Visit Matthews Grant Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Matthews, Indiana: Discover the Circle City! Experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Zoo. Enjoy local cuisine at St. Elmo Steak House. An unforgettable travel tip for lovers of adventure and history!
Matthew's sights have fascinated me since my childhood, although I was never really a tourist type; the city was built in 1875 as a small railway hub and has more than a few old barns ever since. Honestly, the historical flair here is not what you find in the guides, but what you feel when you drive by bike over the old field paths that once used cattle farmers and coal workers. I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but the quiet life in Jefferson Township, surrounded by the gentle hills of Grant County, has its own charm – and this without crowded tourist crowds. When you arrive by car, take the I‐465, which runs around the city practically, and then park in one of the few but surprisingly clean public parking spaces on the outskirts of the city; From there you can explore the heart of Matthews on foot. A short detour to the old railway station, which now houses a café, is a must – the building is a relic from the founding period, which still has the scent of freshly ground coffee. And yes, the local peasant markets that take place every Saturday are a real highlight; Here you can meet real people who are proud of their crafts, and you can taste fresh products from the region that you will find only in the supermarket. I could talk about the small bookshops and the surprisingly lively art scene for hours, but this can best be experienced by looking in and absorbing the atmosphere.
I have to confess that first Image that shoots me in my head when I think of Matthews, the small, slightly weathered shield in front of the Matthews Community Park is – this is my personal favorite place, because here the whole “small town feeling” pulsates in its purest form. The park is practically in the center, so parking is usually a Klack, except on Sundays, when the whole community comes together to grill and you suddenly find a parking lot as if you were in a pop-up market. I once made a picnic with my neighbor, and while we complained about the weather, a 12-year-old flew over the small pond with a remote drone boat – a sight that almost already belongs to the Matthews Attractions heard when you're honest.
A short walk further (and this is not a joke, you can do this in five minutes) leads you to Matthews Public Library. The library is part of the Grant County Public Library network, but here you still feel like in a secret reading cave. The shelves are not overcrowded, the staff knows you by name, and the only sound you hear is the occasional squeaking of the old wooden chairs. I once borrowed a book about Indiana stories that I never finished reading because I was too busy admiring the old, slightly sloppy watch on the wall – a real witness spot when you ask me.
If you have enough of quiet reading corners, look at this historical town hall located directly on Main Street. The building is made of red brick, has a slightly sloping roof and a shield that still announces “Town Hall”, although most sessions now take place by zoom. I once participated in a public meeting where a mayor spoke about the need for more street lights – and the audience was so enthusiastic that they applauded at the end when he spoke the word “Laternen”. That was a real moment that shows how much people here are hanging on small improvements.
A bit further down the road, hidden between a bakery and an old mixed store, lies the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The church is not only a place for worship, but also an architectural gem with a stone façade and colourful glass windows that throw a small rainbow spectrum into the parking lot in the summer. I took part in a choir tasting evening there – that was a bit like a karaoke adventure, only that the voices were better and the hymns are not so easy to google.
For those who want a little more action, there is Matthews Community Center. The Center is a multifunctional building that offers everything from basketball to yoga classes. I once visited a “Senioren-Hip-Hop-Workshop” there – yes, there really is – and was surprised how enthusiastic the older ladies were shaking to the beats. The center has a small parking lot, which is usually free as long as you are not there on Friday night after the weekly movie night, then it becomes narrow.
Last but not least, if you're in town in the summer, you should definitely Matthews Farmers Market visit, which takes place every Saturday in the small square in front of the town hall. Here there are fresh strawberries, homemade jams and the notorious “Cornbread”, which the locals call the best in all Grant County. I once discovered a stand where an older gentleman sold his self-drawn tomatoes and told me that he's been here every Saturday since 1972 – that's almost a local landmark, right?
The first stop I put to every newman's heart is the imposing Grant County Courthouse in the heart of Marion – just a short cat jump from Matthews. The brick building from 1905 radiates an almost arrogant dignity, which is rarely found in small middle-layer cities. I took a courtroom tourist photo there, because I thought the massive movement was a hidden Instagram hotspot – unfortunately it was just an old pendulum mechanism, but the artistic pillars and the huge dome window are still a real eye-catcher. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because the local court then organizes a public “Open-Court-Day” and citizens all appear there at the same time.
A short detour to the south leads to Mississinewa Lake State Parkwhere the water is so clear that you almost feel like standing in a commercial for mineral water. I spent a weekend with my old kayaking; the noise of the wind over the trees is almost the only thing that overtones the occasional squeaks of the ducks. The park offers hiking trails ranging from light to sophisticated – I recommend the “Lake Loop” because it offers a magnificent view of the sunset without having to feel like a starved mountaineer. A little hint: The toilets are only available at the main entrances, so better to call nature before reaching the lake.
Back in Marion, the Grant County Historical Society Museum is a place I always underestimate until I discovered the old oil extraction exhibition there. The city was once a centre of the gas boom, and the dusty photos of 19-year-old drilling islands make you almost feel like you landed in a Western film – only without horses, but with more wrenches. I had a conversation with a retired drill master who told me he still has the sound of the old pumps in his head. The museum is small, but the staff is cordial and likes to explain the connections when you ask.
A little culture? The Marion Center for the Arts is a quirky little building that exhibits more art than one would expect in a city of this size. I accidentally saw a local theatre performance there – a piece about the life of a peasant in the 1800s, which was surprisingly funny because the actors delivered the dialogues with a light, almost cynical undertone. The café next door serves the best homemade apple cake I have ever tasted; a piece of it is almost a must when visiting the center. Parking is available directly in front of the building, but they are quickly occupied when a workshop is running.
For those who need a little adrenaline, the Marion Dragway (locally lovingly called The Strip) a place you should not miss. I once observed a local drag race where a 1970s muscle car with squeaking tyres shot across the finish line – that was louder than any rock concert stage I have ever visited. The atmosphere is a mix of rough enthusiasm and light chaos, and the spectators are close to the guide planks as if they wanted to take the car right away. On weekends there are often food trucks selling burgers and pommes, so a good reason to fill the stomach before pressing the gas pedal.
A little change offers Grant County Fairgrounds, which hosts various events all year round – from cattle shows to old-timer markets. I remember a summer where I visited a local arts festival there; the stands were full of handmade ceramics and wood carvings, which can be found only in small galleries. The area is well signposted, and parking is generous as long as you do not arrive on the day of the annual County Fair, then the whole becomes a small logistics chaos.
Last but not least, Marion Downtown Historic District not overlooked, which extends over several blocks and offers a mixture of Victorian façades and modern cafes. I took a walk there while enjoying a freshly brewed Cold Brew from the local “Bean Scene” – the street is lined with small boutiques selling handmade soaps and vintage dresses. The atmosphere is relaxed, but you feel the quiet pride of the inhabitants who keep their city history alive. Parking is available in the back alleys, and if you are lucky, you will find a free space before the next Food Truck Festival starts.
Whether you’re looking for historic brick buildings, clear lakes, cultural hotspots or fast drag races – Matthews’ surroundings offer a colourful range of experiences that go far beyond the tranquil cityscape. Those who want to discover the true heart of Jefferson Township should not only confine themselves to the small streets of Matthews, but the diverse Matthews Attractions in the region.
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