Fillmore IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fillmore, Indiana.
1. Putnam County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Putnam County Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the local history and culture of Putnam County, including Fillmore. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from early settlement to modern times. Visitors can explore rotating displays and permanent collections that highlight significant events, notable residents, and the rural heritage that shaped this Indiana community.
2. Conspire: Contemporary Craft
ARTISAN WORKS AND GIFTS
Conspire: Contemporary Craft is a vibrant gallery and shop featuring handmade works by local and regional artisans near Fillmore. Visitors can browse unique jewelry, pottery, textiles, and other handcrafted items created by skilled craftspeople from across Indiana. The space offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind gifts and artistic treasures that showcase the creativity flourishing in the region.
3. Periodic Museum of the Elements
SCIENCE AND CHEMISTRY EXPLORATION
The Periodic Museum of the Elements takes visitors on an educational journey through the wonders of chemistry and the periodic table. Interactive exhibits allow guests to explore elements and compounds through engaging displays that make complex scientific concepts accessible to all ages. This unique museum combines education with entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and anyone curious about the building blocks of our universe.
4. Burdge Boots
CUSTOM WESTERN FOOTWEAR
Burdge Boots is a celebrated local business specializing in handcrafted western footwear in the heart of Fillmore. Visitors can watch skilled artisans create custom boots using traditional techniques and premium materials. The shop offers a glimpse into American craftsmanship with its unique atmosphere and dedication to quality that has made it a destination for boot enthusiasts across the region.
5. DePauw Nature Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
DePauw Nature Park encompasses over 500 acres of diverse natural habitats, including forests, meadows, and quarry landscapes just a short drive from Fillmore. Hikers can explore miles of scenic trails that wind through the property, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plant species. The park features beautiful limestone formations, peaceful woodlands, and educational signage that makes it perfect for both casual strolls and serious nature study.
6. Lieber State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Lieber State Recreation Area is a premier outdoor destination centered around the 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake near Fillmore. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and camping along the scenic shoreline surrounded by forested hills and limestone outcroppings. The recreation area offers extensive hiking trails, picnic facilities, and seasonal nature programs that showcase the natural beauty of west-central Indiana.
7. Big Walnut Preserve
PROTECTED NATURAL WILDERNESS
Big Walnut Preserve protects over 2,000 acres of pristine forest and riparian habitat along Big Walnut Creek not far from Fillmore. Hikers can explore trails through old-growth forests containing massive trees that have stood for centuries, including some of the largest black walnut specimens in the state. The preserve is home to diverse wildlife and plant communities, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness experience.
8. Deam Lake State Recreation Area
SCENIC LAKE AND FORESTS
Deam Lake State Recreation Area features a beautiful 194-acre lake surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of the Hoosier National Forest region. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the beach, fishing for bass and bluegill, or exploring the extensive network of multi-use trails that connect to the Knobstone Trail, Indiana's longest footpath. The recreation area offers camping facilities, boat rentals, and picnic areas that make it perfect for day trips or extended outdoor adventures from Fillmore.
9. Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
THRILLS AND EXCITEMENT
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park offers exciting outdoor activities for visitors seeking thrills near Fillmore. Families can enjoy ziplines, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and other adrenaline-pumping attractions in a safe, supervised environment. The park combines adventure with beautiful natural surroundings, creating memorable experiences for guests of all ages and ability levels.
10. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
WORLD-CLASS FAMILY LEARNING
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world, offering extraordinary exhibits across five floors of interactive learning spaces. Visitors from Fillmore can explore dinosaur exhibits, space science, cultural displays, and immersive historical experiences designed to engage curious minds of all ages. The museum features a stunning outdoor Sports Legends Experience, seasonal special exhibits, and daily programs that make each visit a unique adventure in discovery and play.
11. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
RACING HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands as the world's largest sports venue and the iconic home of the Indianapolis 500, just an hour's drive from Fillmore. Visitors can tour the hallowed 2.5-mile oval track, explore the comprehensive IMS Museum housing historic race cars, and learn about the technological innovations that shaped automotive racing. Race fans can experience the thrill of this legendary venue through behind-the-scenes tours, special events, and even driving experiences that put them right on the famous brickyard.
12. Newfields
ART AND NATURE COMBINED
Newfields encompasses the Indianapolis Museum of Art and its surrounding 152 acres of gardens, woodlands, and waterways, creating a unique cultural campus within reach of Fillmore residents. Art lovers can explore world-class collections spanning 5,000 years of creative expression, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces displayed in thoughtfully curated galleries. The immersive experience extends outdoors through seasonal garden displays, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and the historic Lilly House, offering a perfect blend of artistic and natural beauty.
13. Terre Haute Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING ADVENTURE
The Terre Haute Children's Museum provides hands-on educational experiences through three floors of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning. Children can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts through play-based activities that encourage discovery and problem-solving. The museum's engaging environment features water tables, building zones, health exhibits, and special programming that makes it a favorite destination for families from Fillmore and throughout the region.
14. Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens preserves an exquisite 26-acre estate that transports visitors to the elegance of the early 20th century American country house era. The meticulously restored mansion showcases original furnishings and decorative arts that illustrate the refined lifestyle of the prominent Lilly family. Surrounding the home are breathtaking formal gardens designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, featuring allées, fountains, and seasonal plantings that create a peaceful retreat within easy driving distance from Fillmore.
15. Indiana Medical History Museum
FASCINATING MEDICAL HERITAGE
The Indiana Medical History Museum occupies the Old Pathology Building of the former Central State Hospital, preserving an authentic late 19th-century medical facility. Visitors can step back in time to explore the original laboratories, autopsy room, and teaching amphitheater where physicians once studied neurological and psychiatric conditions. The museum houses an extensive collection of historic medical instruments, anatomical specimens, and archival materials that document the evolution of medical science and mental health treatment in a uniquely preserved setting accessible from Fillmore.