Discovery

Things To Do in Marion, Indiana

July 15, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Indiana lies Marion, a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant community. Known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit, Marion offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic sites, immersing yourself in nature, or indulging in local cuisine, Marion has something for everyone. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and must-see destinations that make Marion a delightful destination worth exploring.

Trek through the trails of the Cardinal Greenway

One of the end points of the Cardinal Greenway — East Central Indiana’s 62-mile paved rail trail — lies on the northwest side of Grant County, making the wider Marion region a hub for running, walking, and biking. The tree-lined trail runs eastward through the majority of the county, and five trailheads are dotted across that stretch to allow for easy access and parking.

The Cardinal Greenway is regularly home to events throughout the year, with the Cardinal Century Ride, a 100-mile bike ride, being one of the top outings that runs through Grant County. View all of the trail’s events on its official website.

Take a class or catch a show at the Community School of the Arts

Located in the central square of Marion’s historic downtown, the Community School of the Arts (CSA) is Grant County’s preeminent destination for arts education and performance. CSA started on a humble foundation in 1995, and in the decades since, it has grown to provide arts classes for all ages, host regular shows through its Civic Theatre program, and partner with the city’s school system for a unique collaboration that promotes arts education.

CSA’s classes are held year-round and cover a variety of disciplines, from the culinary arts to dance. A full list of classes and registration information can be found on its website. Those interested in either auditioning for or simply viewing one of its Civic Theater shows should reference the CSA’s theatre programming page.

Discover Downtown Marion

Marion has seen its local business scene flourish in recent decades, with new establishments popping up across the city. This trend is especially noticeable in its downtown district, Marion’s historic heart. Several charming buildings from a bygone era have been given new life in the neighborhood, such as the city’s former National Bank building, which has recently seen an ice cream shop, a barbecue restaurant, and other establishments occupy its first floor.

The revitalized downtown district is home to attractions that are sure to catch the attention of arts enjoyers, foodies, and shoppers alike. Visit the “Discover Marion Downtown” website for a full directory of things to see and do.

Beat the Monday blues with a trip around Garfield Trail

Garfield — the beloved orange cat, lasagna fanatic, and notorious hater of Mondays — has his paw prints all across Marion and surrounding communities. Jim Davis, the creator of the cartoon sensation, hails from Fairmount, a town on the southern border of Grant County that also served as James Dean’s boyhood home. Davis’s legacy is honored by the Garfield Trail, a series of 14 intricately decorated fiberglass statues of Garfield scattered around his home county.

A trip around the Garfield Trail not only provides visitors an opportunity to appreciate the artistic nature of these statues, but such an excursion will also draw guests to some of Grant County’s finest sites, like Matter Park, Ivanhoe’s Restaurant, and Payne’s Restaurant.

Visit the Historic Hostess House

On Fourth Street, located a short distance west of downtown Marion, lies a sizable beige brick home, fit with stately pillars and a finely groomed front yard before it. The historic mansion, known as the Hostess House, is a well-preserved home steeped in history, and it serves the Marion community today in a variety of capacities.

The Hostess House is most often accessible to the public via weekday lunches and shopping. Its lunch menu features light fare in a luxury setting, but with a far more modest price tag. Visitors during the lunchtime operating hours (Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can also stop by Peggy’s Boutique, the home’s gift shop. Beyond fine dining and shopping, the Hostess House also accommodates groups through event rentals, occasional events, and more.

See silver screen history throughout Grant County

James Dean’s Hollywood stardom in the 1950s cemented his legacy in American film history, and he remains a revered celebrity in Grant County, his birthplace and childhood home. The star of films like Rebel Without a Cause and Giant was born in Marion, and his exact birth site is marked by a well-groomed memorial in his honor. The destination is located just blocks away from Marion’s downtown square and is easily accessible.

Though Marion is Dean’s place of birth, he spent most of his childhood in nearby Fairmount, where the James Dean Gallery stands today. The museum, which consists of five distinct rooms, contains a number of artifacts that chronicle his life. The James Dean Gallery is open daily and is free of charge to visit.

Explore the array of amenities at Matter Park

Matter Park is Marion’s oldest and largest public park, and its well-maintained, vibrant grounds are full of amenities that are sure to cater to any visitor’s tastes. A drive around the paved circle that weaves through the park will reveal tennis and pickleball courts, a serene garden, a newly installed playground, fishing ponds, and much more.

Like other top destinations around Grant County, Matter Park is a stop along the Garfield Trail. The plump cat is decked out in workout attire at this stop on the trail; the statue is a popular photo stop for visitors to the park.

Enjoy a scenic stroll on the Mississinewa River Walk

Marion, like many other East Central Indiana towns, takes advantage of the recreational opportunities provided by the river that runs through it. A stretch of the Mississinewa River on the city’s north side is home to the Mississinewa River Walk, a freshly paved 2.25-mile walking and biking path. The trail traverses beautiful green space on the river’s edge and provides picturesque views via observation overlooks.

The Mississinewa River Walk is well-positioned for outdoor adventurers, as it is located within walking distance of multiple public parks. Most notably, Matter Park — Marion’s largest park that is home to a plethora of amenities — is just a short journey north of the River Walk.

Cozy up at the Quilters Hall of Fame

Washington Street, one of Marion’s most-used thoroughfares, always remains particularly cozy, as it is home to an assortment of intricate quilts housed inside the Quilters Hall of Fame. The repository of quilts and information on the artform was established in the early 1990s, when an influential quilter’s historic home became available for use. More than 30 years later, the Quilters Hall of Fame occupies the ornate Webster House and stands as one of the most unique museum’s in East Central Indiana.

In addition to providing a space to honor some of the craft’s finest artists, the Quilters Hall of Fame also houses a revolving assortment of exhibits throughout the year. Visit the museum’s “exhibits” page to view the complete slate of exhibits.

Splash around at the Splash House

One of the top summer fun destinations in East Central Indiana, the Splash House is home to a number of water activities for all ages to enjoy. The park, which is operated by the Marion Parks and Recreation Department, is home to a wave pool, a lazy river, a pair of racer slides, a beloved toilet-bowl-shaped slide, and a less adventurous area that is better suited for younger children. Concession stands and an event room available for rental add to the long list of amenities on site.

A day at the Splash House can be enjoyed at a low admissions cost, as rates run at $10 for adults, $8 for children (3-17), and $7 for seniors (55 and over). The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.