Looking for a small-town getaway with racing thrills, river views, and local charm? Head to Anderson! Located northeast of Indianapolis, Anderson blends motorsports excitement, outdoor recreation, and historic architecture. Whether you're visiting for a concert, exploring nature, or catching a race, Anderson offers a laid-back Midwest experience.
Anderson, IN Highlights:
- Catch high-speed action at Anderson Speedway: Watch late model and sprint car races at this iconic short track.
- Try your luck at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino: Experience live harness racing, gaming, and dining under one roof.
- Explore Mounds State Park: Hike wooded trails and see ancient Native American earthworks near the White River.
- Visit the Anderson Museum of Art: Browse rotating exhibits inside a stunning Beaux-Arts former Carnegie Library.
- Walk downtown Anderson: Enjoy revitalized architecture, local shops, and cafés in a historic Main Street setting.
Best Time to Visit Anderson, IN
The best time to visit Anderson is from May through October. These months offer pleasant weather for racing season, outdoor events, and exploring parks and trails. Fall brings colorful foliage to the region’s natural areas.
How to Get to Anderson, IN
- If you are traveling by car: Anderson is just off I-69, about 45 minutes northeast of Indianapolis.
- By Plane: Fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND), then drive or shuttle approximately 1 hour to Anderson.
- By Bus: Bus services like Miller Transportation offer limited regional connections through nearby hubs.
Where to Stay in Anderson, IN
- Harrah’s Hoosier Park Hotel – Convenient for casino-goers and racetrack fans, with on-site amenities.
- Hampton Inn Anderson – Comfortable and reliable, close to shopping and major highways.
- Anderson’s Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast – Quaint lodging in a historic home with personalized hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Anderson, IN
1. Mounds State Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Located off the I-69 close to Anderson, Mounds State Park protects and showcases 10 unique prehistoric earthworks which were built by a Native American Indian tribe known as the Adena-Hopewell people. The complex is believed to date back to 160BC and to have been used over many centuries for religious ceremonies and gatherings and for observing Astronomical alignments. The park covers over 100 hectares and is popular with locals and visitors as an outdoor recreational area where you can go hiking, birding and kayaking along the White River. There is also a camp site and an on-site Nature Center where you can interact with wildlife, watch feeing time or sign up to join guided special-interest hikes on weekends.
Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, Phone: 765-642-6627
2. Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing and Casino
Famous as the home of Indiana’s popular harness horse-racing, Hoosier Park is part racetrack, part Casino and entertainment area. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy the exciting harness-horse racing spectacle, but that is just the start of the fun at this Caesar’s-owned entertainment complex. The casino offers state-of-the-art electronic and video slot games, betting and table games, while the Terrace Showroom and Outdoor Music Center host top performers for your entertainment. There are several loungers and bars as well as a selection of on-site restaurants where you can enjoy anything from a quick snack to a gourmet steak. Visitors staying at near-by partner hotels are offered a free shuttle service to Hoosier Park.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, 4500 Dan Patch Circle, Anderson, IN 46013, Phone: 800-526-7223
Recommended Attractions
3. Museum of Madison County History
The Museum of Madison County History on 11th Street is home to the Madison County Historical Society, who strives to protect and showcase the history of Madison County. Although the museum is currently under construction on the second floor of the building, the Historical Society regularly hosts guided tours to historical attractions all over the county and collects all relevant historic photographs, documents and artifacts to place on display. They organize regular exhibitions and invite all locals and visits to stop by and learn all about the old days in Madison County. The Exhibition Hall is open to the public (by appointment only) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3.30pm.
Museum of Madison County History, 7 West 11th Street, Anderson, IN, Phone: 865-683-0052
4. York Performance Hall and Galleries
For music lovers, the chance to attend one of the regular concerts at the York Performance Hall could just be the highlight of your visit to Anderson. Located on the campus of Anderson University, York Performance Hall is connected to the Music Wing of the Krannert Fine Arts Center. The Performance Hall is a modern, state-of-the-art facility which is used by music students of the university as well as by visiting artists. The Hall can accommodate 45 musicians in the orchestra, while a special choir loft can with wonderful acoustics welcomes up to 75 singers. The York Performance Hall also hosts movie festivals and other entertainment throughout the year.
York Performance Hall and Galleries, 1100 E 5th St, Anderson University, Anderson, IN 46012, Phone: 800-428-6414
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Anderson Museum of Art
Housed in a beautiful 1905 Beaux-Arts Neoclassic building, the Anderson Museum of Art is a must-see Anderson attraction for lovers of art and architecture. The museum was originally established in 1967 (in a different location) and is proud to exhibit a permanent collection of early Indiana art. In addition to the permanent collection the museum showcases regular exhibitions of art, photography and sculpture and hosts an annual exhibition by established and emerging Indiana artists. The museum also strives to develop a love of art by hosting various classes and workshops for adults and children and creative family fun days. Admission prices are extremely affordable and the museum is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday.
Anderson Museum of Art, 32 West 10th Street, Anderson IN 46016, Phone: 765-649-1248
Plan Your Trip