The Top 25 Fun Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana

This article will guide you to the best things to do in Richmond, Indiana! 

Whether you are staying for a day or an entire weekend, Richmond, Indiana, offers many fun and exciting things to do.

The charming small town of Richmond is located on the border of Indiana and Ohio. Situated in Wayne County, this east-central Indiana city offers a variety of activities, from rummaging through Antique Alley to exploring the great outdoors.

Whether you are looking for things to do with kids in Richmond or learn about the historic Gennett Recording Studio, where musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Hoagy Carmicheal recorded, Richmond has something for every type of traveler.

This post is in partnership with Visit Richmond to showcase their charming town. As always, my opinions are my own. This article does contain affiliate links. If you click the link and purchase something, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

The Top Things To Do In Richmond Indiana

Hayes Arboretum

One of Richmond’s best outdoor recreation places is the Hayes Arboretum. From taking a scenic auto tour to tackling the mountain bike trails, there is a way for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors at Hayes Arboretum.

The Arboretum consists of 466 acres with 16 miles of hiking trails. Let imaginations run wild at the Nature Playscape or participate in one of their many educational programs at the Nature Center. However, be sure to check out Hayes Arboretum for events and updates on hours.

Tips For Planning A Visit To Hayes Arboretum

• The Arboretum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m. However, the Eastside Trailhead is accessible every day from morning to dusk.
• The Auto Tour is the perfect way to enjoy the fall foliage without leaving the comfort of your car.
• Dogs are welcome to visit; however, they must be on a leash, and please clean up after them.
• Mountain Biking Trails are located on the East Side of the property, located off the corner of Woodside Drive and Hayes Arboretum Road.

Address: 801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374

Richmond Art Museum

As the second oldest Art Museum in Indiana, the Richmond Art Museum offers a vast collection of diverse art and collections. The museum continues to acquire works of art by American artists with a strong emphasis on Indiana and Ohio regional artists. Gaze upon artwork from American Impressionists, take in original masterpieces from local artists, and then try your hand at art by signing up for a class.

Tips On Visiting The Richmond Art Museum

• The Richmond Art Museum is the only active public art museum housed in an active public school in the United States.
• Admission is free to all exhibits.
• The Richmond Art Museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm.
• Held in early fall, check out Potterypalooza—an annual festival celebrating ceramics and pottery.
• There are new exhibitions frequently at the museum. Check the Richmond Art Museum for the most up-to-date information.

Address: 350 Hub Etchison Pkwy Richmond, IN 47374

Glen Miller Park

Established in 1885, Glen Miller Park is full of fascinating history. Spanning 194 acres, it is the largest park in Richmond, with tons of natural beauty and outdoor activities. At one point, the park was home to a zoo with over 250 species of birds and animals. However, it shut down in 1986 after being deemed one of the worst zoos in the US.

The park is now home to a variety of historical monuments, a treasured Rose Garden, and a scenic pond. Visitors can play a few rounds of golf, go fishing, or enjoy the 11,000-square-foot concrete Skate Park.

Tips For Visiting Glen Miller Park

• One of the most Instagram-able spots in Richmond is the Richmond Rose Garden.
• They have a great playground and a disc golf course. There is a splash pad to cool off in the summer months.

Address: 2200 E Main St, Richmond, IN 47374

5 Arch Brewery

Enjoy Richmond’s brewery scene with a visit to 5 Arch Brewery. Get a flight to sample various craft beers, then stay for dinner. The brewery has already included tax and tip into their pricing, taking on a different business approach. While additional tipping is always appreciated, the staff’s salary is not dependent on it.

In addition, the brewery’s mission is to give back to the community by helping. Hence, the hand flight board. The brewery will give back money to one of five local organizations for every drink sold. Upon leaving, guests choose which organization by placing a wooden buffalo nickel into the charity box of their choice.

Address: 129 E Main St, Centerville, IN 47330

Get our complete weekend getaway guide to Centerville, Indiana, here!

The Heartland Wine and Ale Trail

5 Arches Brewery is part of the Heartland Wine and Ale Trail. Sip your way through local wineries and breweries throughout Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio. Stops along the trail will take you from a scenic vineyard in the country to an upbeat coffee shop in the heart of Richmond. It’s a great way to explore the area while tasting the local specialties.

Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

The Olde Schoolhouse Winery is another great spot to visit, along with the Heartland Wine and Ale Trail. Once an old one-room schoolhouse, this historic building has become a charming winery.

The wine is all produced on-site, and there is an extensive variety of quality wines for all palates. Whether you are looking for a sweet-sipping wine like the Fuzzy Asspricot or a dryer, more complex wine like their signature Cabernet Franc, there is a perfect wine for you.

Catch the sun sinking while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine on the patio in warmer weather. The winery does have winter and summer hours. Check the Olde Schoolhouse Winery for updated hours and events.

Tips For Visiting the Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery

• Be sure to follow the Olde Schoolhouse Winery on Facebook as they will frequently announce events, food trucks, and live music.
• Olde Schoolhouse is a proud member of Ohio Wines and participates in various fun events such as wine trails.
• Get a flight to sample a variety of wines.
• Try the ciders! They are excellent and are a great option at the winery for non-wine drinkers. However, they have soft drinks available for purchase as well.
• The winery is known for its series of “ASS” wines, featuring a story about a beloved donkey’s quest to find his soulmate. Each bottle in the series has a fun part of the story, which has you anxiously awaiting for the next bottle to be released.

Address: 152 OH-726, Eaton, OH 45320

Warm Glow Candle Company

Located in Centerville, the Warm Glow Candle Company is one roadside attraction that commands attention. With an enormous water tower-sized candle at the entrance, visitors can’t help but navigate to it.

Warm Glow Candle Co. offers over sixty fragrances, along with a wide selection of home decor, home goods, and plenty of culinary treats. Their signature is lumpy, and bumpy homemade candles have been widely popular, making the Warm Glow Candle Company a mecca for candle enthusiasts.

Address: 2131 N Centerville Rd, Centerville, IN 47330

Tips For Visiting The Warm Glow Candle Company

• The Warm Glow Candle Company is part of the Chocolate Trail. Bring your passport to get your free chocolate!
• If you signed up for the Girlfriend’s Getaway package, your packet includes a coupon for Warm Glow Candles. Remember!
• Warm Glow Candles holds three significant events yearly: a spring open house, A Fall Festival, and a Christmas Open House.
• The store is pet-friendly.
• There are three other stores on the property: Home Decor & More, Artisans & Java, and the Pavilion.
• Grab lunch at the Stone Hearth Cafe inside the Warm Glow Candle Company.

Wayne County Historical Museum

One of the top fun things to do with kids in Richmond, Indiana, is a visit to the Wayne County Historical Museum. Get up close to an ancient Egyptian Mummy; after that, retrace the steps of early pioneers by examining a variety of artifacts, including a dollhouse from 1880.

The museum is run by the Wayne County Historical Society, which began after they accepted the gift of the extensive personal collection of Julie Meek Gaar, along with the gift of the historical Friend’s Meeting House. Throughout the year, the museum has received various donations, gifts, and artifacts to keep help keep the history alive.

Tips For Visiting the Wayne County Historical Museum

• The museum charges admission. Children 5 and under are free.
• They are not open on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
• They will offer Haunted History Ghost Walks and the Haunted Museum during October.

Address: 1150 North A Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374

The Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site

One historic stop I highly recommend is a visit to the Levi & Catharine Coffin home. Better known as the Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad. This family was able to help nearly 2,000 freedom seekers on their journey to pursue their God-given right to be free.

The home tour is nearly two-hours and shows visitors where the family could safely hide the escaped enslaved people down to the well that was dug in the basement for drinking water.

For those that may not have time for the entire tour of the house, a visit to the new Interpretive Center is a must. Located next door to the Levi & Catharine Home, the Interpretive Center has informative, interactive displays highlighting what life was like for a fugitive enslaved person and those anti-slavery activists.

Address: 201 US-27, Fountain City, IN 47341

Joseph Moore Museum Of Natural History

Another fun place to take the kids is the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, in Earlham College. Admire a mastodon skeleton and a giant beaver skeleton, in addition to seeing another mummy, catch a show at the planetarium. Throughout the museum are a variety of interactive exhibits, including a live reptile exhibit which always draws a crowd.

Tips For Visiting the Joseph Moore Museum

• Admission is free for everyone.
• The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Planetarium shows are offered upon request.
• Parking for the museum can be found behind Dennis Hall in front of the nearby Admissions Building.
• Fun events happen yearly, such as an Escape Game to rescue a Giant Beaver.

Address: 801 National Road West Richmond, Indiana

The Gennett Walk of Fame

The city of Richmond is deeply rooted in a rich history of jazz and blues. In an unlikely event, the Starr Piano Company opened Gennett Records, which recorded artists from Louis Armstrong to Artie Shaw.

To help preserve this history, the Gennett Walk of Fame was created. Stroll the historic walk, which consists of ceramic and bronze medallions resembling 78 rpm records honoring music legends who recorded at the famous Gennett Recording Studios in Richmond.

Address: 201 S 1st St, Richmond, IN 47374

Doughtery Orchard

A visit to Indiana’s oldest family-owned orchard is a must during the fall. Doughtery Orchard is a must with pre-picked and U-pick apples (seasonally), a petting zoo, and a cold glass of apple cider. The petting zoo offers visitors the opportunity to feed the animals.

Dougherty Orchard also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, wine tasting, and more.

Tip For Visiting: The U-Pick Apples depend on the harvest and weather. However, in some years, a frost earlier in the year can destroy an entire year’s crop, such as in 2020.

Address: 1117 North, 9411 Dougherty Rd, Cambridge City, IN 47327

Model T Ford Museum

The Model T Ford Museum is a small museum that packs a big punch. Focusing on preserving artifacts from the Model T Ford Era, visitors can see Model Ts of all shapes and sizes. Walk back in time to visit an authentic 1920s repair and mechanic shop, get up close with many of the touring cruisers, and then check out other fun artifacts from the 1920s.

Address: 309 N. 8th Street, Richmond, IN 47374-3034

Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church Tiffany Windows

Although unknown to many, Richmond, Indiana, is home to a spectacular collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s stained glass windows. The Tiffany Stained Glass Trail has four stops, including the impressive collection at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Louis Comfort Tiffany specially crafted all sixty-two windows in this church at the request of Richmond native Daniel Reid. Daniel Reid funded the construction of the Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, completed in 1906. The church is currently closed. However, tours can be arranged.

Tip: Contact the Indiana Glass Trail or the Richmond Visitor’s Center to learn more about setting up a tour.

Address: 1004 N A St, Richmond, IN 47374

Thistlethwaite Falls

Thistlethwaite Falls is a scenic, easy-to-visit waterfall located in Richmond, Indiana. These human-made waterfalls have a parking area just beyond the bridge. A trail leads to the top of the falls, and a stairway leads down to the base. Hike the 3.5 trail that takes you along the river through Whitewater Gorge Park to add a little more adventure.

The falls are full of ancient fossils that make a fun adventure for kids. However, keep in mind that the waterfall will dry up after long periods of drought.

Address: Waterfall Road Richmond, IN 47374

Hit the Antique Trail

With over 1,200 antique dealers located near and in Richmond, there are bound to be a few treasures you will stumble upon. Antiquers flock to this area to spend a weekend browsing the countless shops and antique malls.

From family businesses to part-time dealers, the vast, diverse selection of antiques found in Wayne County is hard to rival. The owners are all amiable and will help you plan your route if needed. Many have been in the business for decades with their own fun, unique stories.

The Barn at Helm

Venture off the beaten path for a remarkable experience. The Barn at Helm is a gorgeous flower farm, the lifelong dream of owners Julie and Tim. Julie’s passion for flowers is contagious, just like her smile. She ensures that every visit is memorable and that you leave with the perfect bouquet.

For the fall, fill your pumpkin! The charming farm has plenty of darling backdrops to grab that idyllic Instagram photo. Stroll through the thousands of blooms while deciding which ones to fill your vase. Visit the Barn at Helm to start planning your visit.

Tips For Visiting The Barn At Helm

• The Barn is open seasonally, with various floral workshops held throughout the year.
• The Barn At Helm will host concerts in the garden under a starry sky in warmer weather.
• Celebrating a special occasion? Have the Barn at Held design an extraordinary floral arrangement for your celebration.
• Check Facebook for details on their hours and events.

Address: 5544 Helm Rd, Williamsburg, IN 47393

The Cope Environmental Center

Step foot inside a Living Building, take a hike through Indiana’s prairies and hardwood forest, and then sit back with your binoculars to catch sight of a variety of birds.

The Cope Environmental Center offers educational material on making your own home more sustainable and incorporating sustainable behaviors into your everyday routines.

Address: 1730 Airport Road, Centerville, IN 47330

Quiet Harmony Ranch

Update for 2024: The Ranch is not open to visitors. We will keep this in our list for now in the event they open it back up to the public in 2025.

Embark on a unique adventure at the Quiet Harmony Elk Ranch in New Paris, Ohio. A hop, skip and jump from Richmond, the Quiet Harmony Elk Ranch allows guests to witness elk from the comforts of your vehicle during an educational drive-thru, stroll the meadow trek, then let the kids explore Action Acres.

Prepare to spend an entire afternoon at the ranch, especially if you bring children. Those looking for a more up-close encounter should consider purchasing the outback encounter. This thrilling ATV ride takes guests behind the scenes and right into the pen with the elk. Your guide will take you up close to the elk during the tour. You will get to see the entire ranch and take parts of the ranch unseen by visitors.

Tips For Visiting Quiet Harmony Elk Ranch

• The ranch has odd operating hours and is mostly closed for the winter season except for the Trading Post. Be sure to hop over to Quiet Harmony Ranch for their updated hours and open attractions.
• Parking at the ranch is FREE.
• While entrance into the park is free, many activities are sold ala kart or in a combo day pack. What is included in your free admission is parking, walking the 1/4 mile meadow trek, which takes visitors near the elk pastures, a visit to the Trading Post for a bit of shopping, and the Food Cabin
• The Food Cabin only sells elk burgers and sides along with drinks and ice cream.
• There are booths to buy admission at each attraction.
• Wear proper footwear. There is a fair amount of gravel if you choose to hike.
• Bring sunscreen. There is not much shade, but the picnic area is in the shade.
• Wristbands are required to enter the designated areas.
• You cannot feed the elk unless permitted and accompanied by staff.

Address: 10684 Morrison-Mikesell Rd, New Paris, OH 45347

Indulge Along The Richmond Chocolate Trail

Smooth, decant, and locally-made chocolates tempt visitors to explore one of the sweetest trails in Indiana. Begin your chocolate journey by picking up a Chocolate Trail Passport at the Welcome Center. We recommend stopping at Abbott’s Candy Factory, where they have been crafting chocolate since the 1890s. 

Then venture over to Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream for a special treat, ice cream that is prepared 5 gallons at a time and is churned by a 1928 John Deere engine! There are plenty of other fun stops as well! This trail is an entirely free, tasty addition to any Richmond itinerary.

Tips For Hitting The Chocolate Trail

• Ensure you have your Chocolate Trail Passport to get your free sample. Many businesses won’t give you a sample without a passport.
• The passports can be picked up at the Welcome Center.
• The Chocolate Trail is a great way to see the town and visit many local businesses.

Explore The Richmond Depot District

One of my favorite parts of Richmond is the historic Depot District. Here, you can browse the Model T Museum, grab lunch at Little Sheba’s, check out the 1902 Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, and then grab a wine flight at the Cordial Cork.

There are tons of great dining options in the Richmond Depot District. Try local favorites such as New Boswell Brewery, Firehouse BBQ and Blues, and Ullery’s Ice Cream.

If you are not staying for a meal, grab a coffee at Roscoe’s before doing a little shopping at the nearby boutiques, such as Luxe Lizzies.

Catch A Show at The Richmond Civic Theatre

A perfect way to spend an evening is by attending a performance at the Richmond Civic Theatre. The Theatre has been producing shows for over eighty years and has an incredible line-up of shows.

A Children’s Theatre also presents various shows throughout the year. Check out its website to find the next showtime and see a list of upcoming performances.

The Meltdown Festival

Take part in the biggest festival of the year, the Richmond Meltdown. This free event attracts thousands of visitors, including many families, to enjoy the festivities. Gorgeous ice sculptures pop up throughout town, while local businesses and restaurants host themed events and other specials throughout the week.

The Meltdown Throwdown has world-class ice carvers competing for the sacred golden chainsaw and the bragging rights that come with it. Fire and Ice are two teams, and the crowd cheers on their favorite. The throwdown competition is the main event of the Richmond Meltdown Winter Ice Festival. 

Once the sculptures are complete, the crowd chooses the winner! Watch the ice fly as the competition gets underway in an event unlike any other. Get caught up in the excitement to cheer your team on to victory.

The festival is held annually, typically the last weekend in January.

Murals Tour

Richmond is a vibrant small town that has teamed up with local artists to bring enchanting, colorful murals to historic buildings. The murals define and capture the community’s beauty, history, and culture. You can find them everywhere, from hidden alleyways to busy streets. More than 80 murals are to be discovered throughout Richmond, with new ones being added yearly!

Explore Historic Cambridge

Cambridge City is the hub of this Antique Alley. This charming small town boasts darling historic storefronts, local eateries, and over ten antique shops within a two-block area.

Shopping in Downtown Richmond

If antique shopping isn’t up your alley, venture to darling boutiques and bakeries in downtown Richmond. Sweet Blessings was one of our favorite bakeries serving up incredible baked goodies. Swing into a variety of boutiques for a unique selection of clothing and accessories. Take time venturing up and down Main Street to see incredible murals, historic shops, and you may even take home a souvenir or two.

Bike the Cardinal Greenway

The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail trail in Indiana. Spanning 62 miles from Munice to Richmond, bikers will enjoy a scenic ride for a few miles or even tackle a biking adventure by making a day out of exploring the Greenway.

Tip: Cycling and Fitness Warehouse, on N. 3rd in Richmond, across from the Cardinal Greenway, rents free bikes. They also rent helmets and locks. Bicycles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Places To Stay In Richmond, Indiana

Richmond offers a variety of accommodations for guests to enjoy. My favorite is renting an Airbnb because there are many cute cabins, cottages, and houses that are perfect for families, girlfriends, or couples.

We recommend the Best Western or the new Home2 Suites for staying in a hotel.

Richmond also has a handful of charming Bed & Breakfasts.

Where to Eat In Richmond, Indiana

Richmond has many fantastic places to grab a bite to eat, from chowing down on delicious pizza at Redfront Pizza and Grill to more upscale dining at the Olde Richmond Inn. After several visits to the area, I devised a guide to the Best Restaurants in Richmond.

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The Best 25 Fun Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana