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In Hamilton County, you’ll never ask “What can we do?” The big question here: “What do we do first?” Within our 398 square miles, you’ll discover eight great towns —each with its own distinct personality and perks—ready to roll out the welcome mat. Whether you’re planning a fun family trip or a romantic retreat, a girls-only getaway or a solo sojourn, you’ll fill your schedule with as much—or as little—activity as you want. Our settings soothe with plenty of green space and invigorate with lots of leisure-time options. So relax in our parks, say “ahh” in our spas and kick back in our accommodations —then set out on a shopping spree, hit the links and take to the trails. Got a history buff in the house? Travel back in time at Conner Prairie , an award-winning living history museum where you’ll find yourself transported to 19th-century Indiana. Or tour an 1800s-era sheriff’s residence and jail house for a study of crime scenes 19th- century-style. Are trains your thing? Ride the rails on an authentic steam or diesel train, then tour more than 50 cars at the Indiana Transportation Museum. On the opposite side of the size spectrum, the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections spotlights more than 50 dollhouses and tiny scenes. Indulge your inner athlete with a sporty roster worthy of the most active agenda. Canoe the scenic White River, hike or bike the five-mile Monon Trail, golf one of more than a dozen lush courses, dive into an Olympic-size pool, splash down a speedy water slide, roll a strike at state-of-the-art bowling lanes, swing in a batting cage, skate ’round an ice rink—well, you get the idea. Then refuel at one-of-a-kind local restaurants and nationally recognized chains as you savor the county’s culinary scene. So let’s get going! It’s time to plan your one-of-a-kind Hamilton County getaway. What will you do first? |
What To Do Locations - Arts & Culture

Actors Theatre of Indiana strives to advance theatre as an art form by dedicating itself to the preservation and advancement of theatre and musical theatre alike. ATI accomplishes this by providing unfettered creative opportunities for the leading artists of today and tomorrow while providing theatre guidance and Musical Theater training to young artists in the process. 2008 Mainstage season at the Pike Performing Arts Center.

The Carmel Arts & Design District has attracted well over 100 businesses including art galleries, antique dealers, furniture and interior design showrooms, restaurants, boutiques, creative service providers, and an eclectic variety of specialty retail stores. And the list of merchants continues to grow.Visitors enjoy a vibrant oasis of fun and inspiration. Townhouses and condominiums share the stimulating, artistic atmosphere with retail storefronts and professional office suites. With immediate access to the Monon Trail, bricked sidewalks, public sculptures and proximity to nearby cultural amenities, the Arts & Design District provides a truly unique experience.

Enjoy the sounds of live jazz, big band, blues and Dixieland. Donations accepted. House: Wednesday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Carmel Arts Council-World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery
40 W. Main StreetCarmel, IN 46032
317-844-4989
The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, showcases children's art from different schools from September-May. Special showcases in June. Admission: Free Open: Sundays, 2-4 p.m.

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing our community's quality of life in a fiscally responsible manner through creative, artistically excellent performances and educational experiences for diverse audiences of all ages. Call or visit the website for perfomance times and locations.

The Hamilton County Art Center, home of the Hamilton County Artists' Association welcomes guests to enjoy totating art shows, opening receptions, family day, gift shop, art classes and more. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1875 historic building. Admission: Free Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday in March through December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

115 year old historic brick building in downtown Arcadia (home to the Hoosier Hot Shots) offers several genre of music on weekend evenings in a non-alcoholic, non-smoking environment. Admission: varies Hours: Friday-Sunday, evenings.

Main Street Productions
three miles west of U.S. 31 N. on St. Rd. 32 in EagletownWestfield, IN 46074
317-767-4000
The Mission of Mainstreet Productions of Westfield, Inc., is to produce quality theatrical productions which involve, enlighten and entertain the residents of Westfield and surrounding environs. The mission is based on the desire to enhance the cultural life of the community, foster positive consideration of values, and teach the appreciation of dramatic performance as a means of artistic expression.

Spend a day at the prairie enjoying all-day fun with the animals, hands-on activities and new historic area highlights. Top off your day with a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie™ concert and Conner Prairie dining.

Visit the Historic Noblesville Square and stop in for a scoop of ice cream or shop 'til you drop at the charming shops around the square.

Learn to weave, spin, warp paint and continue the crafts of our forefathers. Tabby Tree Weaver offers a full selection of equipments, yarn and supplies.

Over forty years of quality entertainment by a community theatre. From any seat in the cozy facility, you will see and hear every detail of the performance. Visit the website or call for required reservations and show schedule. Admission: $12

Located at Exit 10 off of I-69, Verizon Wireless Music Center is recognized as one of North America's premier entertainment venues. The 220-acre, 24,000+seats amphitheater includes hospitality/event plaza with full catering and beverage service. Verizon Wireless Music Center is a Clear Channel Entertainment amphitheater. Ticket prices vary per show. Season: May through September.
What To Do Locations - Attractions & Museums

Voted best museum in central Indiana by theIndyChannel.com. Encounter the past at one of the nation's most exciting outdoor history museums! Travel back in time in our four unique historic areas: -Live the farm life in 1886 Liberty Corner. -Walk in the shoes of a pioneer in 1836 Prairietown -Tour the beautiful 1823 Conner House. -Strike a deal with the fur trader at the Lenape Indian Camp. Costumed residents will guide your way, and you'll feel right at home. Staff wearing blue Conner Prairie shirts will help you make connections between the past and present, and answer your questions. Outdoor Historic Areas: March 31 & April Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Easter May-September Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Open Memorial Day, July 2, July 4, Labor Day October Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December-March: Outdoor historic areas are closed except for special programs.

The Indiana Transportation Museum is a volunteer run, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Indiana's railroad history, educate the public in the history of the railroad, and provide our visitors with an opportunity to experience railroad travel as it used to be. Events range from the Hamiltonian, Dinner on the Diner, Pizza Train, Weekend Express, Fireworks Train, Atlanta New Earth Festival Train, Polar Bear Express and the WFMS FairTrain presented by the Indiana Transportation Museum. Special charters available. Check itm.org for admission and times.

See more than 50 dollhouses and miniature scenes. Learn the stories behind these houses. Children can play the treasure-hunt game. Admission: $4/adult, $2/children under 10. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed in mid-January and some holidays.
What To Do Locations - Events

Carley Elk Farm sponsors an Elk Farm Tour each year in September and hosts organized farm tours year round. The Elk may be rented for special events.

The Carmel International Art Festival is a juried show featuring artwork from all over the world including Carmel’s Sister City, Kawachinagano, Japan. Food vendors and entertainment with an international flair is also scheduled. A children’s activity area is planned for those attending with young children. The festival is free and open to the public.
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This family oriented festival focused on patriotism and community spirit during the Fourth of July weekend.

The annual Fishers Freedom Festival, which offers multiple activities, events, and food for all ages, is held at the Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (1 Park Drive) off Holland Drive & Ellipse Parkway in Fishers. This free event offers fine arts & crafts, food & business vendors, live music, 5K walk/run, K-9 demonstrations, children's tent, teen tent, street dance, children's parade, main parade, fireworks, and much more to the 45,000+ attendees who come from all over the U.S. each year.

Stroll back through time in a recreated 16th Century British Village, watch knights jousting on horseback, attend the court of an Elizabeth Queen, be entertained on three stages by magicians and interactive performances, play games at Kid's Karnival and shop at over 60 unique artisan booths. Eat "dragon legs" as you experience life in the renaissance created by re-enactors in authentic costumes. Admission charged.
Russel Farms annual Country Fall Festival takes place the last weekend of September and continues every weekend throughout October. Not only are there thousands of pumpkins to choose from but also great safe hayrides, miniature agri-golf, family games and crafts. Plus, find your way through two corn mazes. Admision: $4 each, 2 and younger are free. Open weekends, September 29-October 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Open weekdays throughout October for groups and school field trips by appointment only.

An annual event which is held the first weekend of October at the Sheridan Veteran's Park located at the intersection of state road 38 and 47. Attractions include crafts, food vendors, entertainment, carnival, classic car show, motor cycles, kids activities, antique appraisals and much more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival October 20-21 *featuring 1840's Traders & Trappers Rendezvous. This reenacted encampment of mountain men show life in the early frontier. Mountain men met once per year to trade furs and supplies. Since they had not seen anyone for the year they would make a party of it with Tomahalk throwing competitions while imbibing their favorite refreshment. There are also weavers and blacksmiths on hand with their goods for sale. *featuring Civil War Re-enactments and Encampment. October 27-28 There will be firing and drill demonstrations with a battle each day at 2 p.m. Visitors will be welcome to stroll through the camps and talk with the soldiers. Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking: $5/car on weekends only. Pumpkins and Fall decorations.
What To Do Locations - History
Step back in time to discover the burgeoning years of Arcadia. Listed on the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures, was originally built in 1869, when it served as a stop for weary rail travelers. View artifacts of the town's history - the ticket booth for the old opera house, World War II era memorabilia donated by Arcadia veterans and authentic "Arcadia Glass." Open Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Built in 1883, the depot served as the main transportation and freight site for Carmel. The renovated depot houses the Carmel Historical Society. Open: Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Listed in the National Register of HIstoric Places, this French Renaissance structure served as the county courthouse from 1878 to 1992. Admission: free. Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hamilton County Museum of History and Old Sheriff's Residence and Jail
810 Conner StreetNoblesville, IN 46060
317.770.0775

Sheridan Historical Society Museum & Boxley Cabin Restoration
308 S. Main StreetSheridan, IN 46069
317-758-5054
Pioneer collections and memorabilia provide a look back to early settlement days and genealogy archive tracks more than 500 area families. Boxley Cabin Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Museum open Tuesday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Boxley Cabin will be open extended hours July 24-September 5. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Opening 2008 The Ambassador House is a Greek Revival home on the National and State Register of Historic Places, located in Heritage Park at White River, serving as a museum to Fishers history. Heirloom Victorian Gardens will surround the home. Call for infomration on hosting educational and cultural events as well as gathering. Both indoor and outdoor amenities.
Learn about the unique history of Westfield and Washington Township. Underground Railroad, Quaker families, Anti-Slavery Friends, Businesses and Farmers, Orphan Train, Monon and Midland Railroads, 1861 Union High School and so much more. Admission: donation Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., call for special appointments. July 24-September 5 the museum will have extended hours. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What To Do Locations - Outdoor & Recreation

The 3.5 acre outdoor aqua park features a zero-edge depth activity pool, six-lane non-competetion lap pool, lazy river, 'kiddie' pool and activity water feature, two water slides, deep pool with one-meter diving board and drop slide and concession area. Admission and hours vary.

Voted one in family entertainment Ben & Ari's offers two designer miniature golf courses, duck pin bowling, a large arcade area and restaurant. Admission free.

An indoor inflateable party and play zone for all ages. This fun, clean and safe environement offers an indoor recreation area for families to play together. Private parties available. Call for open jump times.

Enjoy a rental bicycle ride throught the heart of Carmel all the way to Broadripple. Pedal the paved Monon Greenway on a comfort bicycle or tandem. Free locks, helmets, trail maps. Reservations accepted. Open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This beautiful park has plenty of activities to offer for all the changing seasons. Wooded trails span 3-4 miles of wildlife and nature in their peaceful natural settings. Family and friends can gather at the shelters for picnicking and other events. Children and parents can engage in recreation on the playground, softball and soccer fields, or basketball court. Cool Creek welcomes bicycles and roller blades on our paved road that loops through the park. If you want something slower paced enjoy our nature trails, wetlands and prairies. This park also is home to Cool Creek Nature Center and is famous for the annual Cool Creek Concert.

Cooper's Stardust Bowl offers outrageous fun for everyone. The family fun center, located just West of Downtown Noblesville on Westfield Road, features 32 lanes of bowling with automatic scoring and bumpers available on each lane. Additional features at the family fun center include Gone Bananas, a 3,000 square foot redemption arcade and the ONLY 9 hole, glow-in-the-dark, indoor miniature golf course in Hamilton County. For adult fun, step inside The Q Sports Pub & Grub. The Q offers a full food menu, daily drink specials, 3 billiard tables, plasma TVs, and weekly entertainment such as 9-ball pool tournaments and FREE Texas Hold 'Em. See our website for a complete listing of hours, pricing, and discounted specials available throughout the entire family fun center.

This 125-acre piece of farmland is currently being transformed and developed as a park and gardens for the residents, tourists, and visitors of Hamilton County. Plans include a children's garden, conservatory, centerpiece, belltowers, reflecting pools and a museum. This land was donated by Jesse and Beulah Cox in 1999.

Features: Three levels, with large half-bowl, ramps, quarterpipes and halfpipes plus handrails, stairs and a picnic table. Size: 12,000 to 13,000 square feet.

Park features: 18 acres, Artesian flowing well from which people can fill jugs with water, fishing, parking, shelter, nature trail.

Bult in 1925, the beautiful Forest Park boasts several attractions and amenities including five picnic shelters, two playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, basketball courts, "carousel, Tom Thumb putt-putt course, aquatic center, 9-hole golf course, Indiana Transportation Museum and indoor banquet facility.

The outdoor aquatic center features an olympic size pool with slide, diving pool with springboards, beginner pool with fountains, sun deck, snack bar and locker rooms. Admission charged. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day: Monday-Thursday, 12-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

Rent kayaks and enjoy a floating adventure at Geist Reservoir. Price: $20 for 4 hours

Indiana's largest laser tag center is perfect for gatherings and parties of all types-families, youth groups, corporations, team building and fun. Admission varies. Open 7 days a week.

365 days a year-dawn to dusk, two softball fields, 3 rentable shelters and one volleyball court.

Pinheads entertainment complex is definitely not your father's bowling alley. Attractions include bowling, billiards, mega-arcade, duckpin style bowling, Louie's Bar and Restaurant and Play-A-Lot. Smoke-free facility. Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Play-A-Lot! is an indoor adventure play ground for children ages 10 and younger. Play areas include a 3-story climbing castle, construction zone, real living area, horizontal rock wall and special infant toddler area. Admission: $4.50 for walkers-10 years old, Adults are free. Open: Monday-Tuesday, 4- 8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Open 365 days a year-dawn to dusk

Proving Grounds Paintball Park features fields including regulation NPPL & XBALL Fields plus an indoor reball training center and summer camps and clinics. Private party rentals available. Field hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for hours Monday thru Friday. Concessions available.

This 63-acre park lies along the banks of the White River. River Road Park includes paved trails, lots of green space to explore, wetlands, and prairies. It also has soccer and baseball fields for recreation use. A newly developed archeological playground, sandbox, and interpretive building are unique attractions designed to educate about Native American life hundreds of years ago.

This 750-acre park features 6-miles of all purpose trails and is home of the Taylor Center of Natural History.

Cool down on a summer day with a swim at North Pool or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade of the trees at Tecumseh Park. The 5,400 square foot pool is accompanied with two diving boards. A baby pool and a bathhouse are also available. Tecumseh Park also offers a playground and shelter which is perfect for picnicking.

The Monon Center at Central Park features 146,000 square feet of exceptional recreational space, fully outfitted with a fitness center, dance studio, group fitness studios, indoor track, gymnasium, indoor aquatics center, party rooms, concessions, locker rooms, skate park, and a 10-acre outdoor aqua park. Additionally, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation's newest facility will house numerous venues for the community including a cafe, banquet rooms, childcare, art studio, computer lab, classrooms and conference center. Opening April 2007. Open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Thankgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The Monon Trail
Downtown Indianapolis to 146th StreetCarmel & Westfield, IN
Carmel: 317-848-7275, Westfield: 317-896-5570,
Help make the greenway an enjoyable escape for everyone by observing the following guidelines: -The Monon Trail Greenway from 96th Street to 146th Street is open dawn to dusk, daily. -Be considerate of other trail users. -Be aware of your speed and trail/greenway conditions. -Skaters yield to pedestrians. -Bikers yield to everyone. -Keep right. -Pass on the left and communicate before passing. -Keep pets on short leashes and clean up after them. -Dispose of litter in provided receptacles. -Look both ways and cross streets with extreme care. -Yield when entering the trail/greenway from adjacent areas. -Do not disturb animals or vegetation along the greenway. -You are responsible for your personal belongings, vehicle and other forms of transportation. Features: -Length: 5.2 miles -Activities: walking, running, biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing -Wheelchair Accessible -Greenways Links: Monon Rail Trail to Fall Creek Trail and Central Canal Towpath -Surface: Asphalt, 10'-15' wide -Major Access: 1300 Rohrer Road, 221 First Street SW, One Civic Square and 1451 E 96th Street -Destinations: Carey Grove Park, Meadowlark Park, Central Park, Pleasant Grove Park, Lenape Trace Park and Carmel Civic Center History: In 1853, the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad opened 300 miles of line from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River. a map of the two main lines formed an "X" over the state of Indiana and crossed at the line's namesake city of Monon, Indiana. The word Monon was derived from the Potowatomi Indian word monong, meaning "swift running." "The Hoosier Line," as it became known, carried troops, ammunition, food, fuel and medicine to Union forces during the Civil War. Throughout its history, the Monon provided continuous service to the Indiana limestone industry. The former Carmel depot on the Monon line is now home to the Carmel Clay Historical Society and Museum.

Unseenpress.com, Inc. is dedicated to bringing the information about ghosts to the public. It is our goal to promote ghost research as a source of folklore and also as viable scientific area of study. We invite you to have a look at our ever growing site and we welcome your comments. Unseenpress.com, Inc. was created with paranormal enthusiasts in mind and strives to make the paranormal market more mainstream. While some of our titles still contain a regional element, our books are well researched and backed up with documentation to provide the reader with tools, information and entertainment.

Carving its way through Central Indiana, White River offers outdoor enthusiasts a fun-filled day of water, nature, and wildlife. White River Canoe Co., rents canoes and kayaks and offers shuttle service and special group rates. Season: Year-round weather permitting. Reservations suggested.
What To Do Locations - Spas & Fitness
What To Do Locations - Wineries & Brewpubs

The Artist's Vineyard, a unique retail concept blending wine, art, food and entertainment, located on the square in downtown Noblesville. The TAV enhances the downtown area that is home to many retail shops, fine and casual dining, art galleries and more. The Artist's Vineyard's creates a sophisticated and inviting environment for all visitors to enjoy rotating art exhibits, anchored by the art of Bobbi K. Samples, owner of the The Artist's Vineyard. The ambience reflects the elegance of the historic downtown area.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Ferrin's Fruit WInery offers a selection of exquisite fruit wines suitable for any occasion. All wine is fermented and bottled on the premises. Patrons may enjoy a complimentary taste of wine at the tasting bar, shop for wine accessories, gift baskets, jellies and pickles in the gift shop, or take a tour of the fermenting and bottling area as time permits. Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Full service custom winery. Enjoy many different wine experiences; from free tasting to making your own wintage and bottling it on premise with our assistance. Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m. Closed Monday









