Want a peaceful escape with charm and character? Head to Martinsville, Indiana! Hike forest trails, explore local art, and soak in mineral spa history. This small-town gem between Indy and Bloomington blends nature, nostalgia, and creative flair—perfect for weekend adventurers or day-trippers seeking something refreshingly low-key.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Martinsville between April and October for the best weather. Spring and fall offer beautiful foliage and mild temperatures, while summer brings local events and lush landscapes—perfect for exploring parks and downtown festivals.
How to Get There
- By Car: Martinsville is conveniently located along State Road 37, just 45 minutes from Indianapolis and 30 minutes from Bloomington.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 35 miles away.
- By Bus: Regional bus lines provide limited service; driving is the most convenient way to explore the area.
Where to Stay
- Brickhouse Loft – Stylish boutique hotel in a historic downtown building with modern amenities.
- Best Western Martinsville Inn – Comfortable chain hotel offering free breakfast and easy highway access.
- Acorn Ridge Bed and Breakfast – Cozy countryside B&B with friendly hosts and peaceful views.
Top Attractions
⮕ Hunter’s Honey Farm
Tour the hives and enjoy a sweet, affordable family outing.
Sweetening the lives of Martinsville residents and visitors for over 100 years, Hunter’s Honey Farm produces the finest all-natural honey and other honey-related products. The farm was established in 1910, and besides producing their signature honey they also farm hardwood timber and Xmas trees. The farm offers a range of fascinating tours which will teach you all you ever wanted to know about honey and the honey bees which work so hard to produce it. After your tour (reservations required for all tours) you can stock up on all your favorite honey related products at the on-site gift shop. These include mouth-watering edibles as well as honey-based skin products.
Hunter’s Homey Farm, 6501 W. Honey Lane, Martinsville, IN 46151, Phone: 765-537-9430
⮕ Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Hike wooded trails and enjoy a peaceful fall nature escape.
The massive Morgan-Monroe State Forest covers more than 25,000 acres of forest in south-central Indiana. The forest is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts who come from near and far to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. At the top of the list is a selection of 5 hiking trails, 2 of which are considered rugged. Backcountry hiking is also available, and primitive backcountry camping is allowed. There are also a couple of rustic cabins for those who prefer not to camp. The forest is home to 3 lakes where you can launch your boat for a day of fishing. Gold panning (permit required) and seasonal hunting are also available.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, IN 46151, Phone: 765-792-4654
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Bradford Woods at Indiana University
Explore outdoor programs and enjoy a quiet, educational retreat.
Belonging to the Indiana University, Bradford Woods is a brilliant outdoor center which hosts a variety of educational camps and programs for children and adults. Their mission is to foster a love and sense of stewardship of the great outdoors in all who attend one of their camps or courses. The courses are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of your background or abilities. Programs and activities include Recreational Therapy, Teambuilding, Therapeutic Outdoor Programs and Retreats and the facilities are fully accessible for guests of all abilities. The facilities are also available for hire for private and corporate functions and events.
Bradford Woods, 5040 State Rd 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151, Phone: 765-342-2915
⮕ Centerbrook Drive-In
Watch movies under the stars and enjoy a fun, nostalgic night out.
Since the 1950’s it’s been a Martinsville tradition to visit the Centerbrook Drive-in to watch movies under the stars. One of just a handful of operational drive-in cinemas left, Centerbrook Drive In offers a nostalgic trip back in time. Here you can park your car, let the kids have some fun at the children’s playground and order a delicious meal from the on-site concession. All your favorite movie-night snacks are available including juicy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sandwiches and hot dogs, as well as corn-dog baskets, fries and nachos. If you just need a snack you can order some freshly-made popcorn and a drink from the soda fountain.
Centerbrook Drive-In, 6735 State Rd 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151, Phone: 317-831-1526
Where to Eat
- Come N’ Git It Diner – Local favorite for hearty breakfasts, comfort food, and classic diner charm.
- Gather Around BBQ – Smoked meats, signature sauces, and small-town hospitality.
- 21 North Eatery & Cellar – Upscale American fare with a rustic-modern twist in the heart of downtown.
Local Events
- Fall Foliage Festival (October) – Parades, vendors, food trucks, and live music celebrate the season.
- Artie Fest (July) – Family fun with movies in the park, live performances, and local food.
- Martinsville Farmers Market (May–Sept) – Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Martinsville, Indiana
- Bloomington (25–30 min) – Tour Indiana University, kayak on Griffy Lake, or explore lively art and music scenes downtown.
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest (10–20 min) – Hike serene forest trails, fish in peaceful lakes, or camp under the stars in Indiana’s largest state forest.
- Mooresville (15–20 min) – Visit the local history museum, enjoy homestyle diners, or shop antique stores in a charming downtown.
- Waverly Park (20–25 min) – Walk riverside trails, enjoy scenic views of the White River, or attend seasonal festivals and markets.
- Flat Fork Creek Park (30 min) – Climb nature-inspired play structures, bike through rolling woods, or walk the elevated tree canopy trail.
- Monrovia (15–20 min) – Grab a pie at a local bakery, browse unique small-town shops, or explore peaceful farm roads and fields.
- Jimmy Nash City Park (In Town) – Walk forested trails, fish the stocked pond, or cool off at the seasonal aquatic center.
FAQ
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Where is Martinsville located?
- Martinsville is located in the heart of Morgan County, between Bloomington and Indianapolis.
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What is the character of Martinsville?
- Although the town is more of a small city these days, it somehow manages to retain much of its historic small-town charm.
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What can visitors see in Martinsville's historic downtown district?
- Martinsville is home to a historic downtown district where visitors can admire a great example of a pre-Civil War County Courthouse as well as several other historic buildings.
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What are some attractions in Martinsville's downtown area?
- The downtown area is home to many independent stores and restaurants as well as the legendary Martinsville Candy Kitchen, a must-see on your itinerary.
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What recreational opportunities are near Martinsville?
- Close to the town, you will find Hunter’s Honey Farm and great recreational facilities at the Morgan-Monroe Forest.
Unique Attractions
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Hunter’s Honey Farm
- 2. Morgan-Monroe State Forest
- 3. Bradford Woods at Indiana University
- 4. Centerbrook Drive-In