Discovery

Things To Do in Rushville, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Indiana, Rushville is a charming town that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its rich history, scenic parks, and welcoming community, Rushville has something to offer every traveler. Join us as we explore the top things to do in this hidden gem of a town, from historic sites to outdoor adventures, and discover why Rushville is a must-visit destination in the Midwest.

Explore the countryside of Rush County

With just three incorporated communities sprinkled across its more than 400 square miles of land, Rush County is a region dominated by sprawling acres of farmland. Across its scenic fields lie a wealth of unique destinations, festivals, and shops for visitors looking for an authentic Indiana experience.

The Caldwell Pioneer Acres, an expanse of pristine land located to the south of Rushville, is home to an assortment of activities and exhibits that pay homage to agriculture of a bygone age. As the homeland of the acclaimed Kennedy bridge builders, Rush County’s countryside also features five currently-standing covered bridges (the Forsythe Mill Covered Bridge is shown above). Additionally, the county’s sizable Amish population operates a number of charming country stores, like the Wagler Amish Furniture store and Troyer’s Country Store.

Catch a show at the Princess Theatre

Rushville’s downtown district has seen innovative revitalization efforts sweep through its historic streets over the past decade, with the renovation of the former early 20th-century Masonic Temple standing as one of the most impactful projects. After standing vacant for almost two decades, the landmark building was given new life as the home of the City Center, Ivy Tech Community College, and the Princess Theatre.

The Princess Theatre, which carries on the legacy of the movie house of the same name that occupied the building until 2001, is the top hub for moviegoers in Rush County. Visitors can enjoy a classic movie-watching experience in a modern setting during one of the theater’s frequent screenings.

Enjoy live music at the Riverside Park Amphitheater

Rushville’s Riverside Park is the centerpiece of the town’s recreational scene. The public park boasts an 18-hole disc golf course, scenic prairies, walking trails, and — perhaps most notably — an outdoor concert venue. The site features a large pavilion area, whose architecture is intended to pay tribute to Rush County’s covered bridge heritage, that overlooks a lawn with room to accommodate a sizable contingent of music lovers.

The “Live by the Levee” summer concert series is the the most notable event that takes place at the venue, and its free shows are headlined by some of the region’s top music talents. Private events can also be held at the Amphitheater for a low rental cost; learn more by contacting the Rushville Parks Department.

See top-notch dirt track racing at the Rush County Fairgrounds Track

Lauded racing legend Tony Stewart enjoyed one of the most successful runs in American motorsports’ history, and his career’s foundation was built, in part, at the Rush County Fairgrounds. The short dirt track has long served as a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers — like Stewart and others — and its competitive summer races are a favorite among Hoosier racing fans.

The Rush County Fairgrounds race track is an active home to an assortment of motorsports’ competitions, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and more. While many events take place during the annual fair week, others are held throughout the year. The full slate of events can be found on the track’s website.

Revisit bygone days at the Rush County Historical Society Museum

Odes to Rush County’s unique small-town history are seen around the community, from a mural of its revered presidential candidate, Wendell Willkie, to the preservation of five historic covered bridges. The Rush County Historical Society Museum serves this proud region by standing as a repository for information and a destination for artifacts from the county’s past.

The museum occupies the historic Gowdy House, located just one block east of Main Street. Visitors can tour through the plethora of exhibits on Monday and Thursday mornings (9-11:30 a.m.) throughout the year for no admission fee.

Dive into the new Love Community Center

Through the state-wide READI 1.0 economic development initiative, $500 million was dispersed to communities across Indiana to improve quality of place and life. The Rushville community received more than $4 million from this program to aid in the construction of the new, state-of-the-art Love Community Center.

Making use of the vacant space left by a retail store, the center will feature a range of community assets — like a new home to the city’s public library and a child care provider — and recreational areas — such as an indoor swimming pool and a sizable workout space. The facility is expected to be completed in December 2024, and it will be an essential stop for those visiting Rushville for decades to come.

Shop the wide selection at the Heart of Rushville Farmers’ and Artisan Market

Every Saturday from May through September, dozens of vendors and hundreds of visitors flock to Main Street for the Heart of Rushville Farmers’ and Artisan Market, a vibrant gathering in the town’s historic center point. The impressive collection of booths feature products sold by local farmers, bakers, and artisans — blending together to create a unique rural shopping experience.

​The market’s grounds occupy a quaint parking lot that is within a minute’s walk of some of Rushville’s most popular local establishments. Fish Moon Brewing Company, a rustic brewpub, and the Mocha Moose, an eclectic coffee house and antique shop, are just a couple of the local offerings in the immediate area.

Experience hoops history at Rushville Memorial Gym

In a region of the state that is steeped in basketball history, Rushville’s historic home venue stands as one of the preeminent landmarks. Memorial Gym — adorned with wooden stands and banners representing the town’s athletic success throughout the decades — was built in 1926, making it the third-oldest regularly used facility in the state. The historic arena is a must-visit for basketball fans looking for an authentic taste of hoops history.

Buying a ticket to a boys or girls basketball contest is the simplest way to access the gym and an excellent route to support local high school sports. Regular season games are regularly held during the winter months; the teams’ schedules can be found on the “sports” tab of the Rushville Consolidated High School website.

Discover family fun at The Overlook

Conveniently located on a hillside that bridges the gap between Rushville’s Main Street and the sprawling Riverside Park, The Overlook is a prime destination for outdoor fun for all members of the family. The recently opened activity spot features a splash pad, modern playground equipment, and paved walking paths that encircle the complex.

The Overlook is a public park and is free to visit. Within walking distance of the park are the other amenities of Riverside Park and a slew of local establishments in downtown Rushville, making a day of low-cost family entertainment just a few steps away.

Escape the heat at Waggener Community Pool

Planted just a few blocks west of Main Street, Waggener Community Pool is a popular meeting point to escape the summer heat. The facility is accessible for swimmers of all ages, as it features a shallow play area suited for younger children and a multi-lane deep end. In addition to the large pool area, the site also features a slide, a diving board, a basketball hoop, and a concession stand. All of the Waggener Community Pool’s amenities can be enjoyed for a low-cost admission fee: $3 for ages 3-17 and $5 for adults.

In addition to regular hours of operation (noon-6 p.m.), the pool is available for both swim lessons and private parties. For more information on these events, visit the Waggener Community Pool’s website.