In This Article

Need a charming small-town escape in the Midwest? Head to Crawfordsville! Dive into rich literary history, explore scenic parks and trails, and discover the hometown warmth of this Indiana gem. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just craving a peaceful getaway, Crawfordsville welcomes you with open arms.

When I like to visit

The best time to visit Crawfordsville is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Mild temperatures are perfect for exploring parks, museums, and attending local festivals. Fall is especially beautiful with colorful foliage throughout Montgomery County.

My tips for getting There

  • If you are traveling by car: Crawfordsville is located just off I-74, about 45 minutes northwest of Indianapolis and 2.5 hours southeast of Chicago.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal Line stops in Crawfordsville, connecting the town to Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati.
  • By Air: The nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about a 1-hour drive away.

Where I like to stay

Best Things to Do

1. Gen. Lew Wallace Study & Museum


"Explore a historic study and admire Civil War-era artifacts on an unusual trip."

Gen. Lew Wallace Study & Museum

© Gen. Lew Wallace Study & Museum

The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum is located in Crawfordsville’s Elston Grove Historic District. The museum was formerly known as the Ben Hur Museum and honors the life and history of Lew Wallace, famously the author of the 1880 book “Ben Hur – A Story of the Christ”. The museum is located in the former study of General Lewis and in the carriage house of his former home. The impressive building was designed by General Wallace himself, using elements of Greek revival and Romanesque styles. For a small fee, visitors can join a guided tour of the study, while the Carriage House Interpretive Center and the grounds of the museum are free to visit.

Gen. Lew Wallace Study & Museum, 200 Wallace Ave, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, Phone: 765-362-5769

2. The Lane Place


"Visit a preserved Victorian home and discover exciting Civil War sights on your weekend."

The Lane Place

© City of Crawfordsville - Official

Located almost next door to the Lew Wallace Museum in the Elston Grove Historic District, the Lane Place was the home of Senator Henry Lane who purchased the 3-room cottage in 1844 and embarked upon a series of additions and improvements which resulted in the historic mansion you see today. What makes this particular historic home special is that nearly 90% of the furnishings and fittings are original to the house or to the Lane family and the Lincoln era. (Senator Lane was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln). Visitors are invited to join a guided tour of this grand old mansion to learn all about its interesting history.

The Lane Place, 212 S. Water Street, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, Phone: 765-362-3416

Where to Eat

3. The Breakfast Company


If you think like me: "Savor hearty brunch favorites and enjoy an easy morning meal with family or friends."

The Breakfast Company

© The Breakfast Company

Before you set off to explore all the historic attractions of Crawfordsville, the Breakfast Company invites you to come and enjoy a great breakfast to set you up for the day. The Breakfast Company first opened in 2018 and is proud to offer freshly cooked-to-order breakfasts made from the freshest locally sourced produce. In addition to crowd-pleaser dishes like their gourmet Skillets, the Breakfast Company has developed a reputation for serving up the best pancakes, waffles and crepes in town. Other equally popular options include their Benedicts and tasty 3-egg omelets. The Breakfast Company also serves delicious lunchtime treats including Hot Roast Beef Panini or Gyro Sandwiches.

The Breakfast Company, 1630 Crawfordsville Square Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, Phone: 765-307-7391

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Explore Shades State Park – Hike rugged trails through sandstone canyons and enjoy scenic vistas along Sugar Creek.
  • Discover the Rotary Jail Museum – One of the only functioning rotary jails ever built, offering fascinating tours and historic insights.
  • Stroll Downtown Crawfordsville – Enjoy charming shops, restaurants, and historic architecture along Main Street.

Where to Eat

  • The Barefoot Burger – A casual downtown spot for gourmet burgers, craft beers, and friendly vibes.
  • Francis & Mount – Stylish American eatery with farm-to-table ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
  • Creekside Lodge Restaurant – Comfort food classics and steakhouse favorites served near Sugar Creek.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival (June) – Celebrate with arts, crafts, live music, and lots of delicious strawberry treats.
  • Downtown Party Night (November) – A festive evening featuring holiday shopping, lights, food, and music.
  • Montgomery County Farmers Market (May–October) – Shop fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts at the Saturday market.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Crawfordsville, Indiana:

  • Shades State Park (20–25 min) – Hike through deep ravines and shady forests perfect for a peaceful nature day.
  • Turkey Run State Park (25–30 min) – One of Indiana’s most popular parks, known for its suspension bridges, trails, and scenic sandstone canyons.
  • Wabash College (5–10 min) – Visit the beautiful campus of one of the nation’s oldest all-male liberal arts colleges.
  • Covered Bridge Country (20–30 min) – Explore nearby Parke County, home to dozens of historic covered bridges and quaint towns.
  • Rockville (30 min) – Wander a charming small town famous for its Parke County Covered Bridge Festival in October.
  • Prophetstown State Park (30 min) – Near Lafayette, offering Native American history exhibits and beautiful prairie trails.

I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:

  • Why is Crawfordsville an interesting place to visit?
    • Crawfordsville is an intriguing town, especially for those interested in history and all things old and interesting.
  • What historic attractions can visitors explore in Crawfordsville?
    • The city has a well-preserved Historic Center, where visitors can step back in time while exploring:
      • The General Lew Wallace Study and Museum
      • The Lane Place, both full of Lincoln-era history
  • What museums are located in Crawfordsville?
  • Are there any unique shopping or art experiences in Crawfordsville?
    • On a lighter note, visitors can explore some amazing antique malls and several arty galleries.

How did I do?

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