Garrett IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Garrett, Indiana.
1. Garrett Public Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY HUB
The Garrett Public Library serves as the intellectual and cultural center of the community, offering a wide range of books, digital resources, and programs for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the library's welcoming atmosphere, architectural charm, and various community events held throughout the year. The library stands as a testament to Garrett's commitment to education and lifelong learning.
2. Garrett Museum of Art
CREATIVE CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Garrett Museum of Art showcases talented local and regional artists through rotating exhibitions that highlight various artistic styles and mediums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the creative expressions of Northeast Indiana's vibrant art community while enjoying the museum's welcoming atmosphere. The museum also offers art classes and special events throughout the year, making it a cultural gem in the heart of Garrett.
3. Garrett Historical Railroad Museum
RICH RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Garrett Historical Railroad Museum preserves and celebrates the city's deep-rooted connection to America's railroad history through fascinating exhibits and authentic artifacts. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives, railway equipment, and memorabilia that tell the story of how the railroad shaped the development of Garrett and the surrounding region. The museum offers an educational journey through time, showcasing the significance of rail transportation in America's industrial growth.
4. Auburn Garrett Drive In
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
The Auburn Garrett Drive In offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the stars, keeping alive the classic American tradition of drive-in theaters. Visitors can enjoy current films from the comfort of their vehicles while savoring traditional concession stand treats in a family-friendly atmosphere. The drive-in operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall, providing memorable entertainment experiences for locals and tourists alike.
5. Miss Vicki's Uniquely Vintage
RETRO SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Miss Vicki's Uniquely Vintage offers a charming shopping experience featuring carefully curated vintage items, antiques, and retro treasures from various eras. Visitors can browse through an eclectic collection of clothing, accessories, home decor, and collectibles that capture the essence of bygone times. The shop's friendly atmosphere and unique finds make it a must-visit destination for vintage enthusiasts and those seeking one-of-a-kind items with character and history.
6. Heritage Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Heritage Park serves as a central gathering place in Garrett, hosting the city's annual Heritage Days Festival each July 3rd and 4th with community celebrations and events. The park features an impressive bandstand, large pavilion, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a playground, offering recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Located on East Houston Street, this vibrant green space embodies the community spirit of Garrett while providing a pleasant setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.
7. Ocker Park
FAMILY RECREATION DESTINATION
Ocker Park offers diverse recreational opportunities with its picnic areas, fishing spots, and quarter-mile walking trail that winds through beautiful natural surroundings. During winter, the park transforms into a popular sledding destination, while remaining dog-friendly year-round for pet owners to enjoy. Located on Railroad Street just west of Heritage Park, this spacious green space provides the perfect setting for family outings and outdoor activities in every season.
8. Westside Park
PEACEFUL URBAN RETREAT
Westside Park, also known as John F. Kennedy Park, provides a tranquil retreat for reading, relaxation, and recreation in a charming setting. The park features play equipment, basketball courts, and a small outdoor pavilion perfect for picnics or lunch breaks during pleasant weather. Located adjacent to Sacred Heart Apartments and the St. Joseph Church Grotto, this intimate green space offers a welcome respite from the bustle of daily life.
9. Feick Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Feick Park serves as a recreational hub for Garrett residents and visitors, offering various sports facilities and outdoor amenities for active lifestyles. The park provides open spaces for casual games, organized sports activities, and community gatherings throughout the year. With its well-maintained grounds and accessible location, Feick Park exemplifies Garrett's commitment to providing quality outdoor spaces for public enjoyment and physical activity.
10. Paint It Black - Mural By Ricco Diamante
STRIKING URBAN ARTWORK
The Paint It Black mural created by artist Ricco Diamante adds a splash of creativity and visual interest to Garrett's urban landscape. This impressive public artwork showcases the artist's unique style and contributes to the cultural character of the community. Visitors can appreciate this striking mural as part of a walking tour of Garrett's downtown area, where art and history blend to create a distinctive small-town atmosphere.
11. Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
CLASSIC CAR COLLECTION
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of classic American automobiles, showcasing the elegant engineering and design of these prestigious early 20th-century vehicles. Visitors can explore over 120 cars displayed in the original 1930s art deco showroom of the Auburn Automobile Company, providing an authentic setting that enhances the historical experience. The museum, located just a short drive from Garrett in neighboring Auburn, offers a fascinating glimpse into America's automotive heritage and the luxury car brands that once defined the region's industrial prowess.
12. Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum
VINTAGE FORD SHOWCASE
The Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum celebrates the revolutionary Ford V-8 engines and vehicles produced between 1932 and 1953, a pivotal era in American automotive history. Visitors can admire a stunning collection of restored Ford automobiles, engines, and memorabilia displayed in a modern facility dedicated to preserving this important chapter in Ford's legacy. Located in Auburn near Garrett, this specialized museum provides car enthusiasts and history buffs with an in-depth look at the engineering innovations and cultural impact of these iconic American vehicles.
13. National Auto and Truck Museum
DIVERSE AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY
The National Auto and Truck Museum offers an extensive collection of vintage automobiles, trucks, and automotive memorabilia spanning multiple decades of American transportation history. Housed in the former service and new parts departments of the Auburn Automobile Company, the museum provides a complementary experience to the nearby Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum while focusing on a broader range of vehicles. Visitors to this Auburn attraction near Garrett can explore everything from classic family cars to commercial vehicles, providing a comprehensive look at how automobiles shaped American life and industry.
14. International Monster Truck Hall of Fame
CELEBRATION OF MOTORSPORT GIANTS
The International Monster Truck Hall of Fame honors the pioneers, drivers, and iconic vehicles that helped transform monster truck competitions into a beloved motorsport phenomenon. Visitors can get up close to legendary monster trucks, learn about the sport's evolution, and discover the stories behind famous trucks like Bigfoot and Grave Digger. Located in Auburn near Garrett, this unique museum offers an entertaining experience for motorsport fans and families alike, celebrating the larger-than-life spectacle of monster truck entertainment.
15. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
EXOTIC ANIMAL RESCUE
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary provides a permanent home for exotic animals rescued from captivity, offering visitors educational up-close experiences with lions, tigers, bears, and other fascinating creatures. The sanctuary focuses on animal welfare and education, teaching guests about the importance of responsible wildlife management and the challenges facing exotic animals in captivity. Located in Albion in Noble County near Garrett, this compassionate facility allows visitors to observe these magnificent animals in a setting that prioritizes their health and natural behaviors while raising awareness about conservation issues.