Visit New Whiteland Johnson Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights 2025. Discover the wonderful nature of New Whiteland in Indiana! The Hoosier National Forest offers hiking and camping opportunities. Do not miss the Falls of the Ohio State Park with its most beautiful views of the Ohio River.
New Whiteland attractions are less a marketing term for me than an honest indication that this small city in the heart of Indiana has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance. Honestly, the history of New Whiteland is a bit like an old family movie: in 1850s the country came as a pure agricultural area, then the railroad came, and in 1960 the whole was officially declared a separate community – a bit late, but at least a beginning.
If you come by car from Indianapolis, simply follow I‐65 to the south and take exit 115; the city is practically at the intersection of US‐31 and State Road 135, so no problem to park the car and take off immediately. I like to take the train to Greenwood and then jump into the local bus, because it somehow strengthens the feeling of “first Indiana” – and because I don’t want to be in traffic every time.
I don't quite understand the hype about the typical Midwestern-Malls, but the small, family-run shops here have their own charm, and this is a real plus point for me. A short trip to the nearby White River State Park gives you the feeling that you are in the heart of nature while listening to the quiet sum of the city in the background. And yes, the “New Whiteland Sights” include not only historical buildings, but also the friendly faces of the locals who like to show you the way to their favorite café – no joke, this is the real highlight.
I have to admit that my favorite place in New Whiteland is not some hipster café, but that New Whiteland Community Center. The pool there is so clear that you almost feel like swimming in a mini aquarium – and that, although the water sometimes smells like chlorine rather than on holiday in the summer. I was there on a hot July-Saturday, I forgot my bathing cap and still swung a few rounds, because the staff was so friendly that they immediately handed me a towel. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem when all neighbors complete their fitness hours at the same time.
A short walk further New Whiteland Library, a place I like to call a “still-screaming sanctuary for bookworms”. The shelves are full of local history books that you find nowhere else, and the staff knows every visitor by name – no joke, I was greeted last time with “Mr Müller, have you already read the new book about the White-River-Flora?” I found my favorite reading about the city's history, while in the background I enjoyed the quiet sum of air conditioning as background music.
If you want to catch some fresh air, the White River Trail directly along the river, which embraces the city almost like a natural border. The path is well maintained, ideal for a quick run or a cozy bicycle adventure. I remember a morning when a pair of ducks suddenly appeared before me and ripped me out of my meditative mood with a loud quaken – a small reminder that nature is not as zahm as you would expect from a suburb.
Another piece New Whiteland Attractions is the historical Town Hall. The building from the 60s looks more sober from the outside, but there is a small treasure inside: the old town hall clock that ticks for decades, and a mural that represents the founding families of the city. I once participated in a public meeting, only to see that most of the discussions on waste separation and street lighting were conducted – exciting how much local life is dominated by such topics.
On Saturday, when the sun has not yet climbed over the horizon, the main road turns into the New Whiteland Farmers Market. Fresh strawberries, self-made jam and a stand where an older gentleman sells his handmade wooden toys – this is the true heart of the city. I bought a pumpkin there that was so big that I could hardly carry it through the door, and in doing so I had a conversation about the best recipes for pumpkin soup with a woman from Indianapolis who claimed her grandpa had the recipe from the 19th. Century.
For families looking for a place to die, there is the Miller Park. The playground is not huge, but the swings are well maintained and the grass is still green, even after a long summer. I played hiding with my nephew and found that the park bench next to the basketball basket is the perfect hiding place for a quick nap – a small secret tip I rarely mention because I don't want everyone to do a nap.
Last but not least, Whiteland Historical Society Museum not missing. It is small, but the exhibitions about the early settlers and the development of the railway line are surprisingly well prepared. I discovered an old photo of me as a child that I had never seen before – a picture that reminds me that even in an inconspicuous city like New Whiteland every corner has to tell a story.
The first stop I never miss is that Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sure, that's not exactly a secret tip, but if you're close to New Whiteland, that's the only way to feel the true heart of American racing culture – and that without the usual tourist hearing. I once saw a race that was so loud that I thought my car would suddenly fly into the pit lane. Parking is usually easy, except on the big race days, as the field becomes a labyrinth of parking cars and stressed fans.
A short detour to the north leads you to White River State Park. I have to admit I was skeptical because I thought a city park was just a bunch of benches and a few ducks. Instead, I found a huge network of hiking trails, a museum, a zoo and even an aquarium – all in one. The best of it? The paths are well signposted so you don't have to accidentally turn into the next highway. I made a picnic there once, while a duck pair looked curiously over my shoulder – no joke, that was almost too cheesy to be true.
If you have enough of cars, take a look at the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. This is where history is not only told but lived. I voluntarily ventured into a 19-century kitchen experiment and tried to bake a bread without electrical equipment. Result: a rather hard piece of history that I used later as a door stopper. Practically, the terrain is large enough to run, but small enough to not need the whole day – a perfect place for a half day full of “What if?” moments.
A bit further east is the Eagle Creek Park, a huge green piece that has more water surfaces than I can count throughout my life. I rented a kayak there once and I paddledled almost all the lake until I realized that I had missed the return trip and the sun was already underway. Parking is a children's game as long as you don't arrive at the weekend with a group of families who have the same goal – then parking and parking becomes a small patience sample.
For art lovers who are not only interested in graffiti on the highway, this is Newfields – Indianapolis Museum of Art A must. I have seen a painting that is supposed to capture the spirit of Indiana – I don't understand the hype completely, but the surrounding gardens are really great and offer a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The entrance is free when you sign up for the “Member Day” program, and the café serves the best coffee I ever drank in a museum.
A short detour to Monon Trail is ideal if you want to stretch your legs without running a marathon. The trail stretches through several cities, including a piece through Pleasant Township, and offers enough shields to prevent you from accidentally entering a field. I started a spontaneous photo competition with a few locals there – the result was a picture of me how I jump triumphantly over a small hill while a chicken skeptically observed me.
Finally, if you feel like having seen enough culture and nature, take a look at the Lucas Oil Stadium. Yeah, that's the stadium where the Colts play, but it's also an architectural statement that you can't just overlook. I went to a concert there that was so loud that I thought the walls would run away. Parking is a bit messy, but if you arrive early enough, you will find a place that is not right next to the garbage container.
Whether you're a racing fan, a nature lover, a history-interested or just someone looking for a good coffee – the surroundings of New Whiteland offers a colourful mix of experiences that go far beyond what one would expect from a small city in Indiana. And that's exactly what makes New Whiteland Attractions to a surprisingly versatile goal for anyone who is willing to explore a bit and not stay too serious.
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