Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Lebanon, Indiana

Around 30 minutes northwest of Mile Square, the small town of Lebanon serves as the seat of Boone County.

This city, founded in 1832, derives its name from an early pioneer who encountered a grove of hickory trees and likened them to the cedars of Lebanon referenced in biblical texts.

Lebanon’s downtown area orbits around the stately Boone County Courthouse, which has become a backdrop for numerous community festivals throughout the year, such as a Christmas parade and a 50s-themed gathering in September.

Lebanon features numerous family-owned enterprises that have flourished for generations, including Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates and Titus Bakery & Deli, both renowned for producing some of the finest donuts in the Indianapolis region.

1. Lebanon Courthouse Square

Lebanon possesses a concentrated central commercial district centered around the historic square encompassing the Boone County Courthouse.

This location has historically served as a hub for the community and showcases a newly established two-day music festival each June. The courthouse, designed in the Classical Revival style, was finalized in 1911.

This structure marks the fourth to be constructed in Lebanon, distinguished by its splendid art-glass dome and towering Ionic columns.

Measuring 35 feet, 3 inches in height, these pillars were believed to be among the largest singular limestone columns in the nation at that time.

There is a wealth of interest on all four sides of the square, featuring charming old facades and an assortment of shops offering gifts, games, handmade candles, and clothing, along with a distillery located in the former jail and an old-fashioned butcher (Saint Adrian Meats & Sausage).

2. Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates

Now in its second generation, Donaldson’s Chocolates has been a beloved institution in Lebanon since 1966.

For all these years, this cherished chocolate shop has produced its confections in the traditional manner, employing handcrafting techniques and utilizing pure cane sugar, fresh creamery butter, whole milk, and high-quality chocolate.

The menu includes a variety of chocolate-covered fruits, truffles, barks, buttery caramels, nut clusters, butter creams, and an extensive selection of innovative specialties and seasonal items.

If you are uncertain about where to begin, assortments featuring Donaldson’s most popular offerings are available for purchase.

3. Seashore Water Park

This premier outdoor aquatic facility in Lebanon’s Memorial Park welcomes visitors from beyond Boone County’s limits. Operating during the summer months, Seashore Water Park features attractions tailored to engage even the most lively children and teens.

A highlight for parents with younger children is the zero-depth entry Kiddie Pool, which includes play equipment like slides and a large tipping bucket.

Additionally, this park hosts one of the only four wave pools in Indiana, alongside a lazy river, two water slides, and a unique water walk challenge featuring slippery floating lily pads.

Sun loungers are plentiful throughout the park, and a concession stand is available, offering fountain drinks, slushies, and snacks such as hot dogs, nachos, and pizza by the slice.

4. Memorial Park

The park encompassing Seashore Water Park spans 40 acres and is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Lebanon. Among its attractions, the Herr Cabin stands out; this authentic log cabin was originally constructed in 1839 and moved to this location during the 1960s.

This facility is available for event rentals, equipped with heating, water, a restroom, and two operational fireplaces.

Other amenities in Memorial Park include a 1.1-mile trail with fitness stations, as well as facilities for tennis, basketball, sand volleyball, pickleball, and baseball.

Additionally, the park features two playgrounds, a gazebo, open green spaces, a bandstand, and Lebanon’s war memorial.

5. Titus Bakery & Deli

Now in its third generation, this bakery and deli first opened in Lebanon in the 1950s and has gained a reputation for producing some of the finest donuts and pastries in Indiana.

The establishment relocated to its current address at 820 W South St in 1980 and also operates a branch in Westfield.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the selection of over 30 donut varieties, an excellent starting point is the Pershing, crafted with swirled cinnamon dough and topped with maple icing.

The delicatessen was established in 2014 and features premium meats and cheeses from the Boar’s Head brand, offering four distinct signature sandwiches on homemade hoagie rolls.

6. The Cragun House

Located a few blocks west of downtown, the Strange Nathanial Cragun House has stood since 1893. This residence, constructed in the Queen Anne style, features distinctive elements such as a circular corner tower and a wraparound porch.

Since 1988, the building has served as the home of the Boone County Historical Society following a generous donation from the Cragun family.

In accordance with their intentions, the interior has been meticulously recreated to reflect a late 19th-century residence, incorporating a blend of Cragun family heirlooms and donated period artifacts. The Cragun House is accessible for tours through the historical society.

7. Abner Longley Park

Nestled on the south side of Lebanon, Abner Longley Park encompasses a delightful 50 acres filled with recreational amenities. In the summer, the newly introduced splash pad draws enthusiasm from children and was developed in conjunction with the Seashore Water Park project.

During the winter months, Abner Longley Park boasts one of the best sledding hills within the city. Furthermore, the park features a mixed-use pathway, a disc golf course, a lighted basketball court, a softball field, a football field, a large playground area, a dog park (membership required), and two picnic pavilions.

8. The Trophy Club

Situated along the scenic banks of Prairie Creek, northwest of Lebanon, the Trophy Club golf course features a links-style design characterized by expansive greens set within an undulating landscape comprising a mix of bluegrass and fescue.

The course includes four tee sets for each hole, with fairways measuring 60 yards in width, adhering to a traditional links layout.

Two notably challenging holes on the back nine include the 14th, a 202-yard par 3, and the 16th, a relatively short par 5 made more difficult by the proximity of Prairie Creek.

9. Flap Jack’s Pancake House

Established in Brownsburg in 2002, this local comfort food chain now has four locations situated around the western suburbs of Indianapolis.

True to its name, Flap Jack’s specializes in breakfast and lunch, typically opening from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. A must-try dish is their light and fluffy flap jacks, prepared with buttermilk and served fresh off the griddle.

These flap jacks can be enjoyed with various combinations, both sweet and savory, ranging from gourmet fruit toppings to sausage and bacon.

The menu also includes French-style crepes, waffles, French toast, omelets, egg skillets, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, or oatmeal for those preferring a lighter option.

10. Boone County Jail Building

While visiting Courthouse Square, do take the opportunity to admire the historic Boone County Jail located at the square’s northeast corner.

Initially a log structure positioned behind the courthouse, it was relocated to its present site in 1877 and was reinforced in 1938. The facility continued operations until 1992 when a new prison opened on Lebanon’s outskirts.

As you stand before this building, it is intriguing to note the existence of an underground tunnel connecting the jail to the courthouse.

The site was acquired at a county auction in 2014 and now hosts the Boone County Jail Distillery, which produces bourbon, gin, vodka, moonshine, and absinthe using corn sourced from the Midwest.

11. Oak Hill Cemetery

This expansive burial ground on the eastern edge of Lebanon dates back to 1872 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Oak Hill Cemetery is noted for its numerous examples of 19th-century funerary art and the William L. Powell Chapel, designed in the Neo-Gothic style.

The cemetery serves as the final resting place for Indiana’s 28th Governor, Samuel M. Ralston (1857-1925), who was a United States Senator and a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1924, but withdrew due to health complications.

On a more somber note, the cemetery also marks the grave of Sylvia Likens (1949-1965), whose tragic murder at the hands of her caregiver and family elicited national outrage. In June 2001, a six-foot granite memorial dedicated to Sylvia’s life and legacy was unveiled in Lebanon’s Willard Park.

12. GQT Lebanon 7

Opposite Memorial Park, GQT Lebanon 7 has been operational since 2001 and was acquired by the Goodrich Quality Theaters chain in 2021.

GQT Lebanon 7 provides stadium seating and cutting-edge digital projection across all screens. Individuals travel from as far away as the Indianapolis suburbs to watch the latest cinematic releases here.

The concession offerings are commendable, particularly the popcorn, and the service lines are efficiently managed, even during busy weekend periods. On Mondays and Tuesdays, ticket prices are only $5 regardless of the showtime.

13. Back to the Fifties Festival

The premier annual event in Lebanon is a jovial two-day celebration themed around the 1950s. Its origins trace back to the 1970s with a craft fair held in the town square.

This festival has gradually evolved over the years, embracing nostalgia for the post-war era.

Coordinated by a volunteer committee and featuring the Pacers Fan Van, the Back to the Fifties Festival occurs on the third Friday and Saturday of September at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

The event schedule includes a 50s-themed costume parade, music spanning the 50s and 60s, shows featuring classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, along with numerous craft and food vendors and a swap meet.

14. Boone County Summer Fest

On the inaugural weekend of June, a lively celebration unfolds on the Courthouse Square lawn. The Boone County Summer Fest features a musical program spanning two days, beginning at noon each day and extending into the evening.

The lineup is diverse to accommodate varying musical preferences, incorporating cover bands, tribute performances, and celebrated local artists from the Indianapolis area.

This event is completely free and accessible to all ages, with various dining options available from nearby eateries (Arni’s, Greeks’, Kinnard, and Drakes) surrounding Courthouse Square.

15. Christmas Parade

On the first Saturday in December, Lebanon embraces the Christmas season with a delightful parade. This traditionally begins at Memorial Park and proceeds down Meridian Street to the Courthouse Square.

Each year, an enthusiastic crowd gathers downtown to welcome a procession of floats presented by local fire and ambulance services, clubs, businesses, and educational institutions.

The festive atmosphere is heightened by carol singing, seasonal treats, and the charm of Christmas lights and decorations displayed throughout the square. Concurrently with the parade, children typically have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in the picturesque Herr Cabin located in Memorial Park.