Attractions by County

Old National Road Welcome Center

Located near the Ohio border in Richmond Indiana, the Old National Road Welcome Center, at 5701 National Rd.E Richmond, is an excellent stop get information on things to do along the National Road both in Indiana and Ohio! This welcome center is home to the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau. The facility contains tourism guides, maps, booklets and a gift shop with made-in Indiana merchandise, historic national road collectibles, and local jazz recording memorabilia. The site is also host to one of our interpretive panels!

Downtown Richmond

Early settlers came to Richmond early as 1806, pre-dating the arrival of the National Road, however the road played a major role in Richmond’s development when it reached the town in the early 1830s. The route of the National Road follows Richmond’s Main St. through downtown where you can experience local shoping and many historic buildings! The downtown area also hosts Jack Elstro Plaza where a number of local festivals and events are held annually.

Richmond Depot District and Historic Depot Building

The Depot District of Downtown Richmond developed a vibrant group of businesses that benefited from bustling railroad traffic serving the area for many years. Today, The centerpiece of the Richmond Depot District is the 1902 Richmond Railroad Depot, designed by the offices of Architect Daniel Burnham. Surrounding the Depot, the commercial district again full of many attractions for both visitors and residents, including shops, eateries, and even a National Museum dedicated to the Model T Ford! There is still plenty to see and do in this National Register Historic District just a few blocks south of the Historic National Road!

Richmond Art Museum (RAM)

The Richmond Art Museum (RAM) building at 350 Hub Etchison Pkwy, Richmond, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only active public art museum built as part of an active public high school. RAM is one of the oldest art museums in the state, founded in 1898, and hosts traveling exhibitions, a permanent collection 19th and century art, and regularly hosts youth and adult art activities. The museum uniquely boasts a substantial collection of art produced by local impressionist painters of the 19th and 20th century, who are recognized nationally as “The Richmond Group”. Admission is free to the public, please check the website for opening times, special exhibits, and events / activities.

Whitewater Valley Gorge Park and Starr Gennett Historic Site

The first bridge constructed along the National Road in Indiana spanned the Whitewater River Gorge. Built in the 1830s, the original covered bridge allowed travelers to safely cross the Whitewater River on their journey west. Today, the Gorge is the center of the 100 acre Whitewater Valley Gorge Park. At the center of the Park, is the historic Starr Gennett  building The Starr/Gennet building once housed the Starr Gennett Piano Company, and Recording Studios. Today, the Company is best remembered as the Gennett Record company, famous for recording and promoting many early stars of Jazz and Country, Blues, and Gospel music – giving Richmond the title of “Cradle of recorded jazz”. Visitors can still see the Starr Gennet Building down in the gorge, which functions today as a rental venue. Visitors of the gorge can also enjoy hiking or biking on two multi-recreational trails, including the Cardinal Greenway.

Centerville Historic District

Centerville, Indiana, first founded in 1814, is the perfect and rare example of an early 19th Century Pike town pre-dating the arrival of the National Road. The main street is still lined with commercial buildings and row houses, some of which are up to 200 years old. Several of the oldest homes still feature original covered archways on the side to bring carriages off the road to stables in the rear. At one-point Centerville was the only community on the National Road between Richmond and Terre Haute other than Indianapolis. The historic charm can still be experienced today. Visitors can experience local antique shops and a historic library while walking this charming historic district! Also featured in the district is the beautifully restored  Oliver P. Morton House, Indiana’s Civil War era Governor! This home, today a private residence, was originally constructed by Jacob Julian, who eventually joined with fellow Wayne County visionary Sylvester Johnson to develop a brand new National Road town on the Eastern edge of Indianapolis in 1870, called Irvington.

Cambridge City

Platted out in 1836, Cambridge City was founded along the route of the Historic National Road. The town, at one point was a bustling point of trade as the intersection between the White-Water Canal bringing trade from the Ohio River, and the National Road, connecting to cites East and West. Today, there are still many first generation pre-Civil War buildings to be explored. The City celebrates its heritage, taking pride in its picturesque downtown, and featuring an inviting array of antique shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers along the Road. While in Cambridge City, check out Canal History exhibits on the third floor of the venerable Vinton House. The Cambridge City Public Library has a special museum space dedicated to the famous Overbeck Sisters. The Overbecks were a remarkable group of sisters in 19th Century who won national acclaim for their locally produced decorative pottery and other art.

Guyer Opera House, Lewisville

Named for Dr. O.K. Guyer, the “Opera House” at 110 W. Main St. in Lewisville, was constructed in 1902 for use as a 2nd floor theatre, community center, and first floor commercial space. This rare surviving small-town live performance venue on the National Road is an ongoing restoration effort by the community, and remarkably is still used as a community civic theater today! The Guyer Opera house is listed on the National Register of Historic places. So authentic is the interior, gas outlets for the original lights flanking the stage are still in place.

Original Road Section in Henry County

Travelling East just after passing through Knightstown, A National Road Shield sign on the South side of the road points to a detour, where its possible to travel a short distance of the original National Road. This original section was bypassed during the large improvements made  to straighten and streamline the National Road route in this spot by the WPA in the 1930’s. Officially located between the small towns of Raysville and Ogden, watch for signs on the South side of the Road. The original Road had to curve and wind round the natural terrain. This small portion of the surviving pre-1930’s National Road reminds us that less than 100 years ago, the National Road was little more than a simple country lane in rural areas.

Historic Knightstown

Named for Jonathan Knight, the man who originally surveyed the National Road from Maryland to Illinois, Knightstown was the first town platted on the road after it was surveyed through Indiana. Today, Knightstown features an extraordinary collection of 19th and early 20th century architecture and is home to the wonderfully preserved Knightstown Academy Building and Hoosier Gym. Antiques and local shopping in many of the historic buildings awaits travelers along the National Road.

Hoosier Gym and Knightstown Academy

The Hoosier Gym, constructed in 1921, is today best known as the iconic gym used in the movie Hoosiers starring Gene Hackman! Located on 355 N. Washington St, Knightstown, its open for tours (please reference their website for times). The Gym today is virtually unchanged from when it was featured in the famous movie as homecourt for the “Hickory Huskers”. A wonderfully preserved historic gem that encapsulates and celebrates Indiana’s love for Basketball. The Gym was constructed in 1921 as an addition to a much older building, the 1876 Knightstown Academy (School), . The Knightstown Academy Building, today a private Senior Living Center still boasts its high Victorian architectural Second Empire style. Hoosier Gym is open for the public, Knightstown Academy is home to private senior residences.  

Greenfield Riley Park – Old Log Jail and Chapel

Riley Park, the county’s largest green space with all sorts of sporting facilities, playground equipment, swimming pool and picnic places is on the National Road (Main Street) in Greenfield.  While visiting the park, just East of Downtown Greenfield, take time to check out the Hancock County Historical Society’s Chapel in the Park and Old Log Jail Museums, which are open to the public (for a small fee) on the weekends from April through October, at 28 Apple St.(corner of Main St and Apple).

Downtown Greenfield Historic District

Located 20 miles east of the center of Indianapolis along the Historic National Road, Greenfield marks the shift from rural to urban environment in eastern Indiana. Its monumental county courthouse is a focus for the traditional downtown, filled with unique shops and historic architecture.  Significant attractions in the District include the H. J. Ricks Centre for the Arts (performing arts theater), Hancock County Courthouse, 1895 Masonic Temple Building, James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, Hancock County Arts Twenty North Gallery, as well as a generous selection of shops, restaurants, and even a local brewery.

Hancock County Courthouse

The monumental limestone clad Hancock County Courthouse was constructed in 1896, in the Romanesque style, a very popular choice at the turn of the century. The Courthouse was actually just one of a whole group of downtown Greenfield buildings that were being constructed nearly simultaneously in the late 1890s. Natural gas had been discovered in Greenfield in 1887, soon leading to a tremendous but relatively short-lived period of incredible growth and prosperity from the early 1890’s until WWI. The buildings and residences from this boom still dominate the downtown district today. The Courthouse and surrounding core downtown were added as a National Register Historic District in 1987. The James Whitcomb Riley Statue at the front of the Courthouse was erected following his death from funds donated by schoolchildren across the US collecting pennies to commemorate the beloved locally born poet.

1895 Masonic Temple Building

The 1895 Greenfield Masonic Temple Building, at 2 West Main, Greenfield, was the largest, and best appointed Masonic Lodge Building in the State when it first opened, including the first elevator in the County. The impressive three-story limestone landmark no longer serves as a Masonic Lodge, however has been completely restored and renovated as a multi-use retail, office, and event center. The building remarkably retains a large portion of its original interior finishes, especially the 2nd and 3rd floors. The original Masonic Ceremonial rooms on the top floor still boast their monumental stained glass windows, oak woodwork, and soaring barrel vault ceilings. Now renamed Bradly Hall, the stunning top floor spaces host large weddings and other private and public events.

James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum

Greenfield was the birthplace and boyhood home of one of Indiana’s most famous sons – James Whitcomb Riley, the “Hoosier Poet” – Riley’s Boyhood Home and Museum sits along the National Road, at 250 W. Main St., in Greenfield. Tours of the historic home are offered April through October the museum displays memorabilia and artifacts from the poet’s life. Every October Greenfield holds an annual 4 day long “Riley Festival”, third largest outdoor festival in the State, to celebrate the poet’s birthday.

Hancock County and Tourism Visitor’s Center

Visit the Hancock County Visitor’s center at 119 West North St. in Greenfield! You can get plenty of ideas of neat things to do and information on places to stay in Hancock County. This is your one stop shop to discover everything Hancock County has to offer. Open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 6 PM.

Pennsy Trail and Arts, Greenfield

A 5.6 mile portion of the Pennsy Trail (formerly Pennsylvania Railroad) runs parallel to the National Road, just a half block to the south. This pedestrian and bike trail in Greenfield plans to someday link up to other portions of the Trail in Cumberland, Irvington, and beyond. Multiple installations of public art and sculptures along the route in Greenfield are making the trail in Greenfield a popular leisure activity attraction.  An annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival is held along the trail during July.

Cumberland and the Old Log House Cabin

Cumberland, Indiana, founded in the 1830s, sits at the point where Hancock and Marion Counties meet, and is named for the Cumberland Road (another name for the National Road which started in Cumberland Maryland!) This quaint town still has historic architecture including an authentic log cabin from the earliest period of the National Road, just East of town. This one room log cabin had been hiding in plain site for the last 100 years, completely enveloped by a very early 20th Century home. A fire broke out at the property about 10 years ago, burning away a portion of the 20th Century home and revealing the cabin at the core. Owners, Ron and Jennye Sanders, subsequently undertook the considerable effort to completely uncover and restore the cabin to its historic appearance. Please note the cabin is used as a private business, and is not open for interior tours.

Irvington Historic District

Marion County – East Indianapolis

Named for the 19th century writer Washington Irving and founded in 1870, Irvington was once a separate town just east of Indianapolis. It was annexed in 1902, as Indianapolis was rapidly expanding. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, Irvington is the largest historic district on the Historic National Road in Indiana. Today the area is home to beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant shopping areas with many locally owned restaurants.

Bona Thompson Memorial Building

Marion County – East Indianapolis

The Bona Thompson Memorial Center, at 5350 E. University Ave., Indianapolis, was originally the Butler University Library from 1903 until the university’s relocation away from Irvington to its current site, Fairview Park, in 1928. The bold Neoclassical Revival library was designed by architect Jess T. Johnson and it remains the only building left from Butler’s Irvington campus. The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is operated by the Irvington Historical Society as a museum and arts center. The Bona Center exhibits art and artifacts from the Irvington Historical Society’s collections, as well as hosting community events and other activities. Please call 317-602-2962 for more information on museum operating hours.

Downtown Indianapolis National Road, Washington Street

Marion County – Downtown Indianapolis

Encompassing the central portion of Indianapolis’s original square mile plat, the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District is the very heart of the city. Even before the National Road Reached Indianapolis, Washington Street was planned as the town’s “main street”. So, when surveyors reached the city in 1827, it was only natural they used Washington Street for the road through Indianapolis. By 1834, with the road extending across the state, Indianapolis and Washington Street were thriving. Today, the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District has a multitude of cultural and historical attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Indianapolis Arts garden

Marion County – Downtown Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Arts Garden, 110 W. Washington, is a seven-story arts and culture destination that hangs dramatically above the Historic National Road at the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets.  The Arts Council of Indianapolis operates this cultural gem and offers more than 250 free public performances each year. There are also numerous visual art exhibitions on display. 

Soldier and Sailors Monument and Monument Circle

Marion County – Downtown Indianapolis

At the heart of Monument Circle is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Located just one block north of the Historic National Road, at 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, the limestone memorial was built in 1902. It was constructed to honor members of the armed services who served during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, The Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars, and the Spanish-American War. The monument stands at 284 feet just a mere 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty! Visitors can visit the gift shop or climb the 330 steps to the monument’s observation deck for a panoramic view of Indianapolis from Victory’s perspective (the 38-foot bronze statue that adorns the top of the monument.)

Indiana State Capitol Building

Marion County – Downtown Indianapolis

Located on the Historic National Road in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State House, at 200 West Washington Street, was completed in 1888 at a cost of just under $2 million. For more than 115 years the State House has served as the seat of Indiana’s government, in 1916, the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a fountain and a marker memorializing the National Road. This monument was re-dedicated in 2016. INRA was honored to have spoken at this rededication ceremony! Additionally, tours are available showcasing the building and all the important events that occurred here.

White River State Park

Marion County – Downtown Indianapolis

This spectacular 250-acre park, located at 801 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis,  stretches around the White River in downtown Indianapolis. The park was created in 1979 and its boundaries encompass several historic landmarks. One of these landmarks is tied directly to the National Road! The Old Washington Street bridge, an 844-foot concrete arched span constructed in 1916, was the second National Road bridge to cross the White River. The bridge has been saved and preserved as a pedestrian walkway and can still be traveled across today! The numerous attractions in the park include the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Canal and Greenspace, the Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Victory Field, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. 

Oasis Diner, Plainfield

This 1954 stainless steel diner at 405 W. Main St., Plainfield, is a huge historic preservation success story! The diner was donated to Indiana Landmarks and with support from the Indiana National Road Association, new owners were found, and the diner was moved to a new location. This move saved the building as well as a substantial restoration project that included restoring the original sign in 2014. Now you can experience this piece of National Road History and eat at a traditional stainless-steel diner right on US 40!

Plainfield Historic Downtown

The Plainfield Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, encompasses the historic commercial area of Plainfield, whose main street is the Historic National Road. Plainfield was laid out in 1831 after the National Road was surveyed in the area with the intention for the National Road to serve as its main street. The district focuses around the areas that developed near the National Road. Today the area is a bustling shopping area with many local businesses and restaurants. Included in the district, but also individually listed on the National Register is the 1907 interurban station which has been remarkably well preserved! 

Van Buren Elm Marker, Plainfield

At this spot in 1842 President Martin Van Buren’s stagecoach overturned because of tree roots in the road, sending him into the mud. President Van Buren was opposed to using federal funds to pay for improvements along the National Road. Legend has it this “accident” was intended to give the President a lesson on the importance of keeping the road in good repair. 

The Marker is located today immediately next to the National Road, on the front lawn of the Plainfield Friends Meeting, Quaker Church, 105 S. East St, Plainfield.

Stilesville Cemetery

Settled in 1823, before the National Road reached western Indiana, Stilesville is a small National Road town on the western edge of Hendricks County with a unique past. The cemetery, which is unusually large for a town this size, was created when town founder Jeremiah Stiles buried his wife there. Not long after, a group of pioneers who were traveling the road through that town stopped to rest and eat supper. Unfortunately, several in the group got food poisoning. Fourteen died and were all buried in the cemetery, thus creating a large cemetery in a small town.

Rising Hall Estate

Located on the border of Hendricks and Putnam counties, this extraordinary Italianate home was built in 1872 by Melville F. McHaffie at the cost of $2,500. Mr. McHaffie received a commendation from President Lincoln for providing the Union Army with the largest number of mules during the Civil War. Mr. McHaffie’s son, Ernes, later ran the farm as a breeding and training facility for racehorses. The famous trotter Dan Patch even trained on the farm at the turn of the 20th century. Rising hall is a private home and not open to the public.

Surviving 1920’s portion of National Road with Historic Concrete Bridge over Deer Creek

Located 1.5 miles West of US 231 (near Putnamville) is a unique National Road focused district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Signs on the National Road indicate the entry points to this old small section of roadway which runs parallel with the current road. The centerpiece of the district is the four arch concrete bridge over Deer Creek from the 1923 alignment of the Historic National Road. Traveling on this historic concrete bridge is like driving back in time! The 1923 concrete bridge replaced an 1891 Pratt thru-metal -truss structure which was not destroyed, but simply moved to nearby County Rd 25 East, to be a crossing over Deer Creek at that location, and is still in use. 

You can view four generations of the National Road, including the current alignment of US 40, just from the old concrete bridge alone as older bridge locations and abutments are still visible closer to the creek below. 

Brazil Historic Downtown

The Historic National Road passes through the heart of Brazil’s downtown historic district. Known as National Avenue in Brazil, it’s the main street on which numerous retail establishments, restaurants, shops, and historical sites are located. The district is characterized by many examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture. The architecture of the district demonstrates a variety of styles including Italian, Neo-Classical Revival, Romanesque Revival and others. Brazil was founded in 1844, when the early National Road era of original construction was at a close. Railroads played  a crucial role in Brazil’s development as a mining and agricultural center. The county seat was moved to Brazil in 1877, Clay County’s largest community today. 

Clay County Courthouse and Historic Markers

Brazil’s beautiful Neoclassical courthouse at 609 E. National Ave, Brazil, was constructed in 1914 and designed by a prominent architect named John W. Gaddis. Gaddis is also known for the Putnam and Huntington County courthouses. The courthouse remains one of the most historically significant buildings in Brazil. On the courthouse lawn are antique Civil War Cannons and an F-86 Fighter Jet. Historical Markers tell the story of Clay County origins and its iconic Courthouse.

Former Brazil Post Office now History Museum

The Clay County Historical Society located at 100 E. National Ave. in downtown Brazil in the city’s former post office. This beautiful beaux-arts building now operates as a museum after the historical society saved the building in the 1970s when a new post office was constructed. The building has been operating as a museum since 1980.

Lynn’s Pharmacy and Soda Fountain, Brazil

Lynn’s Pharmacy and Soda Fountain at 22 W. National Ave. in Downtown Brazil is a multi-generational family owned business. Thanks to the foresight and dedication of Lynn  Hostetler,  “Lynn’s Soda Fountain” was opened in 1996 with historic fixtures and authentic menu to serve their customers. Soda Fountains were once commonplace in drugstores and pharmacies across the US, but today are a true rarity. Lynn’s is the only old-fashioned drugstore soda shop remaining on the Historic National Road in Indiana, and one of the very few in the entire State.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Terre-Haute – East

Located on the  National Road, at 5500 Wabash Ave., Rose-Hulman is a private college first established in 1874, specializing in engineering, mathematics, and science. The College was founded by Chauncy Rose, a Terre Haute businessman and founder of the Terre Haute and Richmond Railroad. Rose had difficulty finding adequate engineering staff for his railroad, and opened the school to increase the availability of technically trained professionals.

Twigg Rest Park and Historic Road Heritage Trail

Terre-Haute – East

Opened in 1935 as nothing more than a gravel pull off with two outhouses, Twigg Rest Park was one of the first “rest stops” along the road during the early days of auto travel. It offered early automobile travelers a place to relax as they drove the National Road across Indiana. The city of Terre Haute purchased the site in the 1980s and restored it as a modern rest stie with a historic feel. Visitors to the site will also find the trailhead for the Historic National Road Heritage Trail.

Former Cottage Gas Station

Terre-Haute – East

This unique cottage was an early gas station on the National Road. A master distiller of whiskey built the station in 1931 during prohibition. In the first decades of auto travel, travelers often looked for a familiar place to stop, someplace that reminded them of home. As a result, many early gas stations resembled small cottages and homes. Our organization helped to save this historic gas station in partnership with the Rose-Hulman-Institute, Indiana Landmarks, and the Eccles. It was moved to the Rose-Hulman athletic fields to serve as a concession stand for the school’s baseball and soccer fields.

Terre Haute Historic Downtown

Terre-Haute – Central

Terre Haute contains two National Register of Historic Places Districts on the National Road in its downtown, the Wabash-Ave East and Wabash-Ave West National Register districts. These districts contain several outstanding historic buildings as well as shops, restaurants, public art installations, and cultural institutions. Located just a block south of the National Road is the Swope Art Museum. Worth noting directly on the National Road is the Terre Haute Children’s Museum at 727 Wabash Ave, and the Vigo County Historical Museum at 929 Wabash Ave. The Historical Museum is a 34,000 square foot facility offering a diverse experience, including the Apgar Soda Shop and Main Street Gifts and Gallery, The Soda Shop and Gifts Gallery  are open to the public without admission to the museum. Another place of note in the Historic Downtown is the 1922 Indiana Theater Building, at 683 Ohio St., just a block South of the National Road. 

An important new cultural attraction,  Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center is also planning to move from its current South 3rd St location to a prominent downtown National Road building in the near future. 

Vigo County Courthouse

Terre-Haute – West

On the Western side of Terre Haute Downtown is the Vigo County Courthouse, an impressive structure that was completed in 1888. 

Swope: 25 S 7th St. Terre Haute, IN 47807

VCHM: 929 Wabash Ave Terre Haute, IN 47807

Indiana State University and Eugene V. Debs Historical Home Museum

Terre-Haute – West

Indiana State University (ISU) is a public University whose campus is located directly in the western downtown of Terre Haute. Originally established in 1865, The University offers over 100 undergraduate programs, and more than 75 graduate and professional programs. 

The Eugene V. Debs Historical Home Museum is located on the grounds of the campus, at 451 N. 8th St. Debs was a figure of national importance in the rise of trade unions, and five time candidate for US President for the Socialist Party of America.