Fountain City IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fountain City, Indiana.
1. Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site features the 1839 home of Quaker activists who played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad. This modest painted brick house has been welcoming visitors since 1967 and stands out for the historical significance of its former residents. Adjacent to the historic house is a three-story Interpretive Center that was named a 'top new museum to visit' by Smithsonian.com in 2017.
2. Fountain Acres Foods
UNIQUE LOCAL MARKET
Fountain Acres Foods is a specialty and gift shop that offers unique items you can't find anywhere else. The shop features diverse merchandise including children's western wear, themed wrapping paper, and custom Amish-crafted items like outhouse-shaped toilet paper dispensers. Visitors of all ages can find something interesting at this local establishment that prides itself on its distinctive inventory.
3. Fountain City Historic District
ARCHITECTURAL TIME CAPSULE
The Fountain City Historic District showcases a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th century American architectural styles. Walking through the town offers visitors a visual encyclopedia of Federal, Italianate, Queen Anne, Classical Revival, and Bungalow building designs. The district has applied for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance as a preserved architectural landscape.
4. Middlefork Reservoir Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Middlefork Reservoir Park offers visitors a peaceful natural setting for various outdoor activities near Fountain City. The park features water recreation opportunities on the reservoir, along with trails for hiking and areas for picnicking. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, and seasonal recreational programs in this tranquil environment.
5. Hayes Arboretum
NATURAL WOODLAND SANCTUARY
Hayes Arboretum is a beautiful nature preserve spanning over 400 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands just outside of Richmond. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems showcasing native Indiana flora and fauna. The arboretum features educational programs, a nature center, and seasonal events that celebrate the natural heritage of the region.
6. Wayne County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Wayne County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region surrounding Fountain City. The museum houses extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from pioneer days to the present. Visitors can explore multiple exhibit halls featuring everything from early transportation to local industries that shaped the community.
7. Earlham College
HISTORIC QUAKER INSTITUTION
Earlham College is a prestigious liberal arts institution founded by Quakers in 1847 with beautiful historic architecture and campus grounds. The college features the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, which houses impressive collections of fossils, minerals, and biological specimens open to the public. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the campus, attend cultural events, and explore the college's art galleries which showcase student and professional works.
8. Richmond Art Museum
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Richmond Art Museum houses an impressive permanent collection of American Impressionist paintings and contemporary works in a historic building. Founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest art museums operating continuously in the state of Indiana. The museum offers rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops that engage visitors in appreciating diverse artistic expressions.
9. Glen Miller Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARK
Glen Miller Park is a beloved 194-acre historic park featuring rolling landscapes, mature trees, and recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The park includes a beautiful rose garden, the Richmond Rose Garden, which displays hundreds of rose varieties in a formal garden setting. Families can enjoy playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a bandshell that hosts summer concerts and community events.
10. Whitewater Gorge Park
SCENIC RIVER CANYON
Whitewater Gorge Park follows the dramatic limestone canyon carved by the Whitewater River with impressive geological features and natural beauty. The park includes the Whitewater Valley Gorge Trail, a paved pathway that allows visitors to explore the unique ecosystem and historical sites along the river. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching, and photography opportunities in this picturesque natural setting.
11. Model T Ford Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
The Model T Ford Museum showcases an extensive collection of these iconic vehicles that revolutionized American transportation in the early 20th century. Visitors can view meticulously restored Model Ts in various body styles, along with engines, parts, and memorabilia related to Ford's groundbreaking automobile. The museum offers insights into the manufacturing innovations, social impact, and cultural significance of the Model T in American history.
12. Gennett Records Walk of Fame
MUSIC HISTORY LANDMARK
The Gennett Records Walk of Fame commemorates the groundbreaking recordings made at Richmond's historic Gennett Records studio, which captured early jazz, blues, and country music. The outdoor installation features medallions honoring legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, and Jelly Roll Morton who recorded at the studio. Music history enthusiasts can follow the walk to learn about Richmond's significant contribution to America's musical heritage in the early 20th century.
13. Old National Road Welcome Center
HISTORIC HIGHWAY INFORMATION
The Old National Road Welcome Center provides visitors with information about America's first federally-funded highway that played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. The center features exhibits on the construction and significance of this historic transportation route that passes through Richmond. Travelers can gather maps, brochures, and recommendations for exploring the historic sites and attractions along this scenic byway.
14. Thistlethwaite Falls
NATURAL WATERFALL LANDMARK
Thistlethwaite Falls is a picturesque man-modified waterfall on the West Fork of the Whitewater River that creates a stunning cascade over limestone ledges. The falls are situated in a peaceful natural setting that offers visitors a serene spot for photography, picnicking, and enjoying the sounds of rushing water. Easy access via a short trail makes this natural attraction popular with locals and tourists seeking a connection with the region's beautiful landscape.
15. Joseph Moore Museum
NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Joseph Moore Museum at Earlham College houses an impressive collection of natural history specimens including dinosaur fossils, minerals, and mounted animals in a educational setting. Visitors can see a complete skeleton of a giant beaver, Egyptian mummies, and a planetarium that offers celestial shows and astronomy programs. The museum provides interactive learning experiences through hands-on exhibits and guided tours that engage visitors of all ages in scientific discovery.