Discovery

Things To Do in Connersville, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Indiana, Connersville is a town rich in history and natural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart of the Midwest. From its charming downtown district to its scenic parks and outdoor adventures, Connersville has something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we explore the top things to do in this hidden gem of a town, uncovering local treasures and must-see attractions along the way. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Connersville promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.

Drop by Downtown Connersville

With the view of green, rolling hills in the backdrop and quiet streets lined with well-preserved buildings cutting through it, Connersville’s downtown district is a picturesque setting for those looking for local dining and shopping options and cultural experiences. The area features a variety of offerings, from coffee shops to museums, that should make for an enjoyable day, no matter the traveler’s interests.

Celebration in the Ville — held each May — is an annual event that recognizes the history, culture, and charm of downtown Connersville by hosting local vendors, inviting live music acts, and more. The festival’s Facebook page houses information on the activities and provides year-round updates on local businesses in Connersville.

Pick up your produce at the Fayette County Farmers Market

The Fayette County Farmers Market is among the most regularly held farmers markets in East Central Indiana, as the well-attended event is hosted every Saturday during the summer months. The market features an assortment of vendors who sell fresh produce, gifts, and more. Situated in Connersville’s historic downtown district, a trip to the farmers market can easily be paired with stops at nearby local shops and restaurants.

Visit the Fayette County Farmers Market Facebook page for up-to-date information on vendors and scheduled dates.

Explore the past at the Fayette County Historical Museum

Connersville’s proud past is on display throughout its historic downtown district, from the statue John Conner (the city’s namesake) to the 19th-century Canal House. The stories behind these landmarks and the town’s rich history are housed inside the Fayette County Historical Museum, which is located just blocks away from the historic Fayette County Courthouse in downtown Connersville.

The museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it displays exhibits that tell the complete story of Fayette County. Its artifacts chronicle the area’s complete life, from its Native American inhabitants to its industrial prominence in the 20th century. More information on its exhibits and other historic points of interest can be found on the Historic Connersville site.

See what the chirp is about at the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

A windy gravel drive on the south end of Connersville eventually gives way to the serene Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest nature preserves in East Central Indiana. The sanctuary, which is a recognized stop on the Indiana Birding Trail, boasts more than 700 acres of natural beauty, 15 cleared trails, and (perhaps most importantly) an array of bird species that call the grounds home. A campsite also adds to the list of amenities, and it can be accessed by purchasing a membership or by making a special arrangement.

The preserve is owned and operated by the Indiana Audubon Society, which regularly hosts events on the site, in addition to the free daily admission from dawn to dusk. From hiking challenges to night-time viewings, the group organizes a number of activities for all ages — these events can be found on the Society’s site.

Stroll along the Nickel Plate Trail

Located on Connersville’s north end, the Nickel Plate Trail offers a conveniently accessible way to stay active and to enjoy the outdoors. The paved, tree-lined trail spans 0.75 miles and can be completed in a reasonable time frame. Painted rocks, which tout school pride or make any number of declarations, line the majority of the path and add to the trail’s aesthetic appeal.

For those looking to extend their outdoors experience beyond their time on the Nickel Plate Trail, a quick trip to the nearby Roberts Park unlocks a number of recreation activities, from swimming to disc golf.

Enjoy the outdoors at Roberts Park

Roberts Park, dedicated in 1902, has long been the centerpiece of Connersville’s well-maintained network of public parks. The community’s historic recreational hub has expanded over its more than 100 years of existence to now boast a swimming pool, a disc golf course, tennis courts, plenty of open green space, and much more.

In addition to the recreation offerings, Roberts Park is also home to an architectural gem that is sure to draw the interest of architecture fanatics. The west end of the park features the Longwood Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1884 and remains in serviceable condition.

Experience a hallowed basketball venue at the Spartan Bowl

Connersville High School’s tradition on the hardwood is among the richest in the Hoosier state, as the Spartans have collected a pair of state championships and 76 sectional titles between its boys’ and girls’ teams, according to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). The community takes pride in the Spartans’ accomplished history, which is reflected in the team’s facility, the Spartan Bowl. The large, uniquely designed arena has garnered a reputation as one of the state’s top high school basketball venues and is worth a visit for hoops fans.

Indiana’s high school basketball regular season runs from November through February, and the Spartans’ home schedules can be found on the school’s official athletics website.

Discover the arts at the Whitewater Valley Arts Association

An intricate mural depicting a scene of Connersville’s past (seen above) occupies one side of the Whitewater Valley Arts Association (WWVA) building. The project was undertaken by a group of local artists, and it serves as a visual example of the organization’s community-centered focus. Founded in 1962, the WWVA strives to engage the community in the greater Connersville area by focusing on three pillars: art appreciation, art education, and social activities.

The nonprofit organization strives to achieve its goals by regularly hosting exhibits in its downtown Connersville headquarters and by organizing art workshops. Exhibit schedules and event times can be found on the WVAA’s Facebook page.

Hit the tracks of the Whitewater Valley Railroad

Connersville and its surrounding communities are home to a rich railroad tradition and are well known for their natural beauty. The Whitewater Valley Railroad stands at the intersection of these two characteristics, serving the region with regular train rides and historic preservation. Starting at Connersville Grand Central Station and visiting notable sites like Metamora and others, the Whitewater Valley Railroad offers a number of routes throughout the year.

In addition to regularly scheduled trips, the organization also provides charter rides for large groups and holds events that are sure to appeal to all ages. The calendar of events, ranging from the Polar Express train ride to the “Pumpkinliner,” can be found on the Railroad’s website.