Visit Selma Delaware Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Selma, Indiana - small natural paradise! Experience the Hoosier National Park and discover the calm atmosphere of the Amish community. With a campsite following a lake is the perfect destination for ecotourism lovers.
Honestly, if you're looking for "Selma Sights", you probably expect a mini-museum full of dust and plaques – and I don't understand the hype about such small-town pearls, but this is a bit more than a dusty schedule. Selma is located in the heart of Liberty Township, Delaware County, Indiana, and was founded in 1835 when pioneers split the country between the fields and the first railroad tracks. The city has never reached the splendour of large metropolises, but a charming, slightly sloppy character that I have somehow loved.
If you come by car from Indianapolis, just follow I‐69 to Exit 140 and let yourself drive from the road to Selma – that's almost like a mini-road trip to nowhere, just that there are some real people living here. I have discovered the old main road, lined with historic half-timbered houses that tell more stories than any brochure. A short trip to the nearby White River lets you feel nature without having to hit a tent for it – a perfect spot for a picnic if you want to recover after a short stroll around town.
Another highlight I cannot overlook is the annual Liberty Township Festival – no joke, that is the true heart of Selma. Locals meet here to show local craftsmanship and you get a look at why the residents here are so proud of their "Selma Sights". And yes, parking is usually free, so no stress, just a bit of dust on your shoes and a smile you can take home.
I must confess the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Selma is the Selma Covered Bridge. This crunching piece of wood that spans the Little Raccoon Creek is not just a relic from the 19th century. Century, but also the perfect photo for those who want to pluck their Instagram feed with some rustic charm. I once stood there at sunset, the light has dipped the wood into an almost divine gold – no joke, that was almost too beautiful to be true. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because the entire “Covered Bridge crew” will emerge from the surroundings.
A short walk further (approximately five minutes if you don't stop constantly to take photos) takes you to the Selma Historic District. Here old brick buildings come together, which could tell more stories than some bestsellers. The old bank building, which today serves as a café, has a vault that still whips a bit when you close the door – a small indication that there was really money pushed here earlier. I don't understand the hype about historical city cores, but here you feel like you're strolling through a lively history book, and that's fucking refreshing.
If you are looking for a place where you can relax from the “Kulturerbe-Marathon”, take a look at the Selma Town Park. The small playground is not exactly a Disneyland, but the swing is stable enough not to catapult you right into the air, and the picnic tables are ideal for a fast sandwich. I once made a picnic with my neighbour, and we fought to see if the ducks in the pond are really “wild” – Spoiler: They're not, but that makes the whole thing even more authentic.
Another jewel I always like to mention is the Selma Methodist Church. The building from the 1880s has a simple but impressive Glockenspiel, which is ringing on Sunday at 10 a.m. – a sound that immediately reminds you that not only tourists but real people live here. I once participated in a church service only to see if the famous “coffee-to-the- preach” tradition really exists. Result: The coffee was strong enough to wake a bear, and the community was cordial – a real plus point for Selma.
For those who like to learn a little more about everyday life, this is Selma Community Center A must. Flea markets, art exhibitions and the legendary “Selma-Schnitzel-Fest” take place regularly. I was there last year when a local artist exhibited his sculptures from recycled car parts – a bit shrill, but exactly what one expects from a small town that tries to work modernly without losing their charm. The center has a small parking lot behind the building; on weekends, however, it can be narrow there, so better to come early.
A short detour to Selma Cemetery may be a strange program point for some, but I think the old tombstones tell stories you can't find in any guide. There is, for example, the founder of the city, John Selma, whose grave is marked with a simple but elegant stone. I once spent a few hours reading the inscriptions and found a small, handwritten diary that apparently belonged to a teenager from the 1920s – a real find that sprinkles the image of Selma as a quiet, forgotten city.
Finally, I must not forget the Selma Attractions as a complete work of art: They all give a picture of a city that is small, but with a portion of self-will and a touch of cynicism. So, if you think the next time you want to spend your next time, remember that Selma may not be the loudest city in the state, but she definitely has the loudest heart.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was Mounds State Park – a huge piece of prehistoric earth that spreads about 12 miles northeast of Selma. I spent a few hours stumbled over the old hills, while an older master with a binocular told me that the buildings originate from the Adena and Hopewell cultures. The park area is surprisingly well signposted, and parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you don't come with a school class on weekends – then the field becomes a real battlefield of strollers and picnic baskets.
A short trip to Anderson leads directly to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. I have to admit, I don't understand the whole hype about the horse race, but the casino is really great if you want to try a bit of luck after a long day in the mound forest. The slot machines are loud, the light is bright, and the staff is friendly enough not to nerve you too much when you lose your chips. I played my first round of blackjack there – a short but educational crash course in defeats.
Only about 15 miles further Ball State University-Campus in Muncie, and yes, this is not only a place for students, but also a cultural mecca. The David Owsley Museum of Art houses a collection ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to contemporary installations. I remember standing in an exhibition about Pop Art and suddenly being surrounded by a group of art students who spoke loudly about the meaning of an empty frame. The café next to the museum serves the best coffee in the city – a real munter maker when you have to get back to power after a long walk in the park.
A few streets on, in the heart of Muncie, the Delaware County Historical Museum. The building itself is a charming old mansion that has more stories to tell than I can process in a day. I found an old map where Selma called “small but lively village” – a sweet moment of nostalgia before I was challenged by a young child from the group to a spontaneous “who can find the oldest photo?” competition. The museum has free parking, which is a rare comfort in a city that is otherwise notorious for its narrow streets.
If you're in Muncie, you should Anderson Museum of Art do not miss. It is small, but the changing exhibitions are always surprisingly well curated. I was there when a local artist presented her series of metal sculptures reminiscent of old agricultural devices – a subtle wink to the roots of the region. The museum is located in a historic building that was formerly a bank building, and parking is almost always free thanks to a small side street.
A little off the urban hectic lies the White River Greenway, a narrow but picturesque path that swells along the river. I spent an afternoon there just to walk and enjoy the sounds of the water – a rare pleasure if you are surrounded by car horns and construction site noise. The access point is well signposted, and parking is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime with a group of cyclists who block the way.
Another highlight is the Delaware County Fairgrounds, which becomes a colorful spectacle every year in August. I was there for the first time when a local peasant market took place next to the carousels – a true feast for the senses. The stands with fresh corn and handmade honey are a must, and parking is a little chaotic, but this is part of the charm when you navigate between hay bales and market lights.
So, Selma Attractions searches, will quickly realize that the true adventure lies in the surrounding attractions – from prehistoric hills to cultural treasure chests to modern gambling temples. Every place has its own character, and I can only recommend taking the car, having a bit of patience with parking and getting into the small, unexpected moments that make this region so special.
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