Welcome to Grant County!
Dear Visitor,
Welcome to Grant County, Indiana – where vibrant history meets modern charm! Whether you're here for business, leisure, or exploring our rich pop cultural heritage, we're delighted to have you with us.
From the iconic landscapes that have inspired artists for generations to our bustling communities filled with friendly faces and local flavors, Grant County offers something for everyone.
Explore our quaint towns like Marion, Gas City, and Fairmount, each with its own unique character and stories to tell. Discover the Marion Splash House, delve into the legacy of James Dean, or take a scenic drive through our picturesque countryside.
Our guide is your key to navigating our attractions, dining hotspots, and hidden gems. Whether you're here for a day, a week, or longer, we want your visit to be memorable and filled with delightful experiences.
Thank you for choosing Grant County as your destination. We hope you enjoy your stay and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Come have
a blast
just 90 minutes north of Indy.
Grant County is located in East Central Indiana, with convenient access to I-69. Here you will find nifty attractions, outtasight events and the legend of a rebellious Hollywood celebrity. Whether it's poodle skirts, custom hot rods, muscle cars, James Dean, motorcycles or Garfield, we love everything classic and cool.
Plan your Classic Cool trip at
Enjoy!
Haley Anderson Executive Director Grant County CVB
Connect with us
A Rebel Remembered
Born in Marion in 1931, James Dean grew up in nearby Fairmount. During his childhood, Dean developed an interest in drama. Upon graduation, he moved to Hollywood to attend UCLA, majoring in acting. Soon thereafter, he starred in three films: East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956). In these roles, he portrayed a rebellious and restless young man, redefining what it meant to be “cool.” On September 20, 1955, Dean was in a fatal automobile accident. He was only 24 years old.
Still today, James Dean is remembered and celebrated in his hometown. The Remembering James Dean Festival is held annually on the last weekend in September. Download the Landmarks Trail and see all 12 James Dean landmarks!
Mega Murals
John Cerney, renowned muralist from Salinas, California, has created and installed three big James Dean cut-out murals. The first mural is James Dean in his “rebel pose” located at the James Dean Gallery, 425 N. Main St. in Fairmount. A second larger mural is placed in Marion on State Road 18 at the entrance of Ballard Field. The third mural is a scene from the movie East of Eden on State Road 26 in Fairmount.
For the Love of Speed
In recognition of James Dean’s love of speed, classic cruisin' cars and cool motorcycles, gearheads travel from all over to show off their custom cars and bikes. The nostalgic vibe in the area’s classic small towns is the perfect setting for shiny chrome, glossy paint jobs and the rev of a powerful engine. Cool car shows pop up often, but here are the classics.
James Dean Spring Run
Fly/In Cruise/In
James Dean Run Car Show
Ducktail Run Car Show
Jonesboro River Rally (motorcycles)
June
September
September
September
September
Lovable Fat Cat
Marion: Paws for Thought
505 W 3rd St.
Behind the Community Foundation of Grant County. Gate is open during business hours.
Garfield Garden Trailhead
Marion: Bookworm Garfield
600 S Washington St.
Marion Public Library
Swayzee: Speedking
405 S Washington St.
Near Alumni Park and Swayzee Elementary School
Sweetser: College Bound
113 N Main St.
Sweetser Switch Trail and Depot
Marion: Dr. Garfield
441 N Wabash Avenue In front of Marion General Hospital
Marion: Fit For Life Garfield
River Rd. & Quarry Rd.
Matter Park Gardens
Marion: Duffer Garfield
2500 E 550 N
Arbor Trace Golf Clubhouse: Apr.-Nov. daylight hours
Fairmount, Indiana is also the hometown of Jim Davis, creator of the comic strip, Garfield. We adore this lasagnaloving fat cat. Discover 14 playful and unique Garfield statues, standing over five feet tall, along the Garfield Trail which winds throughout Grant County. Pick up or download the Garfield Trail map.
Share your selfies using #followthefatcat!
Van Buren: Worldly Cat
115 S 1st St. By the Van Buren Public Library
Matthews: Gone Fishin’ 816 S Wisconsin St. In front of Matthews Town Hall
Fairmount: Cool Cat
203 E Washington St. Outside the Fairmount Historical Museum
Jonesboro: Firefighter
414 S Main St. In front of Jonesboro City Hall
Gas City: Glass Blower
135 E Main St.
In front of the Gas City-Mill Township Public Library
Gas City: British Garfield
4925 S Kay Bee Dr.
Outside of Payne’s Restaurant
Upland: Scream for Ice Cream
979 S Main St. In front of Ivanhoe’s Drive-In
Hike
’em or Bike ’em
There are plenty of paved trails to travel in Grant County. With convenient trail heads and plenty of parking, you could spend hours or days exploring all the trails we have to offer.
Cardinal Greenway - 17 miles from Converse to Jonesboro
Converse Junction Trail - 3 miles of paved trail
Sweetser Switch Trail - 4 miles of paved trail
Garfield Trail - Countywide
Mississinewa River Walk Trail -
2.5 miles between Washington St. and Spencer Ave. to Matter Park
Cardinal Greenway
DeVanter Park along Mississinewa River Walk Trail
Sweetser Switch Trail
Converse Junction Trail
Park /t!
Pack a picnic, then stay and play at one of our many city parks.
Depot Park - Upland
Gas City Park - Gas City
Jonesboro Park & Shelter House - Jonesboro
Matter Park - Marion
Playacres Park - Fairmount
Hogin Park - Marion
Turner Park Splash Pad - Gas City
Matter Park
Depot Park
Splashy Play-ces
In Grant County, we keep it cool with two splishy-splashy places to play.
Splash House Water Park - Marion
Turner Park Splash Pad - Gas City
Paddle Down
For a relaxing and cool summer adventure, paddle or tube down the Mississinewa River.
Turner Park Splash Pad
Tee Up
Tee it up for a great day on these friendly, yet challenging, golf courses.
Arbor Trace Golf Course - Marion
Elks Country Club - Marion
Meshingomesia Golf & Social Club - Marion
Walnut Creek/Club Run Golf Courses - Marion
Toss Out
Gather some friends for disc golf at Matter Park in Marion or at Mississinewa Reservoir in Peru.
Reel In
Bring your fishing pole and tackle to the Mar-Brook Campground - Gas City or Hidden Lake ResortFairmount and many other fishing spots throughout the county.
Historic "Sights" Visit
Grant County was the location of a natural gas boom in the late 1800s. As a result, an abundance of industries and workers flocked to the area including manufacturers and glass factories. Discover this fascinating era and other notable local moments in history.
Built in 1877, the Cumberland Covered Bridge is a 18-foot timbered bridge that spans the Mississinewa River in the town of Matthews. It is the last remaining covered bridge in Grant County.
Hostess House - Marion
Dine in this beautifully restored historical house on the National Historic Register. Luncheon menu includes soups, sandwiches, sides, salads, and specialties. Scrumptious desserts include famous homemade pies and apple dumplings. Visit Peggy’s Boutique on the second floor to shop for unique gifts. Open Monday-Friday with daily specials. Open evenings and weekends for special events only.
Noteworthy: The Hostess House was designed and built by Samuel Plato, a prominent African American architect and builder who broke racial barriers and achieved success in a white-dominated field.
Israel Jenkins House - Marion
Tour this beautifully renovated 1840s National Historic Register property with ties to the Underground Railroad Presently the house serves as the clubhouse for the Club Run Golf Course , serving sandwich and pub fare during golf season. The second floor includes a Museum of local historical artifacts. Open daily during golf season until 6:00pm.
The historic Marie Webster Colonial Revival House in Marion is the home of the Quilters Hall of Fame. International in scope, the Quilters Hall of Fame was founded by Hazel Carter to celebrate and honor outstanding contributions to the art of quilting. Open from February through December, quilt exhibits are on display. Open to the public.
Noteworthy: Marie Webster was a quilt designer, quilt producer, and businesswoman, as well as a lecturer and author of Quilts, Their Story, and How to Make Them (1915), the first American book about the history of quilting.
Arts & Culture Museums
We are passionate about visual and performing arts.
CSA offers community theatre programming in the former
.
Come see an amazing collection of memorabilia from the heyday of Matthews. Founded in 1895, the town grew during the gas boom.
Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers classes in visual and performing arts. We provide arts education and enrichment, and we are dedicated to serving the community through providing opportunities for creative expression. Classes available throughout the year.
A historic landmark founded in 1975, the exhibits showcase authentic artifacts of hometown film star James Dean, Garfield cartoon creator Jim Davis, community history and much more.
James Dean Museum - Fairmount
Matthews Historical Museum - Matthews
CSA Civic Theatre
Marion Civic Theatre
Education
We are the proud home of three excellent institutions of higher learning.
private
Ivy Tech State College is a public, open-access community based technical college. The Marion campus offers two-year degrees, technical certificates, courses and short-term training opportunities.
Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest
university in Indiana and located in Marion. In Upland, Taylor University is a Christian Liberal Arts University.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Ivy Tech State College
Taylor University
Gotta Try /t!
Indiana is home to many culinary wonders. The locally-owned Grant County restaurants listed here are featured on culinary trails as part of the statewide Indiana Foodways Alliance. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6
Bad Dad Brewing Company - Fairmount
Known for unique names and beer profiles. Serves brick oven pizza, and sandwiches.
Folkies Tavern - Marion
Recommended dishes: Ribeye sandwich, Angus burger, grilled chicken sandwich, grilled tenderloin, breaded tenderloin.
Grains & Grill - Fairmount Bavarian pretzel sticks with fondue.
Hostess House - Marion
Scrumptious luncheon dishes and desserts at a stunning historic home. Famous for their butterscotch pie!
Ivanhoe's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe - Upland
Named the best strawberry shortcake in the world by onlyinyourstate.com
Payne's Restaurant - Gas City
Innovative and health conscious English-inspired cuisine made with the freshest local ingredients and pasture raised meat.
Local Faves
You'll find cool drive-ins, BBQ, homestyle comfort food, cuisine from across the pond and classics like steaks and burgers. You can’t go wrong when you go where the locals go!
The Branch - Fairmount Soups, salads, sandwiches and coffee in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Bridge Cafe - Upland Freshly baked pastries, bold sandwiches and soups. Come early on Saturday for yummy cinnamon rolls!
Imagine Burgers and BrewConverse
Locally sourced, healthy food options. Bread made in house. Fresh salads and vegan options available.
Jefferson Street BBQ - Converse Succulent, locally-sourced BBQ. They offer sauce, but you won't need it. Homemade sides are created with a tasty twist.
The Train Station Pancake HouseMarion
Breakfast all day. Try the traditional caramel apple pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, French Toast or Belgian Waffles. Lunch and dinner entrees, too.
Jefferson Street BBQ
The Train Station Pancake House
The Bridge Cafe
Coffee, Sweets & Treat s
You’ll discover cozy and aromatic local coffee shops in nearly every community. These cool and caffeinated places even schedule occasional entertainment.
The Branch - Fairmount
A place to enjoy good coffee, great food and meaningful conversation.
Cool Beans - Fairmount
Coffee, donuts, ice cream and milkshakes.
Milk and Honey Coffee Co.Converse
Small town coffee shop serving locally roasted coffee and quality foods.
From nostalgic ice cream counters to yummy smoothies and healthy meal replacement shakes, we are keepin’ it cool in Grant County.
The Big Dipper - Converse Sundaes, shakes and cones in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Ivanhoes Drive In - Upland
Since 1965, serving 100 varieties of tasty shakes and sundaes, plus good ol’ fashioned family-friendly dining.
Ledbetter’s Grand
Fudge Shop - Converse
Homemade, mouthwatering fudge using real cream and butter.
Sophie’s Ice Cream
Deluxe - Gas City
Enjoy ice cream and frosty treats.
Craft Beer, Wine & Cigars
Oh My! There are so many places to relax or celebrate with friends.
Pub Grub or Grab & Go
There are so many places to get a juicy burger or specialty sandwich, you might want to try them all and find your favorite!
Shopping Antiques, Uniques & Bout iques
Design Studio 407 - Marion
From shops about soaps and a place called Psychedelic Cellar to classic antique shops and cool boutiques, Grant County has an eclectic array of shops and stores.
Unique artistic treasures and vintage finds. Blinds, shutters, drapery, design consultations, art, gifts, and home decor.
Jake’s Antiques, Collectibles, & Necessities - Marion
A wide selection of antiques and collectibles.
Jan’s Floral & Gifts - Sweetser
Home décor, primitive signs, furniture and garden items.
Rachel's Taste of IndianaConverse
All Indiana Grown products! Food and goods plus hand-crafted items from all across our great state.
Timber & Thread Co. - Fairmount
Repurposed antiques, shabby-chic fashion and cottage décor.
Wispy Pine Boutique - Gas City
Fashion forward boutique with stylish outfits and accessories galore.
Gift s & Home Décor
Select a thoughtful gift or enhance your home with décor that reflects you and your unique personal style.
Back Home on Main - Fairmount
Antiques, vintage & fresh gathered goods found near and far, rediscovered home furnishings, seasonal decor, Indiana/local history items, architectural salvage & European goods.
The Red Rooster - Converse Vintage antiques, upcycled rustic treasures, furniture, knick-knacks and art.
Specialty Stores
Handcrafted soaps, premium cigars, fine yarns, musical instruments, jigsaw puzzles, books and cycling accessories are among the many items you’ll find in our specialty stores.
Mama Pearson’s Soaporium - Gas City
Marion Music and Sound - Marion Marion Cycle Works - Marion Knit 'n' Purl - Fairmount
Lodging Comfy & Cozy
From a classic motel to new hotels with names you know, you have many overnight options from which to choose.
These B&Bs and Home-Away-From-Home rentals are comfortable and cozy alternatives to hotels.
College Inn Bed & Breakfast - Marion Private & shared baths.
Haisley’s Hideaway B&B - Fairmount Private baths.
Old Oak Inn B&B - Marion Private baths.
Rejoyce House - Upland Steps away from Taylor University. Three bedrooms, two baths.
Brick House - Upland
Renovated house near Taylor University. Two bedrooms and one bath.
Relax & Recharge
Best Western Plus
I-69 & SR 22, Exit 259
4936 S. Kay Bee Dr., Gas City (765) 998-2331
Comfort Suites
1345 N. Baldwin Ave./SR 9, Marion (765) 651-1006
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
I-69 & SR 18, Exit 264
6138 Corridor Dr., Marion (765) 664-5840
Hampton Inn
1502 N. Baldwin Ave./SR 9, Marion (765) 662-6656
Hart Motel 1411 N. Baldwin Ave./SR 9, Marion (765) 664-2304
Holiday Inn Express
I-69 & SR 22, Exit 259 4914 N. Beaner Blvd., Gas City (765) 674-6664
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1000 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion (765) 573-6656
Red Roof Inn 1615 N. Baldwin, Marion (765) 573-5765
Super 8 Motel
I-69 & SR 22, Exit 259 5172 S. Kay Bee Dr., Gas City (765) 998-6800
Calling Happy Campers
Grant County offers several camping experiences from secluded and serene to loaded with amenities.
Hidden Lake Resort
Salamonie Reservoir
Calling all greasers and gals! The biggest, boldest bashes in the state are in Grant County. These events are guaranteed to be a blast!
Have a Blast at Cool & Classic Bashes!
JUNE
Cornfield Classic (formerly Hog Daze) - Marion
Time trials and motorcycle race along the classic 1920 route. Origin of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle nickname, a "hog."
James Dean Spring Run Car Show - Fairmount
Fabulous street rods, classics, muscle and special interest cars in James Dean’s hometown.
JULY
Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration - Marion
Timeless art form celebrated through exhibits, workshops and appraisals.
AUGUST
Indy Airstrip Attack - Marion Municipal Airport
Exotic and other fast cars race side-by-side down a half-mile runway in this Revvolution Shift-S3ctor event.
SEPTEMBER
Remembering James Dean Festival & James Dean Run Car Show - Fairmount
Old-school music, classic cars and look-alike contests in honor of the rebel who defines cool.
Fly/In Cruise/In - Marion
Variety of aircraft, classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors topped off with the biggest pancake breakfast around.
Cumberland Covered BridgeMatthews
Festival & car show, Matthews Classic family-friendly festival mixing yesterday’s nostalgia with today’s fun.
Jonesboro River RallyJonesboro
Stunt riders, light show and live entertainment with Grant County’s coolest bikers.
Ducktail Run - Gas City
Custom show with muffler rapping and flame throwing contests for all makes and models.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Walkway of Lights - Marion
2.5 million dazzling Christmas lights and holiday fun.
GRANT COUNTY IS INDIANA’S FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT DESTINATION!
Hear some of the best regional bands live! Outdoor venues include the stage where James Dean performed in Fairmount, along with various parks and downtown locations throughout the county. Choose from several free performances weekly or attend them all!
Grant County, Indiana is home to several unique communities with their own classic and cool characteristics.
Fairmount
You could easily spend several days in Fairmount exploring Hollywood lore and experiencing the fabulous 50s. Nostalgia is everywhere in this idyllic town where actor James Dean and cartoonist Jim Davis grew up.
Marion
Marion is the county seat, where tales of high school basketball legends are told and where Christmas City USA and the town have become synonymous. Marion is the birthplace of actor James Dean and cartoonist Jim Davis and home to several prominent icons like Samuel Plato, Cole Porter and Marie Webster
Gas City
Gas City is in the middle of the county along the Mississinewa River. This town’s growth was ignited by the discovery of natural gas in the late 1800s, hence the name. When you visit, you’ll discover popular attractions and fascinating history.
Sweetser
This charming small town was influenced by the railroad. You’ll see preserved railroad cars in town, with Garfield waving hello.
Jonesboro
Across the river from Gas City, is Jonesboro. Don’t let the small size of this town fool you. Annually in September during the Jonesboro River Rally, streets are lined with thousands of the coolest motorcycles from all over the U.S.
Upland
Home to Taylor University, a Christian Liberal Arts college, Upland is a college town. You’ll notice a train vibe here, too. Downtown, Depot Park features a caboose, a wooden train, a vintage clock tower and a depot.
Classic Cool To Do
Take a selfie with everyone’s favorite fat cat on the Garfield Trail. (See page 5 for locations throughout the county.)
Leave your mark and some love on James Dean’s grave in Park Cemetery, Fairmount.
Savor a strawberry shortcake sundae from Ivanhoes in Upland.
Check out the 1916 wooden caboose, restored parlor car and mail car along the Sweetser Switch Trail.
Stroll across the historic Cumberland Covered Bridge. (See page 10)
See the larger than life murals of the iconic James Dean - two in Fairmount, one in Marion.
Order the traditional British fish 'n chips at Payne’s Restaurant in Gas City (And, keep the little British flag!)
Float down the lazy river at Splash House Water Park in Marion.
