Orestes IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orestes, Indiana.
1. World's Largest Ball of Paint
COLORFUL RECORD-BREAKING LANDMARK
The World's Largest Ball of Paint is Alexandria's unique roadside attraction where visitors can add a layer of paint to a baseball that now boasts over 27,000 layers. This Guinness World Record holder has attracted thousands of visitors who have contributed to its ever-growing size and weight. Visitors need to schedule their painting experience in advance by contacting the Carmichael family who maintains this quirky attraction.
2. James Dean Museum
ICONIC ACTOR'S MEMORIAL
The James Dean Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the iconic 1950s actor who grew up in Fairmount. The museum features a collection of personal items, memorabilia, and photographs chronicling Dean's short but influential life and career. Visitors can explore exhibits that provide insight into both the public persona and private life of the cultural icon who starred in classics like 'Rebel Without a Cause.'
3. James Dean Gallery
TRIBUTE TO HOLLYWOOD LEGEND
The James Dean Gallery offers an extensive collection dedicated to the legendary actor who became a cultural phenomenon. Housed in a restored 1903 Victorian home, this private collection includes movie posters, rare photographs, and personal artifacts related to Dean's life and career. The gallery serves as both a museum and memorial to the actor who tragically died at age 24 but left an indelible mark on American cinema.
4. Mercantile 37
ARTISAN MARKETPLACE AND WORKSHOPS
Mercantile 37 is a unique artisan marketplace showcasing handcrafted goods from local Indiana makers and craftspeople. The venue features a curated selection of home decor, furniture, art, and specialty items created by skilled artisans across the region. Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind pieces and often participate in workshops or events that celebrate Indiana craftsmanship.
5. Park Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Park Cemetery is the final resting place of cultural icon James Dean, making it a pilgrimage site for fans from around the world. The peaceful cemetery grounds offer a reflective space to pay respects to the legendary actor who died in 1955. Visitors often leave mementos at Dean's simple headstone, which contrasts with the larger-than-life legacy he left behind in American cinema and popular culture.
6. Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
GAMING AND HORSE RACING
Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino offers an exciting combination of slot machines, electronic table games, and live harness racing just a short drive from Orestes. The facility features a slot-focused gaming floor with a variety of machines, including a dedicated high roller area and non-smoking sections. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of betting on harness races during racing season while also indulging in dining options and entertainment at this popular attraction.
7. Mounds State Park
ANCIENT EARTHWORKS PRESERVE
Mounds State Park preserves ten unique earthworks built by the prehistoric Adena-Hopewell people, with the Great Mound as its centerpiece. Located off I-69 east of Anderson, the park combines archaeological significance with natural beauty through its forest trails and White River access. Visitors can explore these ancient ceremonial mounds while enjoying outdoor recreational activities like hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation.
8. Oakley Brothers' Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS AND COCKTAILS
Oakley Brothers' Distillery offers a unique experience where visitors can see spirits produced and bottled on-site. This craft distillery features a restaurant and lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails made with their house-made spirits. The establishment provides a complete farm-to-glass experience with tours that showcase their distilling process and tasting opportunities for their handcrafted products.
9. Rangeline Nature Preserve
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Rangeline Nature Preserve offers visitors an outdoor escape with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and nature observation. The preserve features wooded areas, open meadows, and natural habitats that support diverse wildlife and plant species. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained trail system that provides recreational opportunities for all skill levels while conserving the natural environment.
10. Camp Chesterfield
SPIRITUAL RETREAT CENTER
Camp Chesterfield is a historic Spiritualist community and retreat center established in 1886, offering a unique glimpse into the Spiritualist movement. The grounds feature Victorian-era buildings, gardens, and a temple where psychic readings, healing services, and spiritual classes are still conducted today. Visitors can tour the grounds, attend events, or simply appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and distinctive architecture of this unusual spiritual community.
11. Uranus Fudge Factory
SWEET TREATS AND HUMOR
Uranus Fudge Factory offers visitors a whimsical candy shop experience with a humorous cosmic theme. The shop specializes in handcrafted fudge varieties alongside other sweet treats and novelty items that appeal to visitors of all ages. Beyond the sugary offerings, the establishment is known for its playful atmosphere and punny name that ensures guests leave with both treats and smiles.
12. Hindu Temple of Central Indiana
CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS CENTER
The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana stands as a magnificent spiritual center showcasing traditional temple architecture and serving the Hindu community. Visitors can admire the ornate details of the temple's design, including hand-carved deities and intricate stonework created by skilled artisans. The temple welcomes respectful visitors interested in learning about Hindu culture, traditions, and religious practices through its various community events and educational programs.
13. Coxhall Gardens
ELEGANT PUBLIC PARK
Coxhall Gardens is a beautifully designed public park featuring twin bell towers, formal gardens, and a classical amphitheater. The 125-acre property includes scenic walking paths, water features, and meticulously maintained landscapes that provide a peaceful retreat for visitors. The gardens serve as a popular location for photography, outdoor concerts, and special events while offering quiet spaces for reflection and relaxation.
14. Indiana War Memorial & Museum
MILITARY HISTORY TRIBUTE
The Indiana War Memorial & Museum honors the service and sacrifice of Indiana veterans through impressive architecture and comprehensive exhibits. The neoclassical memorial building houses military artifacts, personal stories, and educational displays spanning multiple conflicts from the Revolutionary War to present day. Visitors can explore the Shrine Room with its massive American flag, view military equipment, and learn about Indiana's military contributions throughout U.S. history.
15. Seashell Chapel
UNIQUE SHELL-COVERED SHRINE
The Seashell Chapel is a tiny shrine dedicated to St. Anne on the grounds of Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, completely covered in beautiful shells. This unique chapel was commissioned by Mother Theodore Guerin in the mid-1800s, with most of its decorative shells collected from the nearby Wabash River by the Sisters of Providence. Visitors are drawn to this intimate sacred space for its unusual beauty, historical significance, and the peaceful atmosphere of its surroundings.