Crawfordsville Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Located in the heart of Indiana, Crawfordsville is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. With its rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and diverse attractions, Crawfordsville is a hidden gem that is sure to captivate any traveler.

History enthusiasts will be delighted by the city's historical sites and museums. A visit to the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum is a must, as it showcases the life and works of the famous Civil War general and author of "Ben-Hur." Step back in time at the Lane Place, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy Crawfordsville family. For a deeper dive into the past, the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County provides a comprehensive collection of exhibits that explore the region's history.

Nature lovers will find solace in Crawfordsville's stunning outdoor spaces. Take a leisurely stroll along the Sugar Creek Trail, a picturesque pathway that winds along the banks of Sugar Creek, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The Shades State Park is a nature lover's paradise, with its rugged canyons, scenic waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails that lead to panoramic vistas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and camping in the park's serene surroundings.

Crawfordsville is also a hub for arts and culture. The Vanity Theater, housed in a beautifully restored art deco building, hosts a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and film screenings. Art enthusiasts can explore the works of local and regional artists at the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, which features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The city's vibrant downtown area is dotted with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, offering a unique blend of shopping and dining experiences.

Alternative names: Population: 16 thous.Area: 9.28 mi²Elevation: 761 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°2'28"N, 86°54'6"W

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IndianaUnited States

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Crawfordsville Top Attractions

Crawfordsville Attractions - What to See and Explore

Crawfordsville offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: General Lew Wallace Study and Museum, Lane Place, Ropkey Armor Museum, Rotary Jail Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
General Lew Wallace Study and Museum
The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum, formerly known as the Ben-Hur Museum, is located in Crawfordsville, Indiana. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, and in 2008 was awarded a National Medal from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is located in the Elston Grove Historic District.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Lane Place
The Lane Place was the home of Sen. Henry S. Lane and Joanna Lane. It is located at 212 South Water Street in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Helen Elston Smith, the Lanes' niece, inherited the house after Joanna's death.
Museum • Specialty museum • Military museum
Ropkey Armor Museum
Ropkey Armor Museum is a military history museum in Indianapolis, Indiana.

40°2'38"N • 86°54'6"W
Rotary Jail Museum
Museum • Specialty museum
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County
The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County is located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, United States. Opening in 1902, it was the first Carnegie Library in Indiana. The museum's exhibits focus on the history, art, and culture of Montgomery County.
Museum • History museum • Romanesque architecture
Montgomery County Jail and Sheriff's Residence
Montgomery County Jail and Sheriff's Residence is a historic jail and sheriff's residence located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was built in 1882 in two sections, and is a 2+1⁄2-story, red brick and limestone building in a combination of Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Romanesque Revival style architecture.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Saint John's Episcopal Church
Saint John's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was built in 1837 by an Episcopal congregation organized through missionary bishop Jackson Kemper, and is a one-story, gable fronted frame building in the Greek Revival style.
Church
Bethel AME Church of Crawfordsville
Bethel AME Church of Crawfordsville is a historic African Methodist Episcopal church located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was built in 1892, and is a one-story, gable fronted frame building on a brick foundation. It features a large round-arched window and two-story, square corner tower.
40°2'34"N • 86°54'0"W
Otto Schlemmer Building
Otto Schlemmer Building is a historic commercial building located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was originally built in 1854, and renovated to its present form in 1889. It is a two-story brick building with wood and pressed metal trim.
40°2'40"N • 86°53'48"W
Culver Union Hospital
Culver Union Hospital is a historic hospital building located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was built in 1902 and was named after L.L. Culver who donated $10,000 towards the construction. The building is a four-story, rectangular, Colonial Revival style brick structure.
40°2'26"N • 86°53'40"W
Col. Isaac C. Elston House
The Maj. Isaac C. Elston House, also known as Elston Homestead, is a historic home located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was the home of Maj. Isaac Compton Elston, who fought in the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War. When he was 39, he moved to Indiana and became a frontier merchant, banker and financier.
40°2'41"N • 86°54'33"W
McClelland-Layne House
McClelland-Layne House is a historic home located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. It was built in 1869, and is a two-story, "L"-shaped, Italian Villa style brick dwelling. It has a low-hipped roof and segmental- and round-arched windows. The house features a three-story tower topped by a low-hipped roof.
Universities and schools
Wabash College
Wabash College is a private liberal arts men's college in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Founded in 1832 by several Dartmouth College graduates and Midwestern leaders, it enrolls nearly 900 students.

Day trips

Crawfordsville – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Crawfordsville, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (Indianapolis), Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis), Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (Indianapolis).

42 milesE
Varied exhibits exploring arts and culture
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis stands as a vibrant beacon of creativity and education in Indianapolis, Indiana. Renowned as the largest children's museum in the world, this five-story playground of discovery offers an extraordinary array of exhibits...
41 milesE
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), nestled in the vibrant city of Indianapolis, Indiana, stands out as a cultural beacon for art aficionados and casual tourists alike. This prestigious institution is renowned for its extensive collection that spans thousands of...
43 milesSE
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis
Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art stands as a cultural cornerstone celebrating the art, history, and cultures of the American West and Indigenous peoples of North America.
39 milesSE
Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis
Nestled in the heart of Speedway, Indiana, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a mecca for motorsports enthusiasts and a treasure trove of racing history. This museum, situated within the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, offers visitors an up-close look at the...
43 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Victory Field, Indianapolis
Victory Field, nestled in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, is a quintessential American ballpark that beckons baseball enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This modern facility, known for its classic charm and fan-friendly atmosphere, serves as the home of the...