Welcome to MoCo
Montgomery County has charming yet vibrant communities home to artist studios, galleries, parks, museums,
About the cover image:
Montgomery County is a community proud of its creativity, active outdoor lifestyle, local dining hot spots, exciting events and rich history. We are Uniquely MoCo.
Visit our museums, art galleries and outdoor murals, and you’ll soon get a sense of our local talent. From our shop windows to the finest art pieces showcased in our galleries, you’ll soon experience our creativity and immense local pride.
If being active outdoors sounds like something for you, MoCo is your place. Explore more than 30 miles of scenic Sugar Creek by floating tube, canoe or kayak. Or, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at Shades State Park.
MoCo loves to host fun events and we are excited to host the Motocross of Nations in 2025 ! Check out our First Fridays in Historic Downtown Crawfordsville in addition to many local festivals throughout the county. Watch the mud fly at the ATV and motocross races at Ironman Raceway. In the fall, hoist a stein and do the Chicken Dance at the annual Oktoberfest.
We take our food seriously! Tickle your taste buds with a variety of Uniquely MoCo dishes from local favorites like the breaded tenderloin to authentic Italian and Mexican cuisines. Fill up on fresh foods at the local Four Seasons Market or the seasonal downtown farmers market.
A rich history laid the foundation for Crawfordsville and Montgomery County. Visit the last operational rotary jail in the United States, or you can read a book under a shade tree close to where Lew Wallace wrote the book, Ben-Hur.
We invite you to MoCo and look forward to seeing you soon!
Heather Shirk Executive Director, Visit MoCo
“This photo was taken at Deers Mill Covered Bridge just north of Shades State Park. It was a beautiful fall day and my son wanted to skip some rocks by the creek.”
Photo by Will Bernhardt
Groups APPRECIATE THE VARIETY MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFERS.
We can help you plan the perfect itinerary centered around your group’s interests.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Paddle or tube down Sugar Creek , peddle or hike the Big Four Rail corridor, play disc golf at Milligan Park and explore Shades State Park . Days of adventure await you in Montgomery County.
ANTIQUES AND ART GALLERIES
With art galleries, an historic live performance theatre and several antique stores, your days can be filled with beauty, browsing and buying.
HISTORY BUFFS
Montgomery County is home to fascinating history. Explore the study of General Lew Wallace , famous politician, Civil War Major General and author of Ben-Hur.
Tour the Lane Place , an historic Greek revival home of Senator and Mrs. Henry S. Lane and learn this property’s connection to the underground railroad.
Witness the gears grind at the Rotary Jail Museum , the only working rotary jail in the country. Opened in 1882, it was the first of its kind and still operates via hand crank today.
This area is rich in locomotive history. At the Linden Depot Museum , discover Monon and Nickel Plate memorabilia in the fully restored 1908 junction depot.
Vibrant and historic downtown Crawfordsville proudly showcases well-preserved turn of the century architecture. These gems are perfect selfie sites for history lovers and an inspiring place to shop, eat and do business.
GOLF TRIP
With so many places to stay and play, you owe it to your golf buddies to book your next golf trip here. There are four area golf courses you can pair with pubs and restaurants for a memorable golf getaway.
We
vow TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DREAMS COME TRUE.
Convenient for your guests, Montgomery County is located right off I-74, less than an hour west of Indianapolis. Beautifully preserved historic buildings, scenic Sugar Creek and stunning nature will make a lovely impression while providing gorgeous backdrops for your photos.
Scheduling your celebration here is an affordable way to make your day extra special. In most cases, our long list of vendors can offer services at lower costs than what you’ll find in the bigger cities.
The variety of restaurants and overnight accommodations will enhance your wedding events and provide extraordinary memories for you and your guests.
DAPPLED WILLOW
6289 N SR 47, Darlington (765) 366-4592
HIDDEN HOLLOW
4519 W 300 N, Crawfordsville (765) 366-9889
MASONIC CORNERSTONE
221 S Washington St, Crawfordsville (765) 362-6510
STONE CREEK LODGE
2865 S SR 47, Crawfordsville (765) 362-5538
Uniquely MoCo PLAY
Montgomery County is home to a beautiful state park and rocky wonders.
For day trips or family getaways, Montgomery County is the place to create a masterpiece of memories.
We offer plenty of outdoor recreation adventures. Float or paddle down the scenic treelined Sugar Creek and camp along the banks. Filled with dramatic natural splendor, explore Shades State Park , a serene hiker’s paradise.
Shades State Park is that peaceful place you’ve sought. Located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville (off S.R. 47), it is a favorite for hikers.
7751 S 890 W, Waveland
For a higher level of adventure, navigate hogback ridges with steep drop-offs, rugged hills, deep gorges and sandstone bluffs in Pine Hills Nature Preserve.
Built in the mid 1800s and lovingly preserved, discover Darlington Covered Bridge or Deer’s Mill Covered Bridge as you travel through the countryside.
Photographer: Will Bernhardt
Adrenaline Junkies Welcome Here
Rent canoes, kayaks and floating tubes from Sugar Creek Campground & Canoe Rentals. Nature’s backdrop is breathtaking along Sugar Creek’s banks. You’ll soon understand why paddlers return year-after-year. Open seasonally.
841 W 83 N, Crawfordsville
Pitch a tent, park your RV or rent a cabin at the Sugar Creek Campground & Canoe Rentals , loaded with amenities and activities.
841 W 83 N, Crawfordsville
Everywhere you turn, Shades State Park is a nature lover’s paradise of sandstone cliffs and shady ravines. Explore the popular Trail #2, a moderate 2.1-mile hike that winds you past a cascading waterfall. For a rugged hike and more extreme topography, wander through the Pine Hill Nature Preserve
7751 S 890 W, Waveland
visitmoco.com/adrenaline-junkies
Local Parks and Trails PROVIDE A LONG
OF AMENITIES AND FAMILY FUN
Step out of the water and bike the 4.5-mile Sugar Creek Community Trail . The Nucor Bridge takes you over the sparkling Sugar Creek into peaceful Biggs Bluff.
Milligan Park in Crawfordsville features playgrounds, shelters, horseshoe pits, a 22-cage disc golf course and a skate park complete with banks and obstacles. The crowned jewel is the Milligan Park Pool and Splash Pad with an Olympic sized pool and a splash pad that goes from sprinkle to douse. 910 Mill St., Crawfordsville
The Waynetown Aquatics Center offers a slippery curly slide, a splash pad and a wade-in kiddie pool that gradually reaches one-foot deep. Rubber duckies optional. 100 Pool St., Waynetown
visitmoco.com/places-to-cool-off-in-montgomery-county
Trip Idea
Pack your hiking shoes, bathing suits, towels, frisbee and skateboard. Spend a day at Milligan Park , including the pool and splash pad. Have a casual meal and ice cream at the family-owned Big Dipper in Crawfordsville. The next day, travel 18 minutes from Crawfordsville to Waynetown for another sun and water-soaked day. On day three, rent a canoe, kayak or tubes and paddle along the scenic Sugar Creek. Explore, on day four, the serene and dramatic beauty of Shades State Park . Camp or book a stay at a hotel. We have the right vibe for everyone’s lifestyle.
Out-of-the-Ordinary OUTDOOR SPORTS
Saddle up! Exciting barrel racing and action-packed rodeos are regularly scheduled at PAC Mid-West Rodeo Co. & Arena in Crawfordsville. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
2350 Indianapolis Rd., Crawfordsville
Watch the drivers and the dirt fly at the Ben Hur Go Kart Speedway in Crawfordsville. This 1-1/3-mile dirt track is fast! Racing every other Saturday night, seasonally.
1500 N CR 400W, Crawfordsville
While in the area, schedule a tee time at one of our scenic and challenging golf courses.
Crawfordsville Municipal Golf Course 1000 E South Blvd., Crawfordsville
Rocky Ridge Golf Course 3965 N 625 E, Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville Country Club 3272 W Country Club Rd., Crawfordsville
Turkey Run Golf Course 7951 E SR 47, Waveland
Lew Wallace, who lived most of his life in Crawfordsville, was a major general in the Union Army during the American Civil War, a politician, and author of the epic classic, BenHur:ATaleofTheChrist . Visit the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum to get a glimpse of the life of this important American with a lasting legacy. It is a National Historic Landmark. Open seasonally.
200 Wallace Ave., Crawfordsville
Lane Place is the Greek revival home of Senator Henry S. and Joanna Lane. It is a National Historic Landmark. In the mid 1800s, Lane was a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator and helped found the Republican Party. Visit to learn why Lane was the Indiana governor for only two days! Also on grounds, the Speed Cabin was a haven for runaway slaves. Open seasonally.
212 S Water St., Crawfordsville
Historical MoCo
Montgomery County is rich in historical achievement with far-reaching impact.
Trip Idea
Pack comfortable walking shoes. Spend a day visiting the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum . Have lunch in historic downtown Crawfordsville, then head to Lane Place to tour the Greek revival home and historic grounds. The next day, go to the Rotary Jail Museum for an interesting demonstration of the only operating rotary jail in the world! Then drive 20 minutes to Linden and explore the Linden Depot Museum . Make reservations at Francis and Mount for an upscale dinner to remember in historic downtown Crawfordsville.
Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County Housed in Indiana’s first Carnegie Library building, the Carnegie Museum is an interdisciplinary and interactive museum of history, science and art. Wheel chair accessible. Admission is always free.
222 S Washington St., Crawfordsville
As fascinating as it is renown, the Rotary Jail Museum was the first rotary jail in the country. It opened in 1882, and is the only rotary jail in the world that still rotates today, via a hand crank. Days open and hours vary. Call ahead for hours and to schedule a tour.
225 N Washington St., Crawfordsville
The Linden Depot Museum building, a fully restored 1908 junction depot, captures important local history. Inside you’ll discover an extensive exhibit of railroad memorabilia. See a large HO model railroad with four operating trains, an operating monorail and streetcar. Railroad signs on the grounds make for delightful selfie spots for train enthusiasts of all ages and sizes. Open seasonally on weekends only.
520 N Main St., Linden
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Arts and Entertainent
Montgomery County is enriched with a collection of art galleries, music venues and a historic theater presenting live performances and occasional films.
Green Street Gallery
Crawfordsville artist, Jerry Smith has a working studio and gallery called Green Street Gallery. The preserved historic building is a work of art itself and displays Smith’s watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings. Watch him work and purchase a piece from this well-known artist. 119 S Green St., Crawfordsville
Shop Small Shop Handmade LLC
This unique shop helps small business owners achieve their dreams. The store has over 30 vendors with a plethora of handmade items! Workshops offered. 124 N Green St., Crawfordsville
The Vanity Theater - Sugar Creek Players
Originally opened in 1936 to show movies, The Vanity Theater is a historic treasure. Now, home to the Sugar Creek Players, every year there is a season full of plays, musicals and performances.
122 S Washington St., Crawfordsville
On the first floor of the Crawfordsville District Public Library, you’ll find the Mary Bishop Memorial Art Gallery, named after the long-time library director. Exhibits are free and rotate frequently. Many pieces are for sale.
205 S Washington St., Crawfordsville
Oak Hill Tree Farm
Open mid-Sep. through Oct. 30. The farm includes an activity zone with a 200-foot hill slide in the trees, kids’ zipline, tractor play area, natural playground, giant games, wagon rides, a corn maze and more.
493 Oak Hill Rd., Crawfordsville
DINE
Hoosier Homestyle, Pub Grub, Pizza and Fine Dining
Hoosier Homestyle
Alice’s Restaurant
Grilled burgers, hot sandwiches, meatloaf, ham and beans, beef manhattans and BBQ chicken are served with hot vegetables, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy. Desserts are homemade and delicious. The breakfasts are scrumptious and a hearty way to start your day!
125 W Market St., Crawfordsville
Emporium 109
Quality, service and cuisine you’d expect in a big city. The extensive menu offers main dishes with a flavorful flair! The bar carries a long list of unique and favorite spirits and the drinks are divine.
109 E Main St., Ladoga
Sunoco
The breaded tenderloin is a traditional Hoosier experience that is widely considered a “must” while you are in Indiana. So, don’t miss this award-winning thick, hand cut, hand pounded tenderloin at Sunoco Midwest Clean Fuel. Yes! A gas station! You will be amazed at their extensive menu including fried chicken, pulled pork and other homestyle favorites.
2501 Lafayette Rd., Crawfordsville
Casual Sit Downs
Creekside Lodge
The views will only be out done by the menu loaded with fancy favorites. From shrimp cocktail and filet mignon to spaghetti and country fried steak, they serve heaping helpings to satisfy any appetite.
613 Lafayette Ave., Crawfordsville
Francis and Mount
This restaurant offers a sumptuous menu and exquisite dining experience in historic downtown Crawfordsville. Discover surf & turf, flavorful pasta, high-end steaks and seafood seasoned to perfection.
131 N Washington St., Crawfordsville
The Mustard Seed
Feeding bodies and nourishing souls one plate at a time! By eating here, you are investing in the lives of women who have come to Montgomery County for refuge and healing through a local minstry.
112 W Washington St., Waynetown
Pub Grub
Barefoot Restaurant & Bar
It’s beachy every day at Barefoot Restaurant & Bar. Specialty burgers stacked high with goodies, hand cut fries, soups, salads and craft beers on tap will taste especially yummy in a tiki style atmosphere. We should mention, unfortunately, shoes are required.
127 S Green St., Crawfordsville
Pizza
Wildfire 348
Sure, you’ve had pizza lots of places and probably have several favorites, but, wait til you try the wood-fired pizza at Wildfire 348. Served
blistering hot with a wide variety of usual or unique toppings, this pizza place has taken the ordinary out of pizza.
1613 U.S. 231 South, Crawfordsville
Brews and Wine
From full-bodied to a hint of fruity, Backstep Brewing Company in Crawfordsville offers a long and lively list of craft beers. Their bustling event calendar includes tappings, games, live music, BINGO, trivia, parties, celebrations and more! Come hungry for their hearty pub grub and stay for the friendly atmosphere.
125 N Green St., Crawfordsville
Delicious wine in a charming setting awaits you at Coal Creek Cellars Winery in Crawfordsville. Sip and sample various reds, whites or specialty blends on the outskirts of town. Relax and savor with lovely views of the vineyard and nature at play. 3573 W US Hwy. 136, Crawfordsville
Raise A Glass
From fun and flavorful craft beers served in cozy taprooms to local wine vineyards with a view, Montgomery County has craft beer breweries and wineries that will inspire toast after
toast.
SHOP
Shop specialty stores, boutiques and antique shops in Montgomery County. One-of-a-kinds, trendy fashions, snazzy home decor and hard-to-finds are ready for you to discover.
Bearded Comics & Collectibles
101 E Main St., Crawfordsville (206) 302-8851
Beaver’s Bargains
1825 US 231, Crawfordsville (765) 367-6034
Born in a Barn
1458 W 300 North, Crawfordsville (765) 366-1213
Cabbages & Kings Antique Mall
124 S Washington St., Crawfordsville (206) 302-8851
Country Hearts and Flowers
126 N Green St., Crawfordsville (765) 362-8860
Creek Jewelers
111 S Washington St., Crawfordsville (765) 362-0603
Davidson Greenhouse & Nursery 3147 E Ladoga Rd., Crawfordsville (765) 364-0556
Dawn & Friend’s Hodgepodge Market
103 E Washington, Waynetown (217) 450-7062
Denhart’s Mercantile
134 E 800 North, Crawfordsville (765) 339-4713
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Eliza’s Consignment Boutique
211 N Washington St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-7398
Evelyn’s Attic
220 S Main St., Linden (765) 404-6829
Four Seasons Local Market
128 S Washington St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-2177
Fresh Cut by Shannon Family Farms 1434 E 600 South, Crawfordsville (765) 376-2357
Gregg’s Corner Market
100 W Washington St., Waynetown (765) 234-2022
Hanthorn Barn Store
220 E Vine St., Linden (765) 299-2453
Happy’s Game Store
1532 S Washington St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-7365
Heathcliff
Unique ladies apparel, accessories and gifts. 101 N Washington St. (765) 362-0888
In His Time Books & Gifts
109 S Washington St., Crawfordsville (765) 365-5311
Jessica’s On Main 101 E Main St., Ladoga (765) 366-8750
* Denotes a Downtown Crawfordsville shop
Just Because Flowers, Gifts, and More
210 E Main St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-2341
Logical Collectibles
120 N Main St., Linden fb.com/LogicalCollectibles
Marianne’s Upscale Resale 514 S Schenck Rd., Crawfordsville (765) 362-1444
Milligan’s Flowers & Gifts
115 E Main St., Crawfordsville (765) 362-3496
Miss Sugar Ray Chocolatier
120 W Main St., Crawfordsville (765) 323-3193
No.109 Boutique 1311 B Darlington Ave., Crawfordsville (765) 307-8660
Noel’s Gift Shop
302 E Washington St., Waynetown (765) 307-6345
RBG Threads
114 N Grant Ave., Crawfordsville (765) 376-3300
Reclaimed by Grace
114 N Grant Ave., Crawfordsville (765) 376-3300
Shop Small Shop Handmade LLC
124 N Green St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-2501
Simpler Times
Primitive and country home décor. 1880 S US Hwy. 231, Crawfordsville (765) 366-4438
The Tee Shirt Shoppe
302 E Market St., Suite 4, Crawfordsville (765) 838-3438
Trader Buck’s Flea Market 1659 Eastway Dr., Crawfordsville (765) 362-1110
Wabash College Bookstore
301 W Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville (765) 361-6095
Waynetown Antique Mall 103 E Washington St., Waynetown (540) 842-8563
Whimsie
124 W Main St., Crawfordsville (765) 307-1169
Wonderfully Made Decor 1408 Darlington Ave., Crawfordsville (765) 366-2884
Pick up a SHOP guide at the MoCo Visitor Center
EDUCATION
Founded in 1832, Wabash College educates men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely.
The well-balanced educational model is time-tested and effective. One in 10 Wabash graduates goes on to hold a highranking position in his field or business and nearly 40 percent of alumni hold advanced degrees.
Wabash graduates are admitted to medical (90%) and law (88%) schools at rates that are nearly twice the national average. The College is also home to the nation’s number fourranked alumni network and the second-ranked internship program.
Students take the classical liberal arts instruction they receive in the classroom and round it off with co-curricular initiatives, including
Wabash Democracy and Public Discourse, Global Health, and the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship; a wide range of paid internships; and off-campus study opportunities. Wabash men participate in internships in state and national government, law firms and medical offices, advertising and marketing agencies, some of the nation’s top research laboratories, and an array of businesses and non-profits.
Wabash students have also traveled with their professors on immersion learning courses to five continents.
Wabash balances a rigorous classroom experience with a top-tier NCAA Division III athletics program that competes in 13 varsity sports and is a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference.
Wabash is home to six centers of distinction: the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies, the Stephenson Institute for Classical Liberalism, the Center of Inquiry in the Liberal Arts, the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium, the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, and the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program.
Main Switchboard: 765-361-6100 • wabash.edu
STAY
Bed & Breakfasts
Whether you are visiting with a sports team, corporate group or looking for a getaway, Montgomery County has accommodations with just the right vibe. Reserve a hotel room, campsite, bed & breakfast, cabin or even a trendy tiny house, and make your stay as unique as you!
The Queen & I Bed and Breakfast - Crawfordsville Book a charming bed and breakfast experience with expansive prairie and wooded views. This historic home has been renovated with Hoosier hospitality in mind. For more privacy, consider the yurt inspired cabin nestled among prairie grass at the edge of the woods.
Uniquely
Creek
Cabins & Candlelight - Colfax
If you are going for rustic and romantic, look no further. This cabin is a lovely, secluded spot to stay in and be cozy or to explore the serenity of nature.
MoCo
The Queen & I Yurt Inspired Cabin
Sugar
Retreat - Waveland
The Queen & I Homestead
With a view of Sugar Creek, this tiny house is privately situated at the edge of the woods and next to Oak Hill Tree Farm. With canoeing, kayaking and hiking steps away, your days can be filled with adventure while your nights are sure to be quiet and secluded. This compact tiny house is loaded with everything you need, including comfort, convenience and coziness.
Hotels in Crawfordsville
Other Hotel options: Knights Inn, Motel 6, Super 8
Campgrounds and RV Parks
With so many outdoor adventures close by, camping is the perfect way to play and stay in nature! From primitive to the most decked out motorcoach, you’ll find the ideal campsite in Montgomery County.
Scan for all MoCo Stays
Tiny Home Treasure - Crawfordsville
Sugar Creek Campground & Canoe RentalsCrawfordsville
Crawfordsville KOA
Hampton Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express Comfort Inn Best Western Plus
Eventfully MoCo
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IRONMAN RACEWAY is one of the premier motocross racing facilities on the national circuit.
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Located an hour from the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this dirt racing venue draws competitors and race fans from around the world.
MAY - TWO EVENTS
Hoosier GNCC
ATVMX National
AUGUST
Ironman National
OCTOBER - TWO EVENTS
Ironman GNCC
EXCITED TO HOST
Monster Energy Motocross Of Nations 2
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JUNE - CANOE RACE AT SUGAR CREEK
Sugar Creek is often cited as Indiana’s most beautiful waterway for canoeing. The creek banks are tree-lined and feature sandstone bluffs. During your meandering journey, you’ll see historic mills, covered bridges and a variety of wildlife. With several points of entry, it’s the perfect balance between access and seclusion. Two races available: 15 Miles and 4 Miles
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JUNE - CRAWFORDSVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
For 50 plus years, this is one of Indiana’s most beloved community festivals! The very first Strawberry Festival was held in 1878 and the celebration has kept growing since then. For three days, the grounds of the historic Lane Place is transformed into a strawberry-themed festival with food, art & crafts and free entertainment for all ages. On stage, bands, singers and dancers will fill the summer air with festive sights and sounds.
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AUGUST - TASTE OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
is a festival of fun, flavors and music. Taste local food, wine and craft beer. Several bands playing a variety of music will keep the party going. Find a shady spot and stay all day. This is a fundraiser benefitting the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum.
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OCTOBER - OKTOBERFEST IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CRAWFORDSVILLE
The annual event celebrates fall in the best way! The fun never ends with events like the Stein Hoist, Brat Toss, Chicken Dance, beer gardens and food trucks. Check out the drink specials along with the return of the Oktoberfest Marzen Beer.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS - ‘Tis the season for festivities and celebration in Montgomery County!
NOVEMBER
Small Business Saturday Downtown Party Night
DECEMBER
Christmas Parade
Downtown Crawfordsville Legend
