Discovery

Things To Do in New Castle, Indiana

July 11, 2024

Sprinkled across New Castle, the largest city and cultural hub of Henry County, are odes to the area’s rich basketball history. Around the historic downtown square, banners touting the region’s hoops heritage greet drivers and walkers; a hotel on New Castle’s south end bears the name of a legendary local basketball star; and super-sized, painted basketball sneakers are scattered about.

New Castle’s proud basketball tradition is central to the community’s identity, and a trip to Henry County — home of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the world’s largest high school gym — is a must for any Hoosier hoops fan. Though the hardwood happenings are among the top attractions, the flourishing city features a wide range of amenities that combine for a robust cultural experience.

Discover some of New Castle’s finest sites and events below, and visit the Henry County Destination Development page for more things to do across the entire county.

Find your inner artist at the Art Association of Henry County

The Art Association of Henry County (AAHC) is the premier art repository and education center in the New Castle area, and it is among the most well-supported organizations of its kind in East Central Indiana. New Castle, the birthplace of Robert Indiana, has an accomplished history in the arts, and the AAHC seeks to ensure a bright creative future through classes and exhibits.

The AAHC’s gallery features a revolving group of exhibits, showcasing pieces ranging from quilts to photographs. Its classes are also broad in scope, as they provide artists of all ages the opportunity to expand their skills in several art forms. Information on galleries, classes, and other events can be found on the AAHC’s frequently updated site.

Dine and Delight in Downtown New Castle

Like many Hoosier towns, New Castle’s Downtown is its historic heart. With the well-preserved, 19th-century Henry County Courthouse at its center, the district provides a number of amenities for history enjoyers to explore. Even while the past still lives on Downtown, budding dining, shopping, and arts scenes make it one of the top commercial areas in the region.

Many Downtown businesses have found ways to reinvigorate the area, while preserving its historic appeal. For example, The Courier Times newsroom has recently been reconfigured to accommodate local restaurants and shops, like the Press Coffee Co (shown above). Explore other similar projects and find a complete list of offerings at the Downtown New Castle site.

Make your way through the Henry County Farmers Market

Fresh produce, flowers, artisanal gifts, and much more await you at the Henry County Farmers Market. Set up at 1400 Plaza, an open area in Downtown New Castle that recently saw redevelopment, the farmers market features vendors from the local area and across the state. Shoppers can pick up their favorite items from 8 a.m. until noon each Saturday in the spring, summer, and fall.

The Henry County Farmers Market’s centralized location in Downtown New Castle opens up opportunities for further shopping and dining within walking distance. Reference Downtown New Castle’s directory of attractions to plan your day.

Go back in time at the Henry County Historical Society Museum

From hosting Frederick Douglas on his journey through Indiana to fostering the rise of some of the state’s top artistic talents, Henry County has seen a number of influential figures and events pass through its borders. The county’s rich history is on display at the Henry County Historical Society Museum. Located inside the 19th-century home of Civil War General William Grose, the museum features carefully curated exhibits that collectively tell the story of New Castle and surrounding communities.

The destination is a must-visit for all those interested in learning about little-known historical facts and stories, and a trip to the museum often comes with a tour led by one of its knowledgeable staff members. Appointments to visit the museum can be made by calling 765-529-4028 or via email (HenryCountyMuseum@gmail.com). 

Discover Hoosier hoops at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

New Castle, a basketball-centered community, is only a fitting home for the museum that honors the state’s obsession with the sport. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame boasts 14,000 square feet of exhibit space, which is all dedicated to honoring the players and teams that have shaped Indiana’s hoops culture. Traditional museum trappings, like trophies, banners, and other memorabilia fill the winding halls, but more interactive displays — like the “Game Winning Shot” exhibit — allow for more modern and immersive experiences.

Located within walking distance of the New Castle Fieldhouse, those with interests in basketball can easily pair both destinations for a convenient, low-cost adventure. For complete and updated information on hours and admission prices, reference the Hall of Fame’s site.

Enjoy the outdoors at a community park

New Castle is home to a thriving parks scene, with Baker Park and Memorial Park especially standing out for their amenities. Baker Park is located just blocks away from New Castle High School, and it features equipment for a host of activities. An aquatics center, a skateboarding park, a disc golf course, and a basketball court make up just a few of the historic park’s attractions.

Memorial Park, sprawled out on the city’s north end, is a more laid back complement to Baker Park. Scenic spots are located at every corner of the park, with its paved trails winding around ponds and grassy, tree-lined spaces. Along with exploring the park’s natural beauty, visitors can hit the links at the adjoining 18-hole golf course and stop by the on-site Henry County Veterans Museum.

Take in a tune at the New Castle Arts Park

Through a collaboration between the Art Association of Henry County and local donors, the Henry County Concert Series brings music talents to Downtown New Castle each summer for a slate of shows. The concerts, which are held at the sizable outdoor Arts Park Pavilion on the east end of Downtown, showcase a range of acts that span a number of genres, giving the series one of the most robust lineups in East Central Indiana.

As a result of the generosity from local benefactors, the shows are free for the public to attend — though donations to the Art Association of Henry County are encouraged. The Henry County Concert Series’ official Facebook page houses the most up-to-date information on shows, which usually run from June through September.

Experience the unique atmosphere of the New Castle Fieldhouse

Proudly hung above the concourse of the New Castle Fieldhouse is a sign that reads “The Largest and Finest High School Fieldhouse in the World.” The banner’s lofty claims are far from exaggerated, as New Castle High School’s home basketball venue’s capacity (8,424) is the largest in the United States. Countless historic moments have taken place inside the gym, making it one of the nation’s most historic arenas — in addition to being the largest.

Since the gymnasium is attached to an operating school, it is best to visit the Fieldhouse during a scheduled athletic event. A number of New Castle High School’s sports teams (boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, and volleyball) regularly compete in the facility, and the gym is an annual host of state boys’ basketball tournament games in March. The Trojans’ sports schedules are frequently updated on the school’s athletics website.

Soak in the sun at Summit Lake State Park

One of just two state parks in East Central Indiana, Summit Lake State Park is a prime location for fun in the summer sun. The outdoor haven spans more than 2,600 acres, and is especially well-known for its fishing, boating, bird watching, and scenic views. Outside of the water activities, visitors can also immerse themselves in the pristine Zeigler Woods — the first nature preserve in the county — and can stay at the adjoining campground.

All of Summit Lake State Park’s amenities can be enjoyed for a low-cost daily admission fee. To access the property, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., owners of vehicles with Indiana license plates pay $7, and those with vehicles registered out-of-state pay $9.