Looking for a peaceful retreat rich in history and charm? Discover New Harmony! Nestled along the Wabash River, this small town offers utopian history, walkable attractions, and serene gardens. Ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and those seeking tranquility, New Harmony invites you to slow down and soak in its beauty.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit New Harmony is from spring through early fall (April to October). Mild weather and blooming gardens make this the ideal season to enjoy outdoor sculptures, historical tours, and community events.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: New Harmony is located off I-64 in southwestern Indiana, about 30 minutes from Evansville and just over 2 hours from Louisville or St. Louis.
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), about 35 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: While there’s no direct bus service to New Harmony, you can take a Greyhound or Megabus to Evansville and rent a car for the rest of the trip.
Where I like to stay
- New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center – Peaceful accommodations with gardens, walking trails, and historic architecture steps from town attractions.
- A.C. Thomas House – A charming Victorian B&B ideal for couples and history lovers.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Evansville Airport – A convenient option if you prefer modern amenities near the airport.
Top Attractions
1. Start Your Journey at The Atheneum Visitor Center
Since it was built in 1979, The Atheneum near the banks of Indiana’s Wabash River is a place in New Harmony that has drawn second looks with its steel frame, glass, and white porcelain panels. The building was the first major commissioned work of Richard Meier, a now internationally acclaimed architect. Constructed as the town’s visitors center and the recipient of several architecture awards, The Atheneum is designed to guide guests down a specific route, featuring overlapping grids that offers views of the surrounding countryside and buildings. The spacious rooftop deck overlooks the town, as well as the Wabash River.
401 Arthur St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-682-4488
2. Walk a Meditative Path at the Cathedral Labyrinth
The Cathedral Labyrinth was built by the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation as an outdoor site that provides a place for people to walk through and meditate on a single-path labyrinth built to model those of ancient times. This particular labyrinth in New Harmony is designed based on the original twelfth-century labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral near the city of Paris in France, with the Chartres origin symbolized by the rose found in the center of the labyrinth. The Cathedral Labyrinth is typically open to the public seven days a week, from seven in the morning until eleven at night.
301 North St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-682-3050
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Hunt for Vintage Finds at Firehouse Antiques
Housed inside of the first Firehouse of the town of New Harmony, which dates back to the year 1899, Firehouse Antiques is owned and operated by Cindy and Jeff Smotherman. The vintage decor and antiques shop specializes in furniture made in the United States, kitchenware, glassware, Americana, Indiana quilts, textiles, advertising, vintage books, store counters, holiday collectibles, postcards from the 1900s, farmhouse primitives, and much more. Generally open every day of the week except for Tuesday, Firehouse Antiques also does Moving Sales, Estate Tag Sales, and buys vintage items and antiques, ranging from just a single piece to entire estates.
608 S Main St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-781-1390
4. Explore Modern Works at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art has become a fixture of the town’s Main Street, providing an exhibition space for artists in the Midwest region of the United States, as well as a place for the public to view an array of contemporary art. The art gallery also has a gift shop where local artists can sell their photography, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, drawings, paintings, and other types of artwork. The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art was established in 1975 as part of the revitalization project Historic New Harmony and today acts as a not-for-profit gallery hosting seven exhibitions each year.
506 Main St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-682-3156
5. Pamper Yourself Naturally at New Harmony Soap Company
The New Harmony Soap Company believes that not only is it important what people put into their bodies, but also what they put onto their bodies is important as well. The company aims to provide what people need to feed their skin “a healthier diet,” selling soap and other products in shops located in the town of New Harmony and in Nashville, Indiana, as well as through the New Harmony Soap Company online shop. The company makes handmade, natural soaps, body care products, and lotions infused with nutrients from herbs and plants formulated to optimize skin absorption.
512 Main St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-682-0515
6. Experience Spiritual Serenity at the Roofless Church
The Roofless Church has a unique and fascinating utopian history, having played host to not one, but two “utopian type” communal societies in New Harmony, boasting two different visions during the town’s first few decades. The roofless, open-air interdenominational “church” is a plaza-like area around a city block in size. The unique compound was commissioned by the spouse of a descendent of New Harmony’s founder, Robert Owen, who envisioned a church in which the “only roof large enough to encompass a world of worshippers was the sky,” leading to what is now known as the “Roofless Church.
420 North St, New Harmony, IN 47631, Phone: 812-682-3050
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Historic New Harmony – Guided tours of preserved buildings from two 19th-century utopian societies.
- Harmonie State Park – Hike, bike, or picnic in this peaceful park with trails and river views.
- Atheneum Visitors Center – Start your visit here with an intro film, exhibits, and striking architecture by Richard Meier.
- Working Men’s Institute Museum and Library – Indiana’s oldest continuously operating library with natural history and art exhibits.
Where I Like to Eat
- Red Geranium Restaurant – Elegant dining with views of a reflecting pool and garden, serving American classics with flair.
- Sara’s Harmony Way – Cozy wine bar and café offering sandwiches, espresso, and live music in a historic building.
- Main Café – Local breakfast and lunch spot known for homestyle cooking and friendly service.
My favorite local events:
- Kunstfest (September) – German heritage festival with food, crafts, music, and folk traditions.
- New Harmony Christmas in New Harmony (December) – Celebrate the holidays with horse-drawn carriages, lights, and markets.
- New Harmony Theatre Season (Summer) – Enjoy professional performances at the intimate Murphy Auditorium.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of New Harmony, Indiana:
- Evansville (30 min) – Visit the Evansville Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, or stroll along the riverfront.
- Wadesville (20 min) – Stop by family-owned orchards or explore scenic countryside routes.
- Mount Vernon (15 min) – Enjoy local eateries, river views, and small-town charm.
- Harmonie State Park (5–10 min) – Great for nature walks, birdwatching, and peaceful river access.
Plan Your Trip