Henry County Indiana Gis Travel Guide

Introduction

Located in the heart of Indiana, Henry County is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From its rich history to its beautiful landscapes, there is something for everyone in this county. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or an art lover, Henry County has it all. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

One of the top attractions in Henry County is the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Wilbur Wright, one of the inventors of the airplane. Another must-visit attraction is the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, which features exhibits and memorabilia related to basketball in Indiana. If you are interested in history, be sure to visit the Henry County Historical Society Museum.

Hidden Gems

If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Henry County has plenty to offer. Check out the Spiceland Quaker Meetinghouse, which is the oldest meetinghouse in Indiana and has been in continuous use since 1822. Another hidden gem is the Lewisville Antique Mall, which features over 100 vendors selling antiques and collectibles.

Food Scene

Henry County is known for its delicious food, especially its pork tenderloin sandwiches. Be sure to stop by the Frosty Boy Drive-In for a classic tenderloin sandwich. If you are looking for something a little more upscale, check out the New Castle Main Street restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisine options, including Italian, Mexican, and American.

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you are on a budget, there are still plenty of things to do in Henry County. Visit the Mounds State Park for a day of hiking or have a picnic at one of the many parks in the county. Another budget-friendly option is to attend one of the many free events that take place throughout the year, such as the ArtsWalk or the Henry County Fair.

Outdoor Adventures

Henry County is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Summit Lake State Park, Westwood Park, and the Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

Historical Landmarks

From the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum to the Henry County Historical Society Museum, there are plenty of historical landmarks to explore in Henry County. Be sure to also check out the Hoosier Gym, which was featured in the movie “Hoosiers” and is now a museum.

Family-Friendly Activities

Henry County is a great destination for families. The county is home to several parks, including Baker Park and Memorial Park, which have playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Families can also visit the New Castle Motorsports Park for go-kart racing or the New Castle Fieldhouse for indoor sports.

Natural Wonders

Henry County is home to several natural wonders, including the Mounds State Park, which is home to several Native American mounds. Another natural wonder is the White River, which offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Vibrant Nightlife

While Henry County is a quiet and peaceful destination, there are still plenty of options for nightlife. The New Castle Main Street restaurants offer live music and entertainment, and there are several bars and breweries in the county, including the Bad Dad Brewery and the New Castle Armory.

Local Markets

If you are looking for fresh produce and local goods, be sure to visit the New Castle Farmer’s Market, which is open every Saturday from May to October. The market features over 30 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.

Beaches and Mountains

While Henry County is not known for its beaches and mountains, there are still opportunities for outdoor recreation. Summit Lake State Park has a beach for swimming and sunbathing, and the county is home to several hills and bluffs that offer scenic views.

Cultural Immersion

Henry County has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can immerse themselves in the county’s history and traditions. Be sure to visit the New Castle-Henry County Public Library, which has a collection of local history resources. Visitors can also attend the Henry County Historical Society’s annual Heritage Days festival, which celebrates the county’s history and culture.

Art and Music Scene

Henry County has a thriving art and music scene. Visitors can attend the ArtsWalk, which showcases the work of local artists, or visit the New Castle-Henry County Arts Council, which hosts art exhibits and performances. There are also several music festivals throughout the year, including the New Castle Blues Festival and the New Castle Jazz Festival.

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Henry County is on foot. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of New Castle’s historic downtown, which features several architectural marvels. There are also several guided tours available, including a tour of the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum.

Architectural Marvels

Henry County is home to several architectural marvels, including the Hoosier Gym, which was built in 1921 and is now a museum. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown of New Castle, which features several examples of Victorian and Art Deco architecture.

Historical Sites

From the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum to the Henry County Historical Society Museum, there are plenty of historical sites to explore in Henry County. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown of New Castle, which features several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Biking Routes

Henry County is a great destination for biking enthusiasts. The county is home to several biking routes, including the Cardinal Greenway, which is the longest rail-trail in Indiana. There are also several mountain biking trails in the county, including the Wilbur Wright Trail.

Wellness Retreats

If you are looking for a wellness retreat, Henry County has plenty of options. Visitors can attend a yoga class at the New Castle-Henry County YMCA or visit the New Castle Wellness Center, which offers a variety of wellness services, including massage and acupuncture.

Adventure Sports

Henry County is a great destination for adventure sports. Visitors can go zip-lining at the Heartland Resort or try their hand at rock climbing at the New Castle Fieldhouse. There are also several options for water sports, including kayaking and canoeing on the White River.

With so much to see and do in Henry County, Indiana, visitors will never run out of things to explore and experience. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or cultural immersion, Henry County has it all.