Top 15 Attractions in Shelbyville, Indiana

Southeast of Indianapolis, the seat of Shelby County is a quaint town situated around the historic Public Square.

Shelbyville was established approximately 200 years ago, and the richness of history present in its streets has prompted the visitors bureau to produce a walking tour highlighting the architectural significance in the area.

Located just a few miles from downtown, Shelbyville is also the site of the nearest casino to Indianapolis, which includes a racetrack hosting the Indiana Derby every July.

A burgeoning network of trails connects downtown to the picturesque parks along the Little Blue River, along with a flourishing farmers’ market showcasing the region’s excellent produce.

Numerous establishments throughout Shelbyville have withstood the test of time, including a century-old performing arts venue, a drive-in theater from the 1950s, and a cherished bakery that relocated to the town in the 1930s.

1. Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society

For those interested in the 200-year history of Shelby County, a captivating museum is located downtown. This is situated opposite the public library within an exceptional Art Moderne building, constructed in 1950 as an Elks Lodge. Various historical narratives can be explored here.

The Streets of Old Shelby, for instance, recreates a historic street scene featuring a saloon, hotel, printing press, hardware store, blacksmith shop, sheriff’s office, and more, all adorned with historic artifacts.

At the time of writing, there was a comprehensive exhibition analyzing the role of the Public Square in Shelbyville’s narrative, while the Shelby County Railroad appeals to enthusiasts, featuring three operational model trains and a plethora of historical items such as lamps, uniforms, and signage displayed in cases.

2. Historic Architecture of Shelbyville Tour

The grand Public Square and the historic neighborhoods west of downtown Shelbyville feature an impressive array of beautiful architecture spanning multiple styles.

There is so much to discover that the Shelby County Visitors Bureau has developed a mile-long, self-guided architecture tour to enable visitors to appreciate the highlights.

This mile-long path commences at the Public Square and predominantly traverses Washington, Broadway, and intersecting streets.

In total, there are 20 stops, with nearly all the featured buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The accompanying leaflet contains an informative guide on 19th and early 20th-century architectural styles, along with a glossary of building elements. Notable highlights include the Carnegie Library (1903), I.O.O.F. Building (1852-1883), and the Ensminger House (c. 1850).

3. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

Operated by Caesars Entertainment, the closest casino to Indianapolis is sited in Shelbyville.

The initial establishment to open here, in 2003, was the racetrack, formerly referred to as Indiana Downs. From April through October, this venue hosts Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Racing, including prestigious events such as the Indiana Derby in July, which boasts a purse of $300,000.

The casino opened in 2009 and spans an impressive 200,000 square feet, featuring more than 2,300 slot machines and a wide variety of table games.

In terms of entertainment, Indiana Grand has hosted artists like Ludacris, Ginuwine, and Marc Cohn, along with several iconic 60s rock bands such as The Lovin’ Spoonful.

4. Blue River Memorial Park

Adjacent to the Shelby County Fairgrounds, Shelbyville’s premier public park also features the city’s veterans memorial.

Spanning nearly 190 acres, Blue River Memorial Park is replete with amenities for both active and passive recreation, encompassing football and softball fields, a splash pad, a dog park, and a 20-acre quail and butterfly habitat.

This park is also a favored location for launching canoes or kayaks on the Little Blue River, and it connects to the Blue River Trail, which will be elaborated upon next.

Moreover, the Blue River Cross Country Course, located here, serves as a national-level championship running venue accommodating both large and small competitive events.

5. Blue River Trail

Shelbyville boasts an expanding network of mixed-use trails, centered around the 3.5-mile Blue River Trail, which connects the downtown area to several parks along the riverbanks.

These parks include Kennedy Park and Blue River Memorial Park, making the trail an aesthetically pleasing route for navigating the city, with distance markers positioned every tenth of a mile.

The Blue River Trail further links to the Lee Boulevard Trail in the east, along with the Knauf Greenway that serves the northern part of the community, and west side trails via the West Side Connector.

At the time of writing, plans were underway to construct a north-south trail along a former railroad right-of-way, extending past the Meridian Park Family Aquatic Center.

6. Meltzer Woods

On the eastern side of Shelbyville lies one of the last remaining tracts of old-growth forest in Indiana. This public forest spans 60 acres and has remained untouched for over a century, with trees that are over 400 years old.

The wetter areas of Meltzer Woods, featuring creeks and vernal pools, are predominantly lined with beech and Shumard oak, while the dry regions are abundant with beeches and maples.

This woodland is a legacy of the Meltzer family, dating back to one Brady Meltzer, who operated a sawmill during the Great Depression yet refrained from cutting down the trees on his land.

7. Shelby County Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from May through September, a farmers’ market convenes downtown at West Washington Plaza.

This event provides an excellent opportunity to uphold support for various family-owned farms and small business in the region.

Typically, patrons can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, herbs, premium cuts of grass-fed meat, eggs, pastries, cheese, honey, jams, popcorn, and a substantial variety of handmade crafts.

During the holiday season, there is a special Mistletoe Market that aligns with the Christmas Parade in early December.

8. The Skyline Drive-In

Located at the perimeter of Meltzer Woods, this nostalgic drive-in theater premiered its first film during Memorial Weekend in 1950.

With a single screen and a capacity of 450 vehicles, the Skyline operates from March through December, screening first-run double features.

As is tradition, sound is transmitted via car radio (89.9 FM), and the SkyCafe offers a diverse menu of comfort foods, from pizza to hot dogs, burgers, nachos, soft serve, and, naturally, popcorn.

Details regarding themed nights and seasonal events, including discussions with actors and directors, as well as a vendor lineup, can be found on their website.

9. Strand Theatre

Located downtown at 215 S. Harrison Street, this cherished venue originally opened in 1916. Under various titles, the Strand Theatre was a cornerstone of entertainment in Shelbyville until its closure in 2004.

This closure was only brief, as the theatre underwent renovation and reopened in 2008 as a versatile performing arts venue operated by a non-profit organization.

The auditorium retains its classic ambiance, featuring both balcony and floor seating. Patrons can enjoy comedy performances, concerts, musicals, plays, and seasonal screenings of classic films.

10. Linne’s Bakery & Cafe

In 2021, this historic establishment on Harrison Street was recognized by Fox59 viewers as the best bakery or pastry shop in Indiana.

Linne’s (pronounced “Linn-ey’s”) has a storied background that extends back to the late 19th century, and the bakery relocated to Shelbyville during the 1930s.

The current proprietors have been serving the community since 1984, and the establishment is renowned for its twisted donuts with a generous glaze.

All of Linne’s donuts, including the seasonal pumpkin spice variety, are prepared from scratch without using any mix.

Although visitors may find it challenging to depart without an assortment of treats, popular options include danishes, fruitcakes, cupcakes, and a wide selection of cookies, which are available at discounted prices for bulk purchases.

11. Meridian Park Family Aquatic Center

Open daily throughout the summer school break, Shelbyville’s community outdoor pool complex is located in the southern part of the city, near Shelbyville High School.

Recently refreshed with modern equipment, the facility was originally designed in 1998. This was one of the first public pools to feature a beach entry area connected to a lap pool.

The center also includes a twisting water slide and a drop slide, along with lockers and private cabanas that are available for rental by the half-day or full day.

As these pools can become quite crowded, the parks department has introduced sensory-friendly swim times for families on Wednesday evenings throughout the season.

12. Harker Family Farms and Orchard

For exceptionally fresh local produce, several small-scale growers are available in the region to support. Just beyond Meltzer Woods, Harker Family Farms and Orchard is operated by a couple who acquired the land in the mid-1970s.

Originally raising hogs, Joe and Debbie Harker established an orchard in 2009, which has steadily expanded to encompass 2,000 trees.

Nearly two-thirds of the trees consist of peach varieties, representing more than 90 different types. From May through October, visitors can head to the farm store for over 15 varieties of fruits and vegetables picked at peak season, starting with strawberries and culminating with apples and apple cider.

13. Kennedy Park

Named after local entrepreneur Fred Kennedy, who purchased this property for the city in 1929, Kennedy Park is a short distance across the Little Blue River from the center of Shelbyville.

This park is primarily focused on active recreation, featuring two tennis courts, a basketball court, a softball diamond, and fishing areas.

A standout feature is the KID CONNECTION playground, designed to be universally accessible for individuals of all abilities and ages. Additionally, the park provides a shelter, grills, picnic tables, and restrooms for those considering family gatherings.

14. Me And My Sisters Flea Market

If you enjoy antiquing and uncovering vintage treasures, allocate time for this sprawling flea market located on Shelbyville’s eastern outskirts.

Founded by two vintage enthusiasts, Ana and Kizme, Me And My Sisters features over 75 vendors occupying more than 7,000 square feet of space.

Some specialties encompass collectibles, lighting, records, vintage signage, toys, glassware, ceramics, and clothing. From May to October, an outdoor market occurs on the second Saturday of each month.

15. Music in the Park

Blue River Memorial Park serves as the charming backdrop for an annual series of outdoor concerts held during the summer.

Typically scheduled on Saturdays, Music in the Park occurs from mid-June to mid-September, having become a beloved occasion for families, couples, and groups of friends. The concerts are free of charge, with attendees encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs.

The lineup aims to be as diverse as possible, providing something for everyone, incorporating genres such as jazz, soul, blues, classic rock, and various tribute bands.

One of the performances features a Shakespeare play, a tradition revered for more than a decade.