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.
Best Time 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.
How to Get 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 to Stay
- Hampton Inn & Suites Crawfordsville – Comfortable lodging with an indoor pool, free breakfast, and easy access to downtown attractions.
- Comfort Inn Crawfordsville – Budget-friendly stay with cozy rooms and convenient highway access.
Best Things to Do
1. Gen. Lew Wallace Study & Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
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
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
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
Plan Your Trip