Visit Clayton Hendricks Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the Kings Island family and leisure park in Clayton, Indiana! Attractive roller coasters, water attractions and many more entertainments for all ages.
Honestly, if you ask yourself why anyone should talk about Clayton, Indiana at all, let me briefly serve the story: Founded in 1850, a small railway melting town, which, thanks to the nearby Monon-Railroad, slowly developed from the pure passage to a self-contained town. I have the feeling that the city still carries the old headstone plaster feeling that you can see in the movies from the 30s, only that popcorn comes from the bakery.
I came by train – yes, the Amtrak line stops in the neighboring city, and a short Uber ride takes you to the heart of Clayton. There, between the old half-timbered houses, one stumbles on what I am lovingly calling “the true soul”: a tiny café that has more character than some big city chain. No joke, the espresso ritual there is almost a ritual for itself.
A short walk takes you to the old town hall, which today serves as an art gallery – a bit shrill, but exactly what I appreciate in small cities. And yes, if you googlest for “Clayton Sights”, you will quickly realize that the true highlight is not in a museum, but in the conversations with the locals who tell you how the city was once almost extinguished by a tornado and still stands.
So, next time you drive over the road to Indiana, make a detour to Clayton – that is not some sleepy town, that is my personal favorite place because here the word “authenticity” has not yet been stolen by tourist brochures. My first stop is always historical Main Street, the heart of the city, where the old brick buildings still proudly show their showcases as if they had never heard of Instagram. I don't understand the hype about hip boutiques in big cities, but here there is a small café serving the best homemade apple cake – no joke, that's almost a cult object. Parking? Mostly no problem as long as you are not there with the whole neighborhood on Saturday night, then parking becomes a little adventure.
A short walk further (and yes, this is a walk, no marathon) leads you to Carnegie Library. The building is a real piece of jewelry from the 1910s, and I spent more hours there than I want to admit, because I lost myself in the shelves – in the truest sense of the word, because the staff has accidentally pushed the door behind me. The parking behind the library is free, and this is a rare comfort in a world where almost everything is paid. If you happen to find a book about local history, then you're lucky because the shelves are full of stories that you otherwise only know from dusty Wikipedia entries.
A bit further down the street, hidden between an old painting shop and a modern hairdresser salon, stands the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. I must admit, I'm not a great church fan, but the Gothic architecture here is so well preserved that I almost felt like standing in a movie from the 1930s. The interior is simple, but the stained glass windows cast a colorful light that even my tired soul lights up a bit. And the best thing: The little cemetery behind it is a quiet place where you can sit and just enjoy the silence – a perfect place to breathe briefly after the city stroll.
If you want some action, that's what you want. Clayton Community Center That's right. There are concerts, art exhibitions and even a few crazy yoga classes that I have tried out from pure curiosity – I have laughed more than stretched. The center has its own parking lot, which is usually empty, unless there is a local feast, then you have to turn around with a few cars until you find a free space. And yes, the center is also the epicentre for the so-called “Clayton Sights”, because almost every event is a small magnet for visitors from the area.
A short trip from the center leads you to City Park, a small green piece with a pond populated by ducks in the summer. I made a picnic there once, while an older couple played loudly chess – that was the highlight of my day, because I never thought that chess can be so exciting outdoors. The park has a few free parking spaces on the outskirts, and this is convenient because you can safely park your bikes there if you decide to explore the surroundings.
Last but not least, old town hall forgotten, which today serves as a museum and presents the history of Clayton in a series of exhibitions ranging from the founding period to the present. I found an old city plan there that shows how the city once looked – and I have to say that was a real Aha moment because you see how much has changed (and at the same time how little). The town hall has a small parking lot behind the building, which is usually free as long as you are not there to the city council, then it becomes a bit tight.
I have my first discovery tour with a trip to Hendricks County Historical Museum started in Danville – a place that holds more dust and stories than one would expect from a small museum. The old school benches and the crumbling wood of the original buildings feel like a time travel ticket that you cannot return. I remember when I went through a photo exhibition on the railway in 19th. century almost the old phone from the showcase mistakenly confused with my phone. Parking is almost always a Klacks as long as you don't come on the first Saturday of the month when the museum is overrun by school classes.
A short jump to Westfield leads you to Grand Park, a green area that has more to offer than a few benches and a playground. I have arranged a picnic with friends there, while a local jazz trio played in the summer-open-air series – a real ear scare when you leave the city's noise behind. The lake is small, but the rowing boat can be borrowed without prior registration, and this is a small bonus for spontaneous adventurers. The parking lot is huge, so don't worry that you have to turn your car in circles.
If you have enough of urban flair, then is Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis your next destination – a huge nature reserve located just half an hour drive from Clayton. I rented a canoe there for the first time and spent almost the whole day on the water because I moved into the angled canals. The trails are well marked, and the visitor center offers enough information to not lose you completely. A little hint: On weekends, the visitor centre can be quite crowded, so plan early in the morning.
Back in Danville attracts the Danville Train Depot, a restored railway museum that sprays more charm than an Instagram filter. I visited an old locomotive there and wondered why someone wants to go by train today – until I experienced the sounds and smell of old diesel. This is an experience that leaves you at the same time nostalgic and slightly sloppy. Parking is free in front of the depot, but the places are quickly occupied when the city tour starts.
Another highlight is the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, which becomes the scene of the largest County Fair in the state every year in July. I was there for the first time when a friend persuaded me to watch the beef stab – a spectacle you don't see every day. In addition to traditional rides, there is a small market with local crafts products that are surprisingly good. The parking lot is huge, but on the main days it can become a small patience.
For art lovers there is Danville Art Center, which is housed in a former industrial building and regularly shows changing exhibitions of local artists. I discovered a painting that reminded me of the fields around Clayton – a bit too colorful, but that's what makes the charm. The entrance is free, and the café next door serves the best homemade apple cake I've ever tasted. Parking is best on the road along the main road where you can find a free place.
A little further south, but still within 30 miles, lies the Indiana Central Canal. I took a relaxing walk there while I heard the sound of the water pumps that keep the old industrial area alive. The path is well developed and there are several stops where you can safely park your bike. The best thing: You can make a small picnic here for free as long as you do not feed the ducks too much – they have otherwise developed their own lives.
Last but not least, Indianapolis Motor Speedway do not forget, which is a bit further away, but an absolute must for anyone who loves speed and history. I visited the museum there and was impressed by the old racing cars that almost blew the smell of gasoline. The parking lot is huge, but on racing days parking can become a real patience sample – a small price for the adrenaline that you feel there.
Whether you're a history fan, nature lover or just looking for a good coffee – the Clayton environment offers a colorful mix of experiences that go far beyond what you would expect from a small Indiana town. And if you keep all this in your guide, you have the best Clayton Attractions discovered you shouldn't miss.
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