Discovery

Things To Do in Hartford City, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Hartford City is the seat of Blackford County, the smallest of Indiana’s 92 counties by land area. The county makes up for what it lacks in size with a welcoming Hoosier spirit and an impressive range of activities, which is evident in Hartford City. The charming small town offers affordable access to fun across its footprint, boasting well-maintained public parks, an outdoor music venue, and more.

Discover some of Hartford City’s top sites below, and reference the “visit” section of the Visit Blackford website for a complete listing of notable destinations.

Explore the arts at the Blackford County Arts Center

The Arts Place, a nonprofit arts repository spanning its services across East Central Indiana and Ohio, coordinates activities at the Blackford County Arts Center and at other nearby centers. In its mission statement, the Arts Place highlights its goal of “nurturing the creative spirit in our community,” which is on full display in its programming in Hartford City.

At the Blackford County Arts Center, centrally located in Hartford City’s historic square, art enjoyers of all ages can enroll in both music and visual arts classes (a list of offerings and schedules are available on its site). In addition to the regularly held classes, the center features a well-stocked gallery of visual art pieces.

Take a countryside walk on the Blackford County Greenway

The Blackford County Greenway, situated just two blocks off Hartford City’s main thoroughfare, is a conveniently accessible option for recreation. The recently paved trail covers roughly two miles, and it spans across a serene countryside, featuring an adjacent pond, wildlife, and a quiet environment. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for walkers, runners, and bikers.

A stroll on the Blackford County Greenway not only provides for an enjoyable recreational experience, but it also can be a learning opportunity. Dotted across the trail are stands which show two pages of a children’s book, allowing for a progressive reading experience, known as the “Story Walk.” Additionally, one marker briefly describes the history of Blackford County.

Appreciate the past at the Blackford County Museum

In the late 19th century, East Central Indiana experienced immense growth and economic investment due to the discovery of rich natural gas reserves in the area. Hartford City and greater Blackford County emerged as hubs for this movement, which yielded an interesting historical record for the region. Those with an interest in history can learn more about the area’s unique background at the Blackford County Museum.

The museum, operated by the Blackford County Historical Society, is located near Hartford City’s Downtown square, and is open for tours by appointment only. Visit the Blackford County Museum’s site for booking information and an overview of its offerings.

Make a splash at the Hartford City Memorial Pool

Memorial Pool and Park, a public facility overseen by the Hartford City Parks Department, is one of the top summer destinations in Blackford County. The park is home to the only public pool in Hartford City, which features all the amenities for a fun afternoon in the sun: plenty of area for swimming, a diving board, a slide, and a concession stand. An adjoining playground, basketball court, and other equipment round out the amenities at Memorial Park.

The park’s location unlocks further recreational opportunities. Situated on Hartford City’s west end, Memorial Park is just blocks away from the trails Wilderness Park and a short drive away from the Blackford County Greenway.

Experience a new chapter at the Hartford City Public Library

Seeing its establishment in 1903, thanks to funds contributed by the Carnegie Foundation, the Hartford City Public Library is among the most historic libraries in East Central Indiana. The facility serves the community in traditional ways, like book loans and youth literacy programs, but it has also grown to offer modern attractions to supplement its established mission.

A recent effort on behalf of a coalition of local nonprofits led to the opening of the Nature Play Park in 2017, an outdoor learning space adjacent to the historic library building. The site features play equipment, a splash pad, and outdoor reading areas. With its new construction and storied past, a visit to the Hartford City Public Library is sure to amuse all readers.

See T.V. history by visiting the Miami Indian sculpture

The NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation humorously portrayed life and government activity in a fictitious Hoosier town. In the show’s opening credits, a number of Indiana-related items are flashed on the screen, including a distinct Native American statue. The structure that made its way onto millions of television screens is located in Montpelier, a Blackford County town located just a short drive north of Hartford City.

Known simply as the “Miami Indian,” the fiberglass sculpture was planted in downtown Montpelier in January 1984, according to the Smithsonian’s Art Inventories Catalog. It stands an impressive 25 feet high, and a visit to visit the well-known statue is worth the trip for Parks and Recreation fanatics.

Speed by the Montpelier Motor Speedway

One of Indiana’s most beloved and storied pastimes, racing, has a firm presence in Blackford County. The Motorsports scene is lively at the Montpelier Motor Speedway, settled just north of Hartford City. The dirt track has long been a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and a source for local fun, and it continues to serve the wider East Central Indiana racing community today.

The track hosts a full calendar of races each year, often running from the early spring to the late fall. The season schedule can be found on the Montpelier Motor Speedway’s website.

Encounter an eerie history at the Old Blackford County Jail

The Old Blackford County Jail had a long life of housing inmates, opening its doors in 1879 and closing in 1995. Similarly to other former government and institutional buildings in East Central Indiana, the former jail is now used as a destination for the paranormal community to explore the structure’s unique past and stories. 

While casual visits to the building’s exterior are encouraged, entrance into the Old Blackford County jail for a history tour or a paranormal investigation requires an appointment. Arrangements can be made via the contact information on the jail’s website. Those particularly interested in such activities may also be interested in exploring the Ervin-Campbell Speakeasy, an allegedly paranormal site also located in Hartford City.

Enjoy a show at Weiler Plaza

Located at the corner of the Main Street-Jefferson Street intersection in downtown Hartford City, Weiler Plaza is the center of the outdoor music scene in Blackford County. The well-maintained space features a newly constructed stage, a trio of intricate metal sculptures, and plenty of open, grassy areas for concert viewing and recreational play. From live music shows to movie nights, the facility is used for a number of events, all of which are advertised on the Weiler Plaza Facebook page.

The venue occupies one of the most centralized lots in Hartford City, making the exploration of the town as easy as walking a few dozen yards in any direction. A local coffee house, shops, restaurants, and more are all within walking distance of Weiler Plaza.

Immerse yourself in the outdoors at Wilderness Prairie and Wilderness Park

Hartford City’s Parks Department oversees a pair of adjoining parks that are among the top public landscapes in East Central Indiana: Wilderness Prairie and Wilderness Park. Wilderness Prairie, the serene entrance to its neighboring park, is a haven for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers alike. The four-acre plot of well-preserved prairie grasses lends itself to a peaceful outdoors experience.

Wilderness Park is the wooded complement to Wilderness Prairie. The parcel spans 50 acres, features a host of tree varieties, and sports a complex of trails for both fitness and nature immersion. The facility is also home to the Bark Park, a grassy space for dogs to enjoy. Both parks are open to the public free of charge.