Discovery

Things To Do in Richmond, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Located in eastern Indiana, Richmond is a city steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. From its historic architecture to its vibrant arts scene, Richmond has something to offer every traveler. Join us as we explore the top things to do in Richmond, uncovering hidden gems and must-see attractions along the way. Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, or outdoor adventures, Richmond has something for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy the eclectic mix of the Depot District

Along the train tracks and near the former passenger rail station on the northside of Richmond lies an energetic area of repurposed industrial buildings, known as the Depot District. The district, which spans several blocks, is home to an array of local establishments — from coffee houses to live music bars to boutiques — making it the hub of the city’s local food and drink culture.

The Loft Highway Building, a centerpiece among the historic buildings in the Depot District, has emerged as a preeminent destination in the neighborhood. Featuring the likes of the charming Roscoe’s Coffee Bar and Tap Room, Luxe Lizzie’s Clothing Boutique, Lisa Cakes, and other businesses, the Loft Highway Building is a must-visit for those in the area.

Wander the trails of Hayes Arboretum

More than a century ago, Richmond resident Stanley Hayes started to acquire parcels of land on the east end of the city. With a vision to restore the natural beauty of the area, Hayes slowly amassed a budding forest, which is now named in his honor: Hayes Arboretum. Today, the preserve comprises 466 acres of wooded areas and other scenic landscapes, a number of hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through its forest, and a center which organizes educational events throughout the year.

Visitors can experience the beauty of Hayes Arboretum free of charge during its normal operating hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday). Events like “Wild Wednesdays” and “Trail Thursdays” are regularly held; visit its events page for more information.

Experience the exhibits in the Joseph Moore Museum

With more than 60,000 specimens and artifacts filling its halls, the Joseph Moore Museum — located on the picturesque campus of Earlham College — is an impressive repository of information and history of the natural world. The collection started to accumulate in the late 19th century, and it has grown to include the likes of a giant beaver skeleton and live reptiles, a laundry list of displays that is sure to please science lovers of all ages.

A visit to the esteemed Joseph Moore Museum and its frequently revolving exhibits is free of charge, and special events are routinely held to enhance the experience, particularly for younger museum attendees. 

Take the boat for a spin at Middlefork Reservoir

Located just a short drive north of Richmond’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood, Middlefork Reservoir is the epicenter for water activities and a hub for outdoor adventures in Wayne County. The pristine 177-acre body of water is a destination for boating, kayaking, and fishing, and the hundreds of acres that encircle it provide opportunities for hiking, dog walking, picnics, and more.

Middlefork Reservoir is managed by the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department, through whom boat slips are sold and rentals of a wide range can be made to enhance a visitor’s experience. Paddle boats, row boats, canoes, and kayaks are all available at a low cost for rentals, making fun on the water an affordable and accessible experience for all.

Cruise through the Model T Museum

Settled in the historic Depot District is a museum that fittingly houses a historic assortment of vehicles: the Model T Museum. Owned and operated by the Model T Club of America — an international organization solely devoted to connecting lovers of the famed Ford vehicle — the museum boasts more than 40 vehicles and nine exhibitions on its two-building property. An interactive virtual tour of the grounds is available for prospective visitors to experience the museum prior to their trip.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, the Model T Museum offers admission to all members of the public at a low cost, with tickets ranging from $5 to $7. In addition to regular visits, the Model T Club of America occasionally hosts special events at the museum; information on these offerings can be found on its Facebook page.

Find artistic inspiration at the Richmond Art Museum

The Richmond Art Museum (RAM) is perhaps the most unique local art repository in the state, due to its impressive collection and history. Its establishment in 1898 ranks it as the second oldest art association in Indiana, and its physical connection to Richmond High School makes it the only independent art museum to be located within a public school. The museum embraces their unique positioning, which is made evident in its education programs and its collection of pieces produced by local artists.

Visitors can admire the museum’s revolving assortment of exhibits for free and attend sanctioned events throughout the year. RAM also regularly hosts classes for K-12 artists — like summer art camps — that provide access to art education for youth, a core tenant of the museum’s strategic plan.

Take in a performance at the Richmond Civic Theatre

The Richmond Civic Theatre is the center of the town’s performing arts scene, and it is fittingly located in Richmond’s historic heart: the Uptown neighborhood. Occupying Murray Theatre, an early 20th-century building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Richmond Civic Theatre continues the town’s long-standing legacy in the arts by fostering an environment for theatergoers and performers alike. 

With its mission of “creating live community theatre experiences that engage, entertain, educate, and enlighten” lying at its core, the Richmond Civic Theatre services its community by hosting a full slate of live shows each year. Visit its website for information on showtimes and auditions.

Enjoy the beauty of the Richmond Rose Garden

Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Richmond’s Glen Miller Park is the Richmond Rose Garden, a plot of land brimming with color and featuring paths that wind around more than 100 varieties of roses. The garden was established as a public rose appreciation area in the 1980s in an attempt to preserve Richmond’s longtime tie to the rose industry, and it stands today to honor the city’s legacy. Self-guided tours are available free of charge to all visitors, and those who are around in early June can enjoy the “Bloom & Glow” festival, an annual event that celebrates the first bloom.

The Richmond Rose Garden’s location inside the 194-acre Glen Miller Park provides visitors a number of additional recreational options, like golf, tennis, fishing, and more.

Fall for the views at Thistlewaite Falls

Ranked among the top three “best waterfalls” in the state by Visit Indiana, Thistlewaite Falls is one of the most heralded natural landmarks in East Central Indiana. The falls came to life in the early 1880s, when their namesake, Timothy Thistlewaite, carved out a new path in the Whitewater River — a move that has paid dividends for hikers and nature enjoyers for more than two centuries.

Trails run alongside Thistlewaite Falls, making the breathtaking view accessible for hikers. After visiting the falls, outdoor lovers can easily enjoy the green space and other amenities of the adjacent Springwood Park.

See history come to life at the Wayne County Historical Museum

The Starr Historic District — a 24-block area near the Depot District that features ornate Victorian homes and other historic landmarks — is home to the Wayne County Historical Museum, a complex dedicated to preserving the history of Richmond and surrounding towns. Visitors will not only encounter artifacts and information that tell Wayne County’s unique history, but also pieces from across the world that were gathered by the museum’s founder, Julia Meek Gaar, on her trips abroad.

The Wayne County Historical Museum’s diverse collection of artifacts can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday at a low admissions cost. Visit the museum’s website for up-to-date information on hours, pricing, and current exhibits.