana. The Indiana side of the bridge lets out at Big Four Station Park, equipped with a pavilion, playground, and hosts a local farmers' market.
Salem is less than 30 miles north of Corydon. Its downtown revolves around Washington County Courthouse Square. Many popular establishments are directly on the square, like El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, which specializes in authentic Mexican food. Down the street, the John Hay Center features a replica of a pioneer village from the 1830s, with buildings such as a jail, blacksmith, school, church, smokehouse, barn, and bell tower.
Downtown in Indiana's First State Capital
Walking around downtown Corydon gives you the best of both worlds: a historical corridor on Capitol Avenue and a commercial corridor on East Chestnut Street. Historic buildings like the Governor’s Headquarters and longstanding businesses like Zimmerman Art Glass are tied together by downtown festivals like the Spring Wine Walk. Despite its historical relevance, Corydon has maintained its compact structure and quiet atmosphere, culminating in Indiana’s most walkable downtown.
