Visit Spiceland Henry Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Spiceland, Indiana: Discover the natural wonders of the Hoosier National Forest! Experience hikes, camping and fishing in this paradise outdoor life paradise.
Honestly, if you're looking for Spiceland attractions, you have to understand that this small town in the heart of Spiceland Township, Henry County, Indiana, has more history than you would suspect at first sight. Founded in 1850, it grew out of a modest cereal trade – yes, that’s exactly what explains the name “Spiceland” – and later became a small junction for the railway, which today leaves hardly more than a few squeaking tracks.
I remember coming from Indianapolis the other day by train (or better said, the bus that is rarely punctual) and was immediately greeted by the flat but charming landscape. The country roads here are a paradise for people who like to turn around in the car, because the GPS constantly shouts “redirection” while you drive through field paths that offer more cow bells than traffic noises.
A short trip to the city centre – yes, there is, and it is just as small as the word “city” suggests – reveals a few old brick buildings that testify to the founding period. I don't understand the hype around the old town hall, but the surrounding cafes that have more heart than money are really great. And if you ask yourself how to come here: a short trip on I‐70, then right down to County Road 200, and you're in the middle of action without having to fight through endless tourist crowds.
So, if you think about “Spiceland Sights” the next time, grab your curiosity, leave the phone at home and enjoy the slow, slightly cynical flair of a city that has more character than some big cities.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Spiceland is the old one Town Hall is – a red brick building that looks like someone cut out of a 19-century film and pushed into the present. When you get off the main road, you'll see it immediately because it's the only one that's not covered by a shop window front. I once organized a spontaneous picnic, because parking is almost always free in front of the town hall, except on Sundays, when the city administration stops a “citizen forum” and suddenly everyone needs a parking lot. The building itself houses the town hall, but the real highlight is the small exhibition in the basement, where old constituencies and a few yellowed city plans are exhibited from the 1920s – a must for anyone who wants to experience the local charm in its purest form.
A short walk further Spiceland Public Library, a tiny but surprisingly well sorted place that has more books than one would expect in a village of this size. I once found a book about the history of the Indiana farmers, which I never wanted to read, but then started out of pure curiosity – and suddenly I sat three hours between shelves full of local genealogy and completely forgot the time. The staff is friendly but not exaggerated sincerely, which I personally feel as refreshing; they give you the book without overwhelming you with a smile that forces you to buy something. Parking is a children's game here because the small field behind the building is usually empty, unless you are on the first Saturday a month when the reading circle meeting takes place and the field suddenly becomes the parking space for 30 people.
If you are Spiceland Attractions you can do that Historic District do not leave. The district consists of a few well-preserved houses from the founding period, an old school that now serves as a community center, and a former general store that runs a café today. I drank a coffee there once, while I admired the old wooden floor of the shop – he cnares at every step as if he wanted to remind you that there was a real job here before. The café has no Wi-Fi connection, which I see as a welcome timeout from the digital world, and parking is a bit tricky: the road is narrow, so keep yourself better at the small, laterally located parking spaces, which are reserved only for residents, but are usually empty when you arrive early enough.
Another jewel is the Spiceland Community Park. At first glance, it looks like any other small town park – a playground, a few benches and a barbecue area. But when you are there in the summer, you hear the laughing of children, the sound of barbecues and the occasional quaken of a duck that has settled in the small pond. I started an improvised football match with some locals because the local high school team was just in training. Parking is practically directly at the entrance, but at the weekend it can be filled because the families use the picnic tables. A little hint: the sign “Don’t ask any loud parties” is ignored there, so bring your own volume with you when you feel that the silence is too much.
The Spiceland Farmers Market is another highlight that I do not miss every year in July. He takes place every Saturday morning in the parking lot behind the town hall – yes, exactly where you will park your car when you visit the town hall. There are fresh vegetables, homemade jams and a few stands selling handmade soaps that you would never really need, but still take home because they smell so good. I remember buying a bunch of carrots once, just to realize that I could never use them because I was too lazy to cook them. That's the beauty of this market: you go in to get some things, and go out with a little treasure you don't need. Parking is a bit chaotic here because everyone tries to get a place close to the entrance, but if you continue to park a few blocks, you will still find a free place.
Last but not least, Spiceland Train Depot, a small, inconspicuous building, which used to be an important hub for the railway and today serves as a municipal center. I once saw a local concert where a folk band from Indianapolis played – the echo of the old tracks gave the appearance an almost mystical atmosphere. The depot does not have large parking spaces, but the old railway station building has a small courtyard, which is usually free as long as you don't have a community event there on Friday night. When you visit the depot, you should look at the old signalling system; it does not work anymore, but it reminds that Spiceland once had a little more traffic than today.
I like to start with the Henry County Historical Society Museum in New Castle – a place that collects more dust than an old tractor, but packs out a lot of stories from the region. The building itself is a classic brick house from the 1880s, and if you are lucky, you hear the quiet chick of the visitors who wonder about the old-fashioned typewriters. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't arrive with the school class on Saturday afternoon – then the parking lot becomes the battlefield.
Only a few blocks further Hoosier Heritage Village, an open-air museum that tries to bring the 19th century back to life. I have to admit, I don't quite understand the hype about the cow bell demonstration, but the authentic sound of an old web room is really fascinating. Last year, I was lost in the barn because I thought a “coffee cabinet” was a hint of a café – no, that was just an old wooden chair where a visitor was asleep. Parking is a bit more tricky here, because the terrain is more a village than a parking lot, but a free place is almost always to be found when you get early enough.
A jump to Indianapolis brings you to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yes, that's the famous racing-track-Mekka that attracts thousands of fans every year. I was there when a local fan told me that the “Racing-Spirit” consists not only of loud engines, but also of the smell of hot asphalt and the taste of hot dogs you get at every stand. Parking is a labyrinth of concrete surfaces – you can park your car almost everywhere, but be warned: on the race day the field turns into a huge parking puzzle, and you need at least one hour to find a free place.
A short trip to Fishers leads you Conner Prairie, an interactive history museum that tries the 19th century to connect with modern technology. I took part in a workshop where we drove through the Pioneer Road with a real horse car – that was a bit like an escape room, only that you did not escape, but just had to experience the story. Practical: The visitor center has a well-signed car park that is almost always free as long as you don't arrive at lunchtime when the school classes are in.
If you're looking for something green, Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis your salvation. The lake is large enough to rent a small boat, and the trails are so well maintained that you almost feel like you're running through an Instagram filter image. I once made a picnic sabotaged by a horde duck – the animals swallowed my sandwich faster than I could say “Spiceland”. Parking is generous, but on weekends it can be filled because the families are moving with their kayaks.
Another cultural highlight is that Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The collection ranges from classical European painting to contemporary installation, and the sculpture garden is a perfect place to rot a bit while thinking about the importance of metal forms (or just how many Instagram posts you can do there). I have experienced a guided tour with a very enthusiastic curator who explained every painting with the same passion as a sports fan a football match. Parking is free and is located directly at the museum, but be ready to walk a few minutes on foot if you want to reach the main building.
Finally, White River State Park – an urban retreat that has more to offer than just green areas. Here you can visit the Indianapolis Zoo, explore the Eiteljorg Museum of American native art or just sit on the river bank and enjoy the view of the skyline. I once saw a street artist who painted a huge, detailed picture of a bee with chalk – a real eye-catcher who almost forgot that I had actually been looking for a short walk. Parking is usually easy, except for the days when a big festival takes place; then you have to rely on the city centre.
Whether you are a history fan, a nature lover or a motorsport enthusiast – the surroundings of Spiceland offers a colourful mix of experiences that go far beyond the tranquil town. And if you're looking for a good overview, they're Spiceland Attractions a perfect starting point to discover the best of Henry County and the neighboring Indianapolis.
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