These 6 Towns in Indiana Have Bustling Main Streets

While Indiana may not jump immediately to mind when we think of places to visit in the USA, this friendly Midwestern state is not without merit when it comes to vacation planning. While best known for its sprawling farmlands (a whopping 65 percent of Indiana’s land is dedicated to agriculture), adventurous travelers with a sense of curiosity certainly won’t be disappointed with a visit to the “Hoosier State.”

As nice as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne may be, by far, the best way to get to know Indiana and its people is to check out a few of the state’s many quaint small towns. The best of them boast vibrant main streets bursting with charm and attractions that together provide a window into each community and the state itself. Find out more with a virtual visit to these six small towns in Indiana that have bustling main streets.

Madison

Madison, a historic town located along the Ohio River facing the neighboring state of Kentucky, is only an hour southeast of Indianapolis, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. The star attraction here is the Madison Historic District, an area on Main Street that encompasses over 130 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights of a walking tour of this pretty downtown area include the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, built in 1844, and a must-see attraction that offers guided tours of what is one of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest.

A great time to visit is July during the exciting Madison Regatta. Now in its 73rd year and one of the country’s most important hydroplane speedboat races, this lively event spills onto Main Street, where the fun continues until the wee hours. Other fun events include the RiverRoots Music & Folk Arts Festival in May and the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art later in September, both of which bring visitors to the town’s bustling main street.

Jasper

Founded in 1830, Jasper is only a two-hour drive west of Louisville making it an ideal diversion for those planning a trip to Kentucky’s largest city. Courthouse Square, the hub of Jasper’s thriving Main Street, is very much the heart of the community and is a great place to begin exploring. Grab some pics of the attractive Dubois County Courthouse dating from 1894, and then take a stroll past the Astra Theatre. Just a block away on Newton Street, this historic venue was built in 1936 and still hosts concerts, films, and community events.

From here, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Jasper City Mill. Built in 1870 and reconstructed in 2009, this working cornmeal mill offers tours, a gift shop, and excellent views of the Patoka River. Afterward, enjoy a two-mile hike along the Jasper Riverwalk, a scenic route that’s also suitable for biking. Jasper Main Street and Courthouse Square also serve as the backdrop for the town’s popular Strassenfest, a German-style street festival held every August with plenty of food, music, and parades to enjoy.

Logansport

Located in north-central Indiana, about an hour and a half north of Indianapolis, Logansport was founded in 1826 on the Wabash and Eel Rivers and is a fun destination for those curious to learn more about small-town Indiana. Unlike most other towns on this list, Logansport actually features more than one district that could be considered part of the downtown, including a Main Street that’s entirely residential. Locals would tell you that East Broadway is Logansport’s main drag, and for good reason. Here, you’ll find the Cass County Historical Society Museum in a heritage building housing an impressive collection of local artifacts.

Another favorite among tourists is the Point Historic District, a collection of 34 buildings in the town’s oldest section that includes elegant Colonial Revival- and Queen Anne-style architecture. Must-sees here are All Saints Roman Catholic Church from 1884 and the Geiger Building constructed in 1889. Though smaller, Bankers Row Historic District’s 20 old homes are worth seeing for their Queen Anne and Italianate stylings, the oldest of which dates back to 1875. Although a little outside of the town center, the McHale Performing Arts Center is worth mentioning for its rich program of live music and other performances.

Franklin

Located just south of Indianapolis, Franklin was founded in 1823 and is known for its vibrant main street. Split into two sections (Mains St. N. and Main St. S.) by the magnificent red and white brick Johnson County Superior Court, additional highlights in this picturesque town center include the historic Artcraft Theatre, built in 1922 and still showing classic films and hosting community events, and a selection of boutique shops and first-rate restaurants, including local favorites like The Willard, a historic pub and restaurant housed in a 19th-century building.

Franklin’s main street is also home to the Johnson County Museum of History with its fascinating exhibits on local history, culture, and townsfolk. A great time to visit is during the Franklin Fall Festival, held every October in the downtown area. Highlights include a parade, live music, street vendors, and the chance to enjoy the local fall colors.

Angola

Established in 1838 in northeastern Indiana and just an hour from Fort Wayne, Angola boasts a downtown area that’s dominated by the iconic Soldiers' Monument, built in 1917 to honor Civil War soldiers. It’s here at this impressive monument that the two thoroughfares leading in and out of the town, Wayne and Maumee Streets, meet up. It’s Maumee Street, however, that locals would consider the town’s main drag for its antique shops (check out Then & Now) as well as restaurants including The Venue Grill along with Monument Pizza Pub, both popular spots to eat and drink.

The historic Brokaw Movie House, built in 1931, defies both streets for its unique location as it’s sandwiched between both streets and facing Public Square and the monument. Angola is also known for its proximity to Pokagon State Park, a popular destination for hiking, boating, and camping. The Angola Balloons Aloft festival, held in July, attracts thousands of visitors who come to watch hot air balloons fill the sky, providing the perfect excuse to explore the downtown area.

Bedford

Bedford, our last stop in Indiana, was founded in 1825 and is just 25 miles south of the larger town of Bloomington, Known as the "Limestone Capital of the World" for the many large quarries located nearby, this unique title is reflected in the architecture along Bedford’s main street. It’s here on 16th Street that you’ll find some of the best examples of the many historic limestone buildings that have sprung up around town, including the majestic Lawrence County Superior Court. Completed in 1930, this architectural gem stands as a testament to Bedford's rich history in the limestone industry.

16th Street is also home to some great shops, local cafés, and antique stores, making it a lively hub for both residents and visitors. A great time to visit is during the Limestone Heritage Festival in June when the town celebrates its unique limestone heritage with parades, concerts, and artisan displays. After exploring the downtown area, head out to the nearby Hoosier National Forest and Spring Mill State Park to explore caves, hiking trails, and a pioneer village.

The Final Word

There’s little doubt that Indiana's small towns with their bustling main streets offer visitors a unique glimpse into the state's history and culture. From the historic architecture of Madison and Jasper to the lively festivals in Logansport and Bedford, each of these towns has something distinct to offer the curious traveler, serving not only as hubs for shopping and dining but also hosting events that draw tourists from across the Midwest. Find out more with this inspiring list of six towns in Indiana that have bustling main streets.