Visit Martinsville Morgan Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the Martinsville race track! Experience the Thrill of the NASCAR races and visit the Martinsville Speedway Museum. Top: October weekend.
Honestly, if you're wondering why I'm talking about Martinsville, this is because of his story: founded in 1822, the city has its name from former Governor John Martins and is cozy in the heart of Washington Township, Morgan County. I feel that the old brick houses are telling more stories here than some guide blog, and this is not just the charm of the Middle West. The railway came in 1869, and suddenly the little town was a hub for farmers who sent their harvest to Indianapolis – a bit like an ancient Uber, only with steam locomotives.
When you arrive by car, take the I‐69 to exit 115; the road takes you directly to the centre, where you can feel the typical “small city feeling”. And yes, I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here there is something I call "authentic rest" – a rare good. I lost myself in the small cafés that have more personality than some 5 star restaurants, and this is the true highlight for me. So if you’re looking for “Martinsville Sights”, forget about the usual tourist traps and let the quiet corners I love here surprise you.
I must confess at the beginning that my heart for the Martinsville Speedway not only because I need a little adrenaline, but because the whole thing is a bit like an old friend who always laughs too loud and never comes too late. I was there the first time a friend of mine got a ticket for the NASCAR event, and I stood in the middle of the stadium, the noise of the engines was so loud that I almost thought my chin would lift off. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then all “racing fans” will emerge from the whole Middle West. So if you have a little time, grab a place on the edge, order a cool beer from the stand and enjoy the spectacle – this is the true Martinsville experience.
A short walk from the Speedway Morgan County Courthouse, an imposing brick building that looks like someone stole it from a movie set. I once missed a court because I was too busy admiring the artistic pillars – and that, although I wanted to shoot a photo quickly. Parking is a bit more tricky here, because the town hall is a magnet for residents who turn off their cars there, but a few free places you always find when you don't get too late. The courtyard has a small well, which looks a bit like a mini oasis in the summer, if you want to cool off after the dazzling over the architecture.
If you're looking for history, that's it. Morgan County Historical Museum That's right. I spent an afternoon there because I thought I could read a bit about the early settlers, and instead I ended up in a discussion with an older gentleman about the advantages of horse cars compared to modern cars – no joke, he insisted that a car with four horses is still more reliable than a today's combination. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are well curated, and parking is almost always free because the building is a little off the main road. I even found an old photo of me that I made as a child with my first bike in front of the museum – a little luck.
A bit of change, of course, also in Downtown Martinsville. The main road is lined with old brick buildings, which today serve as cafés, boutiques and art galleries. I once drank a cappuccino in a tiny café called The Bean, which is so small that you almost feel like you landed in a kitchen. The Barista, a type with a mustache, has explained to me that they only use beans from a single plantation in California – I then told him that I like beans from Indiana because they taste “real”. Parking is a bit of a game here: There are a few free places at the end of the street, but on the weekend the streets quickly fill with visitors who visit the weekly artisans festival.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that White River Trail. The path stretches along the river and offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I once spent an afternoon with my friend who claimed he was an expert in birdwatching. We sat down for a few hours to observe ducks, and I found that the real highlight is the view of the river when the sun shines over the water. The trail is accessible for free, and parking is available at several small entrances – a bit like a treasure you have to find.
For those looking for a little culture and community, Morgan County Fairgrounds a place you shouldn't overlook. I was there for the first time during the annual County Fair, and that was a feast for the senses: sugar cane, carousel, and a bit too loud country music that drowned from the speakers. The Fairgrounds is the heart of many local events, from cattle shows to concerts, and parking is practically always sufficient because the terrain is large enough to accommodate entire tractors. I even met some old friends there that I hadn't seen since high school – a small, unexpected bonus.
A place I always like to visit is the Morgan County Public Library. The building is a beautiful example of classic American library architecture, and the interior is surprisingly modern. I once borrowed a book about local legends that captivated me over the myths of Martinsville for hours. Parking is a children's game here, because the library has a small parking space right in front of the door, and the staff is always friendly – they give you the feeling that you are a part of the community, even if you only look by for a few hours.
And because I must not forget what the locals repeatedly emphasize, I must Martinsville Attractions mention that are not in every guide. The Little Veterans Memorial on the edge of the city centre is a quiet place where you can stop for a short time. I spent a few minutes there to read the inscriptions and found that the names of the fallen come from all epochs – an impressive reminder that history not only lives in museums.
Finally, a short note: the next time you come to Martinsville, take your time to stroll through the streets and discover the small details – be it the creeping sign at an old gas station or the smile of an older lady who offers you a piece of cake because you wanted to “just look past”. This is the true salt in the soup that no guide can ever fully grasp.
The first stop I never miss is the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway – just half an hour drive north, but a whole universe of engine noise and history. I once tried to make a selfie with the famous “Brickyard”, just to realize that the crowd around me was more interested in a pit stop for a sandwich. Parking is a little adventure on the weekend: the big lots fill themselves faster than a Pit stop, but a few free places are still on the edge when you are ready to invest a few minutes walk.
A few miles further south lies the Brown County State Park, the Indiana version of Yosemite, only without elves and with more squirrels that will suck you out of your pocket. I made half a day hike that led me through dense beech forests and over gentle hills – perfect if you want to escape the city noise without running into the wild. The entrance is free, the parking costs a few dollars, and the real highlight is the panorama of the “Hoodoo Hill” where you can see the whole valley in clear sky.
If you are more looking for a place where you can pick up your tent and hear the cracker of a campfire, then the Hoosier National Forest is an underestimated gem. I spent a weekend there, accompanied by barbecue odour and the occasional tassel of frogs. The trails are well marked, and parking at the main entrance is almost always easy – unless you plan the same weekend as the annual “Forest Fest” then it becomes narrow.
A little culture? Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, about 35 miles east, is a living museum that will take you back to 19. century catapulted. I took part in a performance where a real forge worked a horseshoe – the sound was louder than the horn on I‐70. The terrain is huge, so bring comfortable shoes with; Parking is generous, but the main road can be a bit clogged at peak times.
For art lovers among you, there are Newfields – the Indianapolis Museum of Art – a place where you can admire both classic paintings and modern sculptures without tormenting you through crowds of people. I spent a quiet afternoon there, while a few students spoke loudly about their graduation. The entrance is free, parking is payable at the main building, but there are free parking on the edge when you are ready to run a few minutes.
A short trip to the Indianapolis Zoo is also worthwhile, especially when you travel with children. I saw the rare Amur leopards there – a real eye-catcher that reminds you that not all in Indiana are only corn fields. Parking is paid at the main entrance, but there are a cheaper car park a few blocks on, which I always use to save the entrance.
The Monon Trail, a 40-mile-long cycling and hiking route, stretches through the suburbs and offers you the opportunity to explore the landscape at your own pace. I straightened the trail on a sunny Saturday morning and discovered a few local peasant markets selling fresh strawberries – a sweet bonus if you're looking for a break. The trail facilities are well maintained and parking at the access points is usually easy.
Whether you love the moaning of the engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, looking for tranquility in the Brown County State Park or wanting to inspire you with art and history in the Newfields – the Martinsville area offers more than enough variety to delight any traveler. And all this without losing yourself in the city. They are Martinsville Attractions a perfect mix of adrenaline, nature and culture that makes every visit a small adventure.
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