Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Franklin, Indiana

A charming small town located south of Indianapolis, Franklin features an iconic skyline highlighted by the impressive Johnson County Courthouse, established in 1881.

The community takes immense pride in this historic landmark, which serves as the backdrop for various public events throughout the year, ranging from a strawberry festival in May to a Christmas lighting ceremony.

Adjacent to Franklin College, founded in 1834, the downtown area is filled with delightful surprises, including an Art Deco theatre that continues to showcase classic films, coupled with a vibrant assortment of locally-owned shops and dining options.

Exploring the city is convenient, with options to walk or bike along a greenway system that traces the paths of the creeks flowing through Franklin.

1. Downtown Franklin

The historical core of the city is a joy to explore by foot, abundant with intriguing old architecture and independent shops that invite exploration.

In addition to the monuments mentioned in this article, there are notable buildings worth discussing.

These historic landmarks include The Willard (1860) and the Post Office building, also known as RFD Franklin (1936), both of which have been repurposed as dining establishments.

During your shopping excursion, expect to find independent record stores, multiple antique shops, a bookstore, a bicycle repair shop, a game store, a toy shop, and much more.

Culinary offerings in downtown Franklin span a diverse range from Mexican cuisine to brick oven pizza, BBQ, modern American fare, and beloved breakfast options, complemented by an exquisite selection of bakeries and cafés.

2. Johnson County Museum of History

Located on Main Street, the museum dedicated to the history of Johnson County occupies an exquisite building that was formerly a Masonic temple, constructed in 1924.

Established in 1931, the museum has transitioned through several locations before settling here in 1991.

Within its walls, visitors can uncover a thorough narrative of life in the region over centuries.

Permanent exhibits illuminate the experiences of early Native American tribes, pioneer settlers, Victorian society, the Civil War, military history, life in Johnson County during the 1950s, and artworks from both historical and contemporary Johnson County artists.

The museum also presents intriguing temporary exhibits, along with a genealogy library and a gift shop.

3. Johnson County Superior Court Building

Franklin’s stunning centerpiece is the active county courthouse situated at the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Street.

Finalized in 1881, this architecturally dramatic structure exemplifies the Eclectic style, harmonizing features of Neo-Jacobean, Romanesque Revival, and French Second Empire architecture.

This was the inaugural significant project designed by architect George Washington Bunting (1854-1918), who contributed a total of eight courthouses across the state of Indiana.

Distinctive characteristics of this courthouse include the central and corner towers adorned with slate-clad pyramidal roofs.

Court Street functions as the primary venue downtown for outdoor gatherings, ranging from Strawberries on the Square in early summer to the lighting ceremony leading up to Christmas.

4. Historic Artcraft Theatre

An integral part of downtown Franklin since 1922, the Artcraft Theatre is easily recognized by its curving marquee and vertical signage.

Although primarily a cinema throughout its history, it originally served as a vaudeville stage, retaining the orchestra pit and stage from that era.

The building underwent an Art Deco renovation in 1948, representing its current appearance. After experiencing a common decline in the late 20th century, this remarkable structure was revitalized in 2004, and in 2015 it was acknowledged as one of the “4 Favorite Restored Small-Town Cinemas” by Midwest Living.

The Historic Artcraft Theatre continues to screen classic films, including seasonal favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), alongside a variety of live musical performances.

An interesting tradition, aligned with its vintage ambiance, is that patrons are asked to stand for the national anthem before each screening.

5. Province Park

One of the picturesque parks located along the scenic banks of Youngs Creek, Province Park is easily accessible from downtown Franklin.

This park connects to the Franklin Greenway Trail, which crosses the creek at this point. Province Park offers a beautifully maintained area for outdoor activities, ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling along its trails, in addition to a variety of facilities available.

The Franklin Family Aquatic Center is situated on the east side, alongside amenities for picnicking, basketball, softball, horseshoes, and fishing.

Additional features include playgrounds and a dog park, with the Franklin Action Skate Park located just adjacent to the west.

6. Franklin Farmers’ Market

During the summer, a farmers’ market is held in the heart of Franklin, situated in a parking lot merely two blocks west of the courthouse.

Operated on Saturday mornings from late May to late September, the Franklin Farmers’ Market features an impressive array of local vendors.

Highlights include fresh seasonal produce, flowers, cheeses, eggs, honey, spreads, an assortment of baked goods, confectionery, kettle corn, sauces, teas, kitchen accessories, art, yard decorations, organic soaps, handmade jewelry, and an extensive selection of additional items.

7. Blue Heron Park and Wetland

Located just southwest of downtown Franklin, this park and wetland preserve is accessible from the city center via the Franklin Greenway Trail that follows Youngs Creek.

The wetland area offers a relaxing experience, featuring a boardwalk that extends over the water, complemented by 12 acres of prairie, particularly stunning during the summer when the wildflowers bloom.

Blue Heron Park also encompasses various recreational amenities, with 25 holes of disc golf, a basketball court, play fields, a fitness trail, and a newly installed low ropes course consisting of 22 different elements.

Additional facilities include a picnic shelter and a well-designed playground featuring a variety of multisensory equipment.

8. Hoosier Cupboard Candy, Snacks and Ice Cream

This family-owned candy shop offers a nostalgic experience, boasting an extensive selection of over 500 varieties of gummies, truffles, assorted chocolates, salt water taffy, fudge, candy sticks, and chocolate-covered fruits and nuts.

Additionally, Hoosier Cupboard features sodas crafted from traditional recipes and offers 22 flavors of ice cream.

The charm of the establishment is accentuated by its location in a train depot built in 1909. Visitors can also explore a small railroad museum at the back, alongside an antique caboose positioned across the tracks.

9. Franklin Family Aquatic Center

Adjacent to the Franklin College campus and Province Park, this outdoor swimming facility serves as a perfect summer destination for both older and younger children.

The Family Fun Zone is designed for younger kids, featuring a zero-depth entry pool equipped with a substantial play structure that offers over 50 different activities.

For older kids, there is an Olympic-sized pool with designated areas for laps and recreational swimming, alongside a water basketball section, a 190-foot water slide, and a diving well.

It is advisable to check the calendar for special events and promotions, such as complimentary entrance for fathers on Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day toward the end of July.

10. Franklin Greenway Trail

Franklin features a well-planned network of shared-use pathways known as the Historic Greenway Trails.

Spanning 20 miles, these trails connect numerous parks and neighborhoods, facilitating access to major attractions such as the Johnson County Courthouse, Franklin College, and the Indiana Gymnastics Center.

The principal route, the Franklin Greenway Trail, traverses diagonally through the city, beginning at Blue Heron Park in the southwest and passing the southern expanse of downtown via Youngs Creek, subsequently following Hurricane Creek alongside Franklin College.

This trail provides a wonderful means to traverse Franklin without a vehicle, and travelers may be pleasantly surprised by the warm greetings and friendly gestures exchanged with passersby.

11. Hi-Way Lanes Bowling Center

This locally-owned bowling alley, a staple in Franklin, offers open bowling every day of the week.

Hi-Way Lanes is recognized for its affordability, featuring an all-you-can-bowl night every Wednesday for just $8 per person.

Weekend nights introduce Cosmic Bowling, which pairs vibrant lighting and lively music, adding a festive twist to the bowling experience.

The center offers 28 lanes equipped with bumpers on each, making it an ideal venue for families with children. Additionally, a full-service pro shop is available to meet all bowling-related needs, boasting competitive pricing against any in Indiana.

12. Rascal’s Fun Zone

For families seeking entertainment, Rascal’s Fun Zone, located less than ten minutes north in Whiteland, offers a vast array of activities.

This year-round attraction features both indoor and outdoor options including go-karts, two mini-golf courses, bumper boats, bumper cars, and mini-bowling.

Additionally, the establishment hosts a sizable arcade boasting over 50 games, including various redemption machines. Enthusiasts will find a total of four karting tracks, with two indoors and two outdoors.

These tracks accommodate two-seater karts, while the indoor Rookie Track presents an uncomplicated oval layout with slower karts designed for younger participants.

13. Strawberries on the Square

The onset of strawberry season in Franklin is celebrated with a unique festival on the courthouse square.

Beginning in the morning, visitors can indulge in strawberry shortcake, available until supplies last.

The event features a variety of food trucks that remain on-site until late evening. Starting in the late afternoon, a beverage tent serves local craft beers and wines, with live music commencing around 7pm.

The festival also includes various activities and side events, such as a classic car show and movie screenings of cherished films at the Artcraft Theatre.

14. Winter Market & Holiday Lighting

Few sights are as enchanting as the illuminated Johnson County Courthouse during the holiday season.

The lighting ceremony typically occurs on the first Saturday of December, concluding a day filled with activities.

These festivities feature a charming winter market, highlighting an impressive selection of handcrafted gifts and artisanal goods.

Moreover, children will undoubtedly enjoy the lighted parade along Jefferson Street, which takes place shortly after nightfall, prior to the lighting ceremony.

15. Johnson County Fair

The Johnson County Fairgrounds, located on the west side of downtown, hosts an array of events throughout the year, from tractor pulls to monthly antique shows.

Mark your calendar for the Johnson County Fair, which has been celebrated in some capacity since 1838. The event relocated to its current site at the intersection of 133 and U.S. 31 in 1888.

This week-long celebration occurs in late July, featuring abundant 4-H exhibits, numerous contests, a parade, livestock auctions, a diverse array of food and craft vendors, and midway rides and games.

Additionally, the grandstand hosts various attractions, including drag racing, multiple nights of demolition derby, and a classic car exhibition.