Franklin Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Franklin, Indiana, is a charming city located in Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis. With its rich history, vibrant downtown area, and beautiful natural surroundings, Franklin offers something for every traveler.

History buffs will be delighted to explore the many historical sites and landmarks that Franklin has to offer. The Johnson County Museum of History showcases the area's history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the region's early settlers, the Underground Railroad, and the impact of the railroad on the city's development. A visit to the Franklin Historic District will transport you back in time with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and quaint streets.

Nature lovers will appreciate the city's proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities. Franklin is located near several state parks and nature preserves, offering hiking trails, fishing spots, and peaceful picnic areas. The nearby Johnson County Park is a popular destination for families, with its playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic walking paths.

For those looking for a taste of small-town charm and local culture, Franklin's downtown area is a must-visit. The city's Main Street is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Visitors can browse through antique stores, discover local artisans' creations, and indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences. The Artcraft Theatre, a historic movie theater, offers screenings of classic films and live performances throughout the year.

Franklin is also home to Franklin College, a private liberal arts college known for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. The college's Johnson Center for Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions, theater productions, and musical performances that are open to the public.

Alternative names: Population: 24.6 thous.Area: 13.01 mi²Elevation: 735 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°28'57"N, 86°3'36"W

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IndianaUnited States

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Franklin Top Attractions

Franklin Attractions - What to See and Explore

Franklin offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Johnson County Museum of History, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Greenlawn Cemetery, Johnson County Courthouse Square. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Museum
Johnson County Museum of History
The Johnson County Museum of History is a local historical museum located in Franklin, Indiana. The museum is run by the Johnson County Historical Society. The museum officially opened in 1931, under the name "Johnson County Museum." It was organized by the local Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Church
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a historic African Methodist Episcopal church and parsonage located at Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. The church was built in 1911, and is a one-story, front gable frame building with a medium-pitched gable on hip roof.
Cemetery • Romanesque architecture • Gothic Revival architecture
Greenlawn Cemetery
Greenlawn Cemetery is a historic cemetery and national historic district located at Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. It is a landscape-lawn style cemetery established in 1845, and contains roughly 15,000 burials. Located in the cemetery is a small Gothic Revival style chapel and the Romanesque Revival Main Mausoleum.

Romanesque architecture
Johnson County Courthouse Square
Johnson County Courthouse Square is a historic courthouse and town square located in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. The courthouse was built between 1879 and 1881, and is a two-story, red brick building with elements of Second Empire, Neo-Jacobean, and Romanesque Revival style architecture.
Universities and schools
Franklin College
Franklin College is a private liberal arts college in Franklin, Indiana. It was founded in 1834 and has a wooded campus spanning 207 acres including athletic fields and a 31-acre biology woodland.
39°28'43"N • 86°2'51"W
Franklin College Library
Shirk Hall is a historic building located on the campus of Franklin College in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. It was built in 1903 and is a one-story, Classical Revival style brick building on a raised basement.
Gothic Revival architecture
Old Main
Franklin College-Old Main is a historic academic building located on the campus of Franklin College in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.
39°29'12"N • 86°3'24"W
Herriott House
Herriott House, also known as the Brown-Richey House, is a historic home located in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. The house was built between 1860 and 1865, and is a two-story, rectangular, Italianate style brick dwelling with a hipped roof.
39°28'50"N • 86°3'33"W
August Zeppenfeld House
August Zeppenfeld House, also known as the Zeppenfeld-Cain House, is a historic home located in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. It was built in 1872, and is a two-story, rectangular, three bay, Italianate style brick dwelling with a one-story frame wing. One-story frame additions were made to the house about 1910, 1935, and the 1960s.

Day trips

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

In the vicinity of Franklin, 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).

23 milesN
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...
25 milesN
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...
21 milesN
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.
23 milesNW
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...
34 milesSW
Museum, Science museum
WonderLab, Bloomington
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology is an interactive science center located in the heart of Bloomington, Indiana. This hands-on museum is designed to provide educational experiences that stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration for visitors of all...