Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Marion, Indiana

Around halfway between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, the city of Marion serves as the seat of Grant County and possesses numerous intriguing narratives.

This city is recognized as the birthplace of James Dean and Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, allowing visitors to explore trails in Grant County dedicated to both notable figures.

Marion’s prosperous era corresponded with the Indiana gas boom starting in the 1880s, which ignited the local glass manufacturing industry. The Marion Public Library Museum, housed in a historic Carnegie library built in 1902, provides a comprehensive overview of this significant period.

Furthermore, Marion earned fame when the term “Hog” became synonymous with Harley Davidson motorcycles, following the 1920 Cornfield Classic race where the winner took a piglet along for his victory celebration.

1. Marion Public Library Museum

To gain insight into Marion and Grant County, visit this museum within the historic Carnegie Library (1902).

Constructed in the Beaux-Arts style, this building functioned as Marion’s public library until 1991, after which it opened as a museum shortly following the library’s relocation.

At the time of writing, the main exhibit titled “Made in Marion” explored the era of the region’s natural gas boom, which catalyzed remarkable development from the 1880s onward, particularly in the glass sector.

Exhibits feature glass products manufactured in local factories, alongside a collection of antique electrical appliances, photographs, vintage attire, toys, and a rare Crosley automobile, produced in Marion in 1952.

2. Matter Park

A public space that any community would proudly exhibit, Matter Park is situated a short distance down the Mississinewa River from downtown Marion.

A product of Marion’s prosperous era, this park originated in the early 20th century and once featured a zoo that operated until the 1970s.

Following a period of decline, Matter Park has revitalized over the past two decades, becoming a venue for a growing number of summer events, including the Cruisin’ in the Park in June and a July Fourth extravaganza featuring fireworks and a concert by the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra.

Additionally, the park boasts 6.3 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, providing a picturesque venue for weddings, reunions, and graduations. The gardens are planted with over 7,000 annuals and include the award-winning Butterfly Garden, which supports monarch butterflies.

3. Grant County Courthouse

A courthouse has been present in this square in downtown Marion since 1933. The current structure, finalized in 1882, is the third courthouse and was initially topped with a dome that was removed in 1960.

In 1930, this courthouse was the site of a significant event in the town’s history when a mob removed three African American men from their jail cells, awaiting their hearings for various charges.

Two of the men, Tom Shipp and Abe Smith, were lynched in the square, while a third, James Cameron (1914-2006), was spared thanks to a woman who intervened on his behalf.

A haunting photograph of the lynching, taken by a local studio, remains one of the enduring images of that period and inspired the song “Strange Fruit,” famously performed by Billie Holliday.

Cameron later emerged as an activist, founding three NAACP chapters and returned to Marion in 1995 to confront an ill-attended KKK rally.

4. Mississinewa 1812

During the War of 1812, the Battle of the Mississinewa occurred along the riverbank, approximately seven miles north of present-day Marion.

This operation was initiated in December 1812 by William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) against Miami Indian villages, responding to assaults on Fort Harrison and Fort Wayne.

Every October, a significant reenactment takes place at the battle site, constituting the nation’s largest living history event related to the War of 1812.

Throughout the weekend, there is a reenactment featuring American, Native American, and British soldiers outfitted in authentic uniforms and utilizing period equipment.

At River Town, visitors can explore over 140 artisans, merchants, and food vendors, showcasing crafts from gunsmiths to potters to master printers.

The Indiana Village and Wilderness Camp offers a rare perspective into Native American life and the difficulties faced by traders, trappers, and voyageurs.

5. Marion’s Mississinewa Riverwalk

The most picturesque route to Matter Park from downtown Marion is via this 2.25-mile trail that begins at the Washington Street Bridge and concludes at Matter Park’s pond.

Established in the 1980s, the Mississinewa Riverwalk was designed for both fitness and passive enjoyment, traversing a series of public parks.

These parks provide amenities such as grills, shelters, playgrounds, and commemorate historical sites like the Mississinewa 1812 Memorial at Willis Van Devanter Park. The Riverwalk serves multiple uses, welcoming hikers, joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers alike.

6. Quilters Hall of Fame

The renowned quilt designer and entrepreneur Marie Webster (1859-1956) was born in Marion. The beautiful residence constructed in 1905, where she lived with her husband George from 1909 until 1942, now houses the Quilters Hall of Fame.

This organization recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the quilting art form and was established in 1979.

The museum features fascinating exhibits dedicated to quilts and the individuals involved in their creation, study, and collection.

Every July, a Quilt Celebration is held at the Webster House, featuring workshops, auctions, a vendor mall, lectures, and the induction of a new honoree into the Hall of Fame.

7. Marion National Cemetery

Located in the southeast of the city is the tranquil resting place for over 8,000 individuals, including veterans from various conflicts over the past 160 years.

The origins of what is now the Marion National Cemetery trace back to 1889, following a petition by congressman and Civil War veteran George Washington Steele (1839-1922) for the establishment of a Soldier’s Home in Grant County.

The first interment at the cemetery was Henry Smith, a Civil War veteran, in May 1890. To date, three Medal of Honor recipients are laid to rest at Marion National Cemetery—two from the Civil War and one from the Indian Campaigns.

Be sure to observe historic monuments like the Remember the Maine monument (1901) and a Civil War memorial dedicated to the Minnesota 2nd Regiment (1913).

8. Marion Splash House

One of the premier family water parks in Indiana is located in Marion. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Marion Splash House provides a delightful blend of enjoyment and relaxation, encompassing various attractions and over 30,000 square feet of deck space.

Among the highlights are a wave pool with the highest waves in Indiana, a lazy river, two thrilling water slides, and a spacious play area for younger children.

For a bit of luxury, you can reserve a cabana, and there are concession stands available to satisfy your hunger.

9. Hog Daze

In the years 1919 and 1920, Marion hosted the early motorcycle race known as the Cornfield Classic. History was etched in 1920 when Harley Davidson rider Ray Weishaar triumphed in the race while bringing his piglet along for the victory lap.

This led to his teammates adopting the moniker “Hog Boys,” laying the foundation for Harley Davidson’s longstanding association with the term “hogs.”

This legacy is celebrated through a motorcycle rally at the Grant County Fairgrounds, featuring bike shows, a swap meet, a motorcycle rodeo, a loud pipes competition, live music, and a revival of the Cornfield Classic.

10. James Dean Birthsite Memorial

Cinephiles and fans of James Dean (1931-1955) can explore his origins in Grant County. Dean’s birthplace is located in downtown Marion, encompassing the site of the Seven Gables Apartment House.

Though the original building has been removed, a pocket park now features a black stone monument marked by a historic sign.

Equipped with benches and a backdrop of illuminated cypress trees, the memorial honors the star and celebrates a career tragically cut short. This site was established in 2015 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his passing.

11. Hostess House (J. Wood Wilson House)

Located at 723 W 4th Street is an exquisite Colonial Revival residence, constructed in 1912 for banker J. Wood Wilson.

Easily recognizable for its striking Ionic portico, this building is regarded as one of the most illustrious residential creations by architect Samuel Plato (1882-1957) and bore an impressive cost of $135,000.

Plato, commissioned for numerous projects around Marion, earned a reputation for his progressive employment practices, advocating for the inclusion of African-American workers in building trade unions.

The Hostess House has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1911, serving as an elegant setting for a restaurant that offers lunch Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Additionally, a boutique named Peggy’s Boutique on the second floor features an array of handmade gifts.

12. Indy Airstrip Attack

Marion Municipal Airport, situated three miles southwest of downtown, has become the site for a distinguished side-by-side racing event and trap speed competition.

The Indy Airstrip Attack occurs on the second weekend in August and has set numerous world records thanks to its high-grip surface over the past decade.

This event boasts a half-mile track, with Saturday dedicated to various competition classes including sedans, AWD Unlimited, and 6-Speed Unlimited.

On Sunday, the event welcomes cars and motorcycles of all types and power levels, whether competing head-to-head or racing solo.

13. Grant County Garfield Trail

The creator of Garfield, Jim Davis, was born in Marion in 1945 and grew up in Fairmount, located just south of the city, before attending Ball State University in Muncie.

To honor Davis and his iconic cartoon cat, 14 fiberglass sculptures of Garfield have been installed across towns in Grant County, six of which can be found in Marion, each reflecting a unique local theme.

Examples include Bookworm Garfield at the Marion Public Library, College Bound Garfield at the Sweetser Switch Trail and Depot, and Dr. Garfield at Marion General Hospital.

Additionally, look for Fit for Life Garfield in the Matter Park Gardens, Duffer Garfield at the Arbor Trace Golf Clubhouse, and Paws for Thought at the Garfield Garden within the Community Foundation of Grant County.

14. James Dean Gallery

Similar to Jim Davis, James Dean spent his childhood in Fairmount and was buried at Park Cemetery there in 1955.

To delve deeper into the legacy of James Dean, visit this remarkable museum, founded in 1988 within a charming Victorian house on Main Street.

The James Dean Gallery displays an extensive collection curated by James Dean archivist David Loehr, who began collecting Dean-related memorabilia in 1974.

This dedicated tribute includes thousands of items, such as original movie posters, Dean’s personal belongings, childhood photos, and high school yearbooks.

Notably, the Kenneth Kendall Room is a must-see, where visitors can admire casts, drawings, and paintings created by artists who sculpted Dean for the Griffith Observatory and Fairmount’s James Dean Memorial Park.

15. Walnut Creek Golf Complex

If golfing is your passion, you will want to visit this public course in southeastern Marion, known as the finest in Grant County.

Two distinct courses are available for a total of 36 holes; Walnut Creek opened in 1970, followed by the Club Run Course in 1998.

This facility is unique among Indiana golf venues, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape of water, woods, and hills, creating a natural retreat.

Offering a wide selection of tee options, golfers at every level can find enjoyment here, in addition to a comprehensive practice facility and driving range.

Walnut Creek is lauded for its friendly personnel and exceptional maintenance, even during wet conditions.