Top 15 Attractions in Crawfordsville, Indiana

Approximately 45 miles northwest of Indianapolis, the seat of Montgomery County, Crawfordsville stands as a charming city along Sugar Creek, boasting a history spanning over 200 years.

This city has been the birthplace of several notable individuals, including Lew Wallace, a Civil War major general, politician, ambassador, and the author of Ben Hur. His residence in the upscale Elston Grove area offers visitors guided tours of the study he designed for personal use.

Adjacent to this area is the museum for the Montgomery County Historical Society, located within the impeccably preserved home of Henry S. Lane, a significant figure in national affairs during and after the Civil War.

In the 1880s, Crawfordsville became the inaugural city worldwide to implement a rotary jail. This innovative but ultimately inhumane method of incarceration is exemplified by the facility in the downtown area, which remains the last of its kind in operational condition.

1. General Lew Wallace Study & Museum

Enumerating the numerous accomplishments of Lew Wallace (1827-1905) would require extensive discourse.

In essence, he was a decorated Major General who played crucial roles in Union victories at Donelson, Shiloh, and Monocacy; presided as a military judge during the trials of the Lincoln Conspirators; served as an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire; and authored the bestselling novel, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880).

Wallace relocated to Crawfordsville at the age of nine, returning after his military retirement. The grand study he designed for himself, constructed in 1895, is open for visitors in the Elston Grove district.

During a guided tour, guests can delve into the life and legacy of this extraordinary individual, as well as explore a vast collection of memorabilia associated with Wallace’s diverse career in writing, scholarship, military service, law, and diplomacy.

2. Lane Place Antebellum Mansion

The stately Elston Grove neighborhood is also home to the Montgomery County Historical Society, situated in the splendid Henry S. Lane House, constructed in the Greek Revival style during the 1840s.

Henry S. Lane (1811-1881) served as a United States Representative, Senator, and the 13th Governor of Indiana. He built this ornate residence on a four-acre plot after marrying Joanna Lane, the daughter of Major Isaac Compton Elston, a noteworthy figure in early Crawfordsville history.

Subsequently, the mansion was bequeathed to their niece, who donated it to the historical society in the early 1930s.

Since then, it has functioned as a museum, distinguished by its original decorations and furnishings, most of which either belonged to the house or the Elston family.

Remarkably, even the minutiae tell a story, such as a silk hat hanging in the hallway, once worn by Lane at Abraham Lincoln’s funeral in 1865.

3. Rotary Jail Museum

A distinctive feature of Crawfordsville is its rotary jail, a circular cell block located behind the former Sheriff’s Residence, which is situated on a turntable operated by a hand crank.

This innovative mechanism allows for the rotation of the cells, rendering only one cell accessible at any given time. In total, only 18 such facilities were constructed, all located in the Midwest, with Crawfordsville being home to the very first rotary jail, established in 1882.

This particular rotary jail remains operational and served its purpose as a detention facility for nearly a century, until 1973.

The concept of the rotary jail did not gain popularity due to its inhumane nature and susceptibility to manipulation by inmates. Visitors can explore this fascinating exemplar of 19th-century engineering in operation and learn about some of the individuals who were incarcerated here.

4. Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County

Upon its establishment in 1902, the Carnegie Library in Crawfordsville became the first of its kind in Indiana.

This site functioned as the primary public library until 2005, after which it transitioned into a museum showcasing the county’s history.

With complimentary admission, the museum features engaging and interactive exhibits that cover the art, history, and culture of Montgomery County.

Visitors will learn about notable local residents, explore the region’s industrial growth, and browse an extensive collection of memorabilia related to sports, pop culture, business, and military history.

Among the highlights are preserved neon signs from downtown establishments, an antique voting machine, and a historical telephone switchboard.

5. Downtown Crawfordsville

The central business district of Crawfordsville is preserved as a national historic district, encompassing over 100 contributing structures.

In addition to the Montgomery County Courthouse (built in 1876), visitors should not miss the Otto Schlemmer Building (constructed in 1857), located nearby at 129-131 N. Green St.

This striking Renaissance Revival building underwent renovations later in the century and features a unique second-floor gallery.

In addition to its remarkable architecture, downtown Crawfordsville is vibrant with numerous local businesses.

Among other attractions, the area hosts a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings (from spring through fall) and a diverse array of dining options, as well as shops selling antiques, jewelry, gifts, home decor, and plants.

The Montgomery County Visitors Bureau, located in the area, provides an updated guide with information on the best sights and activities available in Crawfordsville.

6. Shades State Park

This state park, situated approximately 15 minutes southwest of Crawfordsville along Sugar Creek, features stunning landscapes.

Originally a resort in the late 19th century, Shades State Park is celebrated for its remarkable sandstone cliffs, remnants of an ancient seabed from hundreds of millions of years ago.

Visitors can embark on challenging hikes through these ravines, which provide pleasant shade during the summer months. Some trails demand physical agility, requiring climbers to navigate ladders, traverse streams, and maneuver around boulders and logs.

It is evident why the park has gained popularity for canoeing and kayaking on Sugar Creek, with local provider Sugar Valley Canoe Trips offering various packages.

7. Sugar Creek Trail

Commencing at the rear of Crawfordsville High School in the city’s southwest region, the Sugar Creek Trail spans 4.5 miles and provides a shared path leading into the forested countryside to the west.

The trail begins with hilly terrain and later connects with a section of the former Big Four (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis) Railway corridor at the Animal Welfare League building.

This path preserves a segment of the railway itself, which dates back to 1853. As one departs from Crawfordsville, the trail meanders through dense woodlands and crosses Sugar Creek via the old Nucor Bridge.

Currently, the trail concludes just north of the bridge in a tranquil wooded setting.

8. Elston Grove Walking Tour

This refined neighborhood east of downtown has accommodated many of Montgomery County’s most distinguished citizens for nearly 190 years.

The history of Elston Grove originates with Major Isaac Compton Elston (1794-1867), a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the arrival of the railroad in Crawfordsville.

In the 1830s, he established his residence east of the town on what is currently Pine Street, within a densely wooded grove. As time went on, many of his descendants and their spouses settled in the vicinity.

The Historic District features 138 predominantly residential buildings, showcasing remarkable examples of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles.

Due to the abundance of sights, the Montgomery County Visitors Bureau has produced a brochure for a self-guided walking tour with nearly 50 points of interest, spanning 1.5 miles and typically taking about two hours to complete.

9. Milligan Park

Milligan Park, located in southeast Crawfordsville, offers a diverse range of activities across its 40 acres.

The park features a 22-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, a skate park, updated playground equipment for young children, trails, picnic areas, and both the Welliever Softball Field and Baldwin Baseball Field.

From Memorial Day Weekend through early August, visitors can also utilize the city’s outdoor swimming pool, which has seen enhancements in recent years, including the addition of a splash pad that remains open into September.

10. Cabbages & Kings Antiques Mall

Comprising 120 vendor booths spread over 3.5 floors, this antiques center is expansive enough that a brief visit can easily extend to several hours of exploration.

Covering over 20,000 square feet, the mall is filled with unique treasures, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, lighting, books, clothing, vintage signage, historical home appliances, collectibles, toys, tools, sporting goods, and much more.

The inventory is refreshed regularly, encouraging visitors to take their time and thoroughly investigate the diverse offerings.

11. Indiana Zipline Tours

En route to Shades State Park from Crawfordsville, an impressive eco-friendly canopy tour awaits within pristine nature, completely devoid of road noise.

This high ropes course, situated amid the treetops, features multiple suspended platforms connected by scenic pathways, a swinging bridge, and eight zip lines ranging in length from 150 feet to 2,000 feet—the longest in Indiana.

Participants receive state-of-the-art equipment and are accompanied by knowledgeable, friendly guides who explain the Brakehawk systems utilized for speed control while zipping.

12. Sugar Creek Nature Park

Nestled within a river bend just northwest of downtown Crawfordsville, Sugar Creek Nature Park encompasses over 60 acres of tranquil landscape.

This park is the culmination of a 16-year collaboration among the city, community schools, and numerous local businesses and organizations.

An easy walking loop of three-quarters of a mile offers visitors a restorative walk through the shade of the sycamores lining Sugar Creek.

After fulfilling your wanderlust, several covered picnic areas along the path provide pleasant spots for a break or lunch.

13. Crawfordsville Golf Course

Marking the border of Milligan Park is Crawfordsville’s 18-hole municipal golf course, set within 132 acres of serene parkland.

As is typical of municipal courses, it offers reasonable pricing, yet the quality is likely to exceed expectations.

This improvement is largely attributed to a decade-long enhancement program. The course provides a challenging layout with well-maintained greens, with certain holes on the back nine designed to rival those found in country clubs.

For those wishing to refine their skills, the course features a driving range with ten hitting stations and a newly developed putting green.

14. Montgomery County Visitors & Convention Bureau

Situated within the four-story Elston Building facing the courthouse is the local Visitors Bureau—one of several organizations available to the public.

While exploring downtown, visitors can stop by to maximize their experience in Crawfordsville and the surrounding county.

The knowledgeable staff provides information about lesser-known attractions, upcoming events, and assists in arranging accommodations or planning memorable outdoor activities on Sugar Creek.

A plethora of maps and brochures is available, including guides for themed walking tours in Crawfordsville focused on prominent women, architecture, and the trees located in the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum and Lane Place.

15. Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival

The most significant event in Montgomery County is a three-day festival dedicated to strawberries, held annually in June.

This vibrant celebration unfolds within the elegant setting of Lane Place and combines gastronomy, arts and crafts, and entertainment for all ages.

For a weekend at least, the Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival aims to revive the charming pace of bygone eras when families could leisurely enjoy each other’s company.

Scheduled activities include athletic competitions (softball, tennis, 5k run, tennis scramble), car and tractor shows, an array of food and craft stalls, and a dedicated children’s area featuring pony rides, a bounce house, face painting, and more.