Need a college-town getaway with local charm, art, and green space? Head to Muncie! Located in east-central Indiana, Muncie blends academic energy with Midwest friendliness. Home to Ball State University, this historic city offers museums, trails, and a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're cycling along the river, browsing galleries, or attending a campus event, Muncie is full of small-town surprises.
Muncie, IN Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or walk the Cardinal Greenway – Indiana’s longest rail trail offers miles of scenic paved paths through and beyond Muncie.
- For History Buffs: Visit Minnetrista Museum & Gardens – Explore Ball family history, art exhibits, and botanical gardens on this beautiful riverside estate.
- For Shoppers: Browse locally owned shops in The Village – Just off campus, find quirky boutiques, vinyl records, and Ball State gear.
- For Couples: Catch a show at Emens Auditorium – Enjoy live concerts, Broadway tours, or classical music in a campus landmark.
- For Families: Discover science and fun at the Muncie Children’s Museum – Hands-on exhibits for younger kids, from construction zones to pretend play areas.
Best Time to Visit Muncie, IN
The best time to visit Muncie is spring through fall (April through October), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Fall is especially beautiful with changing leaves and university events, while summer brings farmers markets and outdoor concerts.
How to Get to Muncie, IN
- If you are traveling by car: Muncie is accessible via IN-67, IN-32, and IN-3, and is about 1 hour northeast of Indianapolis.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 90 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Muncie is served by regional bus lines such as Miller Transportation and local MITS public transit.
Where to Stay in Muncie, IN
- Courtyard by Marriott Muncie at Horizon Convention Center – Modern hotel in the heart of downtown with easy access to events and dining.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Muncie – Comfortable chain option near Ball State and major roadways.
- Airbnbs & B&Bs – Cozy homes and guest rooms throughout Muncie’s historic neighborhoods.
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Minnetrista
Explore interactive exhibits and stroll scenic gardens on an easy, affordable family outing.
Minnetrista is a year-round spacious gathering place in Muncie, Indiana spanning across forty acres and consists of an array of things for visitors to do and enjoy, including part of the White River Greenway, play areas for children, historic homes, many sculpture works, a museum facility, a nature area, and beautiful gardens. Minnetrista also hosts numerous community events, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year, in addition to consistently changing and rotating interactive exhibits. A part of the legacy of the Ball family, the campus was founded to improve the local community, encourage engagement, and connect people.
1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303, Phone: 765-282-4848
⮕ Cardinal Greenway
Walk or bike peaceful trails and enjoy relaxing sights on a weekend trip.
The Cardinal Greenway is a multi-use trail and recreation system that combines an on-street route and a rail trail, crossing five counties and more than sixty miles through east-central Indiana. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the greenway runs between Marion and Richmond and is the longest rail trail project in the state, as of 2018. Along with providing recreation opportunities for equestrians, bicyclists, and pedestrians, the Cardinal Greenway also hosts a number of annual events, such as the BikeTOURberfest in October, Walk Indiana in September, the Cardinal Greenway Bike Fest in July, and the National Trails Day in June.
700 E Wysor St, Muncie, IN 47305, Phone: 765-287-0399
⮕ Muncie Children's Museum
Play, learn, and discover exciting hands-on fun perfect for kids.
The Muncie Children's Museum is a place that strives to make learning fun for children and aims to do so through its wide array of interactive and hands-on exhibits. Discovery Park, one of the museum’s STEM interactive exhibits, offers kids with a chance to better understand the science of the world. Tot Spot provides an ideal hands-on play and learning space for the youngest visitors to the Muncie Children’s Museum, designed for children ages five and under. Children can also explore a tree house and the Five Senses Garden or visit with turtles in the Outdoor Learning Center.
515 S High St, Muncie, IN 47305, Phone: 765-286-1660
Attractions for Couples
⮕ David Owsley Museum of Art
Admire global masterpieces and explore diverse collections on a quick cultural visit.
The David Owsley Museum of Art, or also known as DOMA for short, on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana is considered to be one of the finest university art museums in the state. Open to the public with no admission fee, the museum is home to an excellent collection of artwork that represents cultures from all over the world. The David Owsley Museum of Art is located inside the Old Quad’s Fine Arts Building and is normally open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00am until 4:30pm and Saturdays from 1:30pm until 4:30pm.
2021 W Riverside Ave, Muncie, IN 47306, Phone: 765-285-5242
⮕ Muncie Civic Theatre
See live performances and enjoy a romantic evening in a historic setting.
With a mission of enriching the Muncie community and surrounding area through outreach, education, and theatrical performances, the Muncie Civic Theatre is one of Indiana’s oldest civic theaters. Founded back in the year 1931, the theater today is located in one of the country’s oldest theaters. With more than eighty seasons of providing the east-central region of the state with a broad variety of events and high quality entertainment, the Muncie Civic Theatre is a volunteer organization with a long history of putting on plays, musicals, and other types of theatrical entertainment, performed by members of the community.
216 E Main St, Muncie, IN 47305, Phone: 765-288-7529
Where to Eat in Muncie, IN
- Concannon’s Bakery Café – Famous for donuts, coffee, and casual breakfasts in a local institution.
- Savage’s Ale House – Pub-style menu and rotating craft beers in a relaxed downtown setting.
- Vera Mae’s Bistro – Upscale dining with art-filled walls, ideal for date nights or special occasions.
If you are interested in local events:
- Three Trails Music Series (Summer–Fall) – Free outdoor concerts featuring national acts at Canan Commons.
- Muncie Gras (Spring) – Downtown festival with music, food, and Mardi Gras-themed fun.
- Farmers Market at Minnetrista (Year-round) – Shop local produce, baked goods, and crafts every Saturday.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Muncie, Indiana:
- Albany (20–25 min) – Visit a peaceful small town with antique shops and homemade ice cream.
- Anderson (30 min) – Explore Mounds State Park or attend an event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
- Yorktown (15–20 min) – Kayak the White River, golf, or enjoy a bite at local favorites like Pete’s Duck Inn.
- Selma (15–20 min) – Hike the Red-tail Nature Preserve or explore quiet countryside trails.
- Summit Lake State Park (30 min) – Fish, swim, or picnic by the water in this nearby state park.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Muncie located?
- Muncie is located about an hour outside of Indianapolis.
- It is a thriving college town in Indiana.
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What university is in Muncie?
- Muncie is home to Ball State University, one of the city’s main attractions.
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What other attractions does Muncie offer?
- Visitors can enjoy live performances at the Muncie Civic Theatre.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Cardinal Greenway.
- There are several art and science museums to visit.
- Nature lovers can enjoy gardens and historic sites.
- Shoppers and food lovers can explore shopping and dining options.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for mild weather and exploring parks.
Courtyard by Marriott Muncie – A modern and comfortable stay.
Visit Minnetrista – Explore beautiful gardens and cultural exhibits.
Summer (June-August) – Best for festivals and outdoor activities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Muncie – A family-friendly option with great amenities.
Attend the Muncie Three Trails Music Series – Enjoy live music performances.
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful foliage and campus events.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Muncie – A convenient stay near Ball State University.
Explore Prairie Creek Reservoir – A great spot for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Plan Your Trip