Adventure and Fun in Washington County, Indiana

Welcome to the heart of Southern Indiana, where picturesque landscapes, warm hospitality, and a touch of nostalgia await you. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on an unforgettable journey through Washington County, a charming destination that promises to soothe your soul and ignite your sense of adventure.

City: Salem

Stone Lion

A contributing object for the Salem Square historic district includes a stone lion on the northeast side of the square. It was carved in 1884 to stand sentinel in front of the State Bank of Salem. The lion stood sentinel before a group of buildings developed by Lee W. Sinclair. The buildings have been demolished, but the lion remains a town landmark. The lion was carved from a single block of limestone by Collins James Morgan, who also worked on the construction of the Courthouse.

Subway
403 S. Main Street, ,

Taco Bell
1319 E. Hackberry Street, ,

Thai Lotus
105 S. Main Street, ,

Thai Lotus strives to bring authentic Thai cuisine to Washington County . Thai Lotus is a family owned restaurant across three generations. After success with our first Restaurant in Bloomington; we wanted to expand our cuisine and brought over our chef who has over 15 years of experience! We use only the freshest and top quality ingredients. By allowing you to make changes such as spice variation, our aim is to make everyone a part of our family.

The Destination Bed & Breakfast
206 N. Harristown Road, ,

The Destination is a tranquil country setting nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana, less than an hour from Louisville, Kentucky, and fewer than 90 minutes from Indianapolis, Indiana. Come experience the country; stay at our lovely Farm House Bed & Breakfast, Shop in the Vintage Market, or Celebrate your next event in The Yard, Gathering Room, or The Loft with exquisite meals straight from our kitchens.

Category Hotels & Lodging
The Lanning House
206 E. Poplar Street, ,

Built in 1873, The Lanning House has been in the history of Washington County as a Bed and Breakfast for years. Situated in the center of Salem, guests are within walking distance of the Salem Square and just a few steps from the grounds of the John Hay Center. The residence was constructed of locally made brick from the Shrum Brickyard. Its colonial revival front porch was a later addition. The Lanning House offers a warm and welcoming environment for all ages. More information available on www.airbnb.com

Category Hotels & Lodging
The Legacy of John Williams

John was a free man and a blacksmith living in Louisville in the 1810's, when Thomas & William Lindley (Quakers) were operating a freight wagon service, from Salem to Louisville, and back, when they first encountered each other. At some point John Williams assisted the Lindley brothers with wagon repairs and he quickly gained their trust and friendship. Sometime before the 1820 Census, the Lindley brothers convinced John to move to their father’s and become the blacksmith of the Blue River Quaker Community. John lived approximately six years in the home of Samuel Lindley, before purchasing 160 acres of land for himself, from his friend, Thomas L ...

Category People & History
Thomas Jackson Rodman & The Rodman Gun

Thomas Jackson Rodman (1816 – 1871) was born on a farm northeast of Salem Indiana. He was an American artillerist, inventor, ordnance specialist, and career United States Army officer. He served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, in which he was noted for his many improvements and innovations concerning the artillery used by the Union forces. Thomas Jackson Rodman designed the largest cannon of the Civil War. It was a monstrous 20-inch caliber ship killer referred to as "the strongest cast iron cannon ever made". General Rodman also discovered the use of shaped gunpowder grains, in which properly compressing and shaping the ...

Category People & History
Tumbleweed Tex-Mex Restaurant
1007 E. Hackberry Street, ,

Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar, we only bring you the most authentic Tex Mex cuisine.

Twin Creek Valley & Henderson Park

Twin Creek Valley (624 Acres) is a mesic oak forest peppered with limestone glades, rock outcrops, scenic cove waterfalls, and numerous caves. This valley is a beautiful habitat for special cave animals, gorgeous spring wildflowers and for anyone who loves nature. Henderson Park is just a portion of Twin Creek Valley but is the only area developed for visitation. Henderson Park (400 acres) is owned by the City of Salem and is managed by The Nature Conservancy through a conservation easement designed to protect the forest, glades and caves at the site. Henderson Park is open to visitors for hiking and nature study. The park has a road system, albeit ...

Veteran's Trail at Lake Salinda
2659 Lake Salinda Road, ,

The Veteran's Trail at Lake Salinda is a 4 mile hiking trail around Lake Salinda. The trailhead for the park is located in the back of the Lake Salinda parking area. The trail is dedicated to those who served in the military.

Washington C. DePauw

DePauw was born in Salem, Indiana in 1822. He was the grandson of Charles DePauw, who came to the Americas with the Marquis de La Fayette, and the son of John and Elizabeth Battist DePauw. John DePauw had been a lawyer, judge, and a member of the Indiana Constitutional Convention. In 1838, when Washington was just 16, he was elected for the first of four times to the Indiana legislature. Throughout his lifetime, Washington amassed a fortune by investing in ventures such as grain, steel and glass, and during the American Civil War, government supplies. At one time, he was considered the wealthiest man in Indiana. In 1881 he made provisions to ...

Category People & History
Washington Co Fairgrounds Barns

Walking through some of the Washington County Fairgrounds barns is like walking back in time. The wood framed structures have undoubtedly welcomed generations of family members as they pursue a career in agriculture. The Washington County Farmers & Merchants fair takes place each summer and is a wonderful opportunity to view the historic structures. The Fair includes livestock exhibiting and judging, craft exhibits and judging, midway rides and more.

Washington County Actors Community Theatre
Gary W. Hartsook Hall / 405 N. Hartsook, ,

Live community theatre for students with several performances each year.

Category Arts & Culture
Washington County Courthouse

The rockfaced Oolitic limestone used on the facade of the current Washington County Courthouse was locally quarried and cut, one mile southwest of town. In the nineteenth century, this was the first and only working quarry in the county, originally opened by Emmanuel Zink and James Needham in 1866. Rock quarried here was originally called "Salem limestone" before being renamed oolitic. The newels and columns incorporated in the courthouse design are all unique efforts of individual stone carvers.

Washington County Family YMCA
1709 North Shelby Street, ,

Ys offer the programs we do for a reason. Young people need safe and enriching environments to try new things, develop skills, meet new people and show what they're capable of. Achieving and maintaining health in spirit, mind and body makes for a richer life and giving back to neighbors and those in need is our responsibility as neighbors, colleagues and citizens.

Category Health & Fitness
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 North Shelby Street, ,

Ys offer the programs we do for a reason. Young people need safe and enriching environments to try new things, develop skills, meet new people and show what they're capable of. Achieving and maintaining health in spirit, mind and body makes for a richer life and giving back to neighbors and those in need is our responsibility as neighbors, colleagues and citizens.

Category Family Fun
Washington County Farmers Market
801 S. Jackson Street, ,

The Washington County Farmers Market has locally grown and produced veggies, honey, maple syrup and more.

Wendy's
500 S. Main Street, ,

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