Russellville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Russellville, Indiana.
1. Shades State Park
NATURAL SCENIC WONDERLAND
Shades State Park offers visitors a stunning wilderness experience with dramatic sandstone cliffs, peaceful hiking trails, and scenic Sugar Creek. Visitors can explore numerous hiking paths that wind through ravines and past waterfalls, providing excellent opportunities for nature photography. The park is especially beautiful in autumn when the dense forests transform into a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.
2. Clements Canoes Outdoor Center
RIVERSIDE ADVENTURE HUB
Clements Canoes Outdoor Center provides exciting water adventures on Sugar Creek with canoe, kayak, and tube rentals for all skill levels. Visitors can paddle through picturesque landscapes past limestone cliffs and under the famous covered bridges of Parke County. The center offers different trip lengths to accommodate both quick outings and full-day adventures for families and groups.
3. Crown Haven Center
PREMIER EQUESTRIAN COMPLEX
Crown Haven Center stands as north central Indiana's premier equestrian complex offering horse boarding, riding lessons, and special events in a beautiful countryside setting. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding experiences with knowledgeable guides through scenic trails appropriate for both beginners and experienced riders. The center also hosts various equestrian clinics and competitions throughout the year, drawing participants and spectators from across the region.
4. Cat and The Fiddle Event Center
HOMESTYLE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Cat and The Fiddle Event Center delivers entertainment for all ages with regularly scheduled music and comedy sets throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy Catrina's renowned home cooking during performances, with a unique dining experience where no menu exists - just the chef's special creation of the evening. Reservations are required for this intimate venue that has become a beloved local institution for quality entertainment and food.
5. Opry Barn
HISTORIC CANAL TOWN ENTERTAINMENT
The Opry Barn serves as a vibrant live entertainment venue at the west end of Indiana's historic Canal town, operating from March through November annually. The venue presents a diverse program of music, drama, and other cultural activities featuring talented performers from throughout the region. Visitors can experience authentic Hoosier culture in a charming rustic setting that celebrates the area's rich artistic heritage.
6. Rileybrook Arts Center
COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
Rileybrook Arts Center, operated by the Franklin County Arts Council since 1989, provides a wide range of quality arts programs to local residents. The center hosts regular exhibits, workshops, and performances that showcase regional artistic talent across multiple disciplines. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene that has been carefully cultivated for over two decades in this welcoming community space.
7. Schwestern Gallery of Arts
REGIONAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE
Schwestern Gallery of Arts, owned and operated by textile artist Mary Beth Kerker, showcases fine art and handmade gifts created by over 70 talented southeast Indiana artists. The gallery features an impressive collection of diverse works including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and Kerker's own renowned textile creations. Visitors can browse and purchase unique locally-made art pieces while supporting the thriving creative community of southeastern Indiana.
8. She Shed Glass Studio
CREATIVE GLASS MAKING EXPERIENCE
She Shed Glass Studio invites visitors to create their very own stained glass or fused glass masterpieces under expert guidance. The intimate studio offers limited class sizes to ensure personalized instruction for both beginners and more experienced artists interested in glass arts. Beyond classes, the studio also sells completed glass art pieces for those looking to take home a professional creation.
9. Third Place Brookville
SOCIAL GATHERING HUB
Third Place Brookville offers visitors a welcoming community gathering spot featuring delicious pizza and hoagies alongside a full-service bar. The venue regularly hosts live music performances that showcase local and regional talent in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This versatile space also serves as a popular wedding and event venue for those looking to celebrate special occasions in the heart of Brookville.
10. Salt Creek Horse Ranch
EXPANSIVE TRAIL RIDING EXPERIENCE
Salt Creek Horse Ranch sprawls across 700 acres of scenic countryside just 20 minutes east of Rushville, offering year-round trail riding experiences with over 100 horses available. Riders of all experience levels can explore miles of picturesque trails winding through varied terrain including forests, meadows, and alongside peaceful streams. The ranch's proximity to historic Metamora makes it a perfect destination for combining horseback adventures with visits to other local attractions.
11. Haspin Acres
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE PARADISE
Haspin Acres provides the ultimate playground for off-road enthusiasts with extensive trails and competition areas suitable for various skill levels. The facility hosts regular events and competitions for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles throughout the year, attracting both serious competitors and weekend warriors. Visitors can experience the thrill of navigating challenging terrain across the sprawling property while enjoying the camaraderie of the off-road community.
12. Historic Downtown Russellville
CHARMING SMALL-TOWN CORE
Historic Downtown Russellville offers visitors a glimpse into authentic small-town Indiana life in this community of just over 300 residents. Visitors can stroll through the quaint town center, which preserves the architectural character and pace of life that has defined this Putnam County settlement for generations. The friendly atmosphere and historic buildings provide photographers and those seeking small-town charm with a quintessential Midwest experience.
13. Sugar Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
Sugar Creek winds through the picturesque landscape near Russellville, offering excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in a tranquil natural setting. The creek features beautiful limestone bluffs, peaceful wooded shores, and occasional wildlife sightings that make every paddling trip a unique adventure. Visitors can access the creek through various launch points, with several outfitters in the region providing equipment rentals and shuttle services for watercraft enthusiasts.
14. Covered Bridges of Parke County
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES
The Covered Bridges of Parke County, located near Russellville, comprise the largest collection of historic covered bridges in the United States, with 31 preserved structures dotting the scenic countryside. Visitors can follow marked driving routes to explore these architectural marvels, many dating back to the 19th century, each with its own unique design and history. The bridges are especially popular during the annual Covered Bridge Festival held each October when the surrounding forests display brilliant autumn colors.
15. Turkey Run State Park
DRAMATIC SANDSTONE GORGES
Turkey Run State Park, located within driving distance of Russellville, features some of Indiana's most dramatic landscapes with deep sandstone ravines, pristine hemlock groves, and the winding Sugar Creek. Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging routes that require ladder climbing through rugged terrain carved by glacial meltwaters. The park's nature center, historic structures, and diverse recreational opportunities make it one of Indiana's most beloved natural treasures for outdoor enthusiasts.