Staunton IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Staunton, Indiana.
1. Native American Museum
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE AND CULTURE
The Native American Museum in Staunton offers visitors a glimpse into the rich indigenous heritage of the region. Exhibits feature authentic artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical displays that tell the story of Native American tribes who once inhabited Indiana. Visitors can learn about native customs, lifestyles, and the important contributions of indigenous peoples to the area's history.
2. Hawthorn Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Hawthorn Park provides a serene natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts in Staunton. The park features walking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas perfect for family outings. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while observing local wildlife and seasonal flora.
3. Dobbs Memorial Park & Nature Center
EDUCATIONAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Dobbs Memorial Park & Nature Center offers an immersive natural experience with interpretive trails and educational exhibits. The nature center provides informative displays about local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and conservation efforts in the region. Visitors can participate in guided nature walks, environmental programs, and seasonal events designed to foster appreciation for Indiana's natural heritage.
4. Exotic Feline Rescue Center
BIG CAT SANCTUARY
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center provides a sanctuary for rescued big cats including tigers, lions, and other exotic felines. Visitors can take guided tours to observe these magnificent animals in spacious habitats while learning about conservation efforts and the challenges facing big cats worldwide. The center's mission focuses on education, rehabilitation, and providing lifetime care for animals that cannot be released into the wild.
5. Deming Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Deming Park offers extensive recreational facilities for visitors of all ages near Staunton. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, swimming pools, and a miniature golf course perfect for family outings. Seasonal attractions include a beautiful rose garden, winter sledding hills, and regular community events throughout the year.
6. Frontier Culture Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Frontier Culture Museum recreates historical settlements that showcase Indiana's pioneer heritage. Visitors can explore authentic period buildings, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, and interact with costumed interpreters who bring history to life. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives, challenges, and accomplishments of early settlers in the region.
7. The Temple Of Tolerance
UNIQUE PEACE GARDEN
The Temple of Tolerance is an extraordinary outdoor sanctuary created as a monument to peace and understanding. This private garden features massive rock formations, meditation spaces, and artistic installations designed to promote reflection and harmony. Visitors are welcomed to explore the grounds and experience the tranquil atmosphere that has made this unique attraction a hidden gem in the region.
8. Hindu Temple of Dayton
CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL CENTER
The Hindu Temple of Dayton serves as both a religious sanctuary and cultural center for the regional Hindu community. Visitors can admire the temple's traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and colorful shrines dedicated to various deities. The temple hosts regular cultural events, religious ceremonies, and educational programs that provide insight into Hindu traditions and practices.
9. Fowler Park
HISTORIC PIONEER VILLAGE
Fowler Park features a meticulously recreated 19th-century pioneer village that transports visitors back in time. The park's historic buildings include a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and log cabins furnished with authentic period artifacts. Seasonal living history demonstrations showcase traditional cooking methods, crafts, and daily activities of Indiana's early settlers.
10. Bridgeton Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN LANDMARK
The Bridgeton Covered Bridge stands as one of Indiana's most photographed and beloved historic structures. This meticulously restored wooden bridge spans Big Raccoon Creek, serving as the centerpiece of a charming historic district that includes a working grist mill and quaint shops. Visitors can walk through the bridge, enjoy the picturesque setting, and learn about traditional bridge-building techniques from the 19th century.
11. Terre Haute Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL PLAYGROUND
The Terre Haute Children's Museum offers three floors of hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning through play. Children can explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts through interactive displays that encourage experimentation and discovery. The museum's engaging approach makes complex subjects accessible and entertaining for visitors of all ages.
12. Clabber Girl Museum
BAKING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Clabber Girl Museum chronicles the fascinating history of one of America's oldest and most recognizable baking powder brands. Exhibits showcase vintage advertisements, packaging, and equipment that illustrate the evolution of home baking over more than a century. Visitors can learn about the company's impact on American culinary traditions and enjoy the adjacent bakery café featuring recipes made with Clabber Girl products.
13. CANDLES Holocaust Museum
REMEMBRANCE AND EDUCATION
The CANDLES Holocaust Museum was founded by Auschwitz survivor Eva Kor to share her story and promote healing through forgiveness. Exhibits document the Holocaust through personal artifacts, photographs, and testimonies that bring this tragic history to life. The museum's educational programs aim to prevent prejudice and hatred by teaching the consequences of discrimination and the importance of standing against injustice.
14. Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum
RAILROAD HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum preserves and celebrates the region's rich railroad history through authentic artifacts and restored equipment. Visitors can explore vintage cabooses, examine historical photographs, and learn about the crucial role railroads played in developing the Midwest. Railroad enthusiasts particularly enjoy the detailed model train displays that recreate local rail lines and stations from different eras.
15. Bharatiya Hindu Temple
SACRED ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
The Bharatiya Hindu Temple stands as an impressive example of traditional Hindu temple architecture in the Midwest. The temple's exterior features ornate carvings, while the interior houses beautifully crafted deity shrines that serve as focal points for worship. Visitors are welcome to observe cultural celebrations, participate in guided tours, and learn about Hindu philosophy and traditions in this peaceful spiritual sanctuary.