Richmond, Indiana

Lovingly referred to as “the Car that put the World on Wheels”, the iconic Model T Ford is celebrated and showcased at the Richmond Depot District, must-see attraction for visitors to Indiana. Here visitors can feast their eyes on a wonderful collection of Model T’s of all shapes, sizes and vintages.

In addition to admiring the vehicles themselves you can also visit the Model T Ford Speedster and Racer Hall of Fame to learn more about the many companies, race drivers, restorers, and collectors who are part of the Model T story. Touring the museum in an immersive experience which will include visiting a working 1920’s Model T workshop.

Model T Ford Museum, 309 N. 8th Street, Richmond, IN 47374-3034, Phone: 765-373-3106

When you need to stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air, Glen Miller Park is an ideal destination in Richmond. The large green space covers 194 acres on the east side of the city, where it offers a wide array of outdoor amenities. At the heart of the park there is a lovely lake where children can fish and watch the ducks and geese glide by.

The park offers a nature area and plenty of space for walking and running. There are clean restrooms, picnic pavilions, a band stand and open and covered shelters which can be rented. The on-site rose garden is a joy to visit in spring and summer and sporting facilities include tennis courts, a skate park, a playground and a splash pad.

Glen Miller Park, 2200 E Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-720-0983

The historic Richmond Depot District is a must-see attraction for all visitors to the city. Surrounded by historic architecture, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time as you stroll along former 19th century commercial streets packed with interesting one-of-a-kind shops, cafes and restaurants.

This is also where you will find the famous Model T Ford Museum and the 1902 Pennsylvania Railroad Depot. The Depot District is a fun destination for the entire family, offering something for all interests. There is a great Italian Market, pubs and live music venues, breweries and mural art. Children will love the Kids Train Ride and all the wonderful old vehicles in the museum.

Depot District, 180 Fort Wayne Ave, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-939-3325

If you are traveling with kids:

Hayes Arboretum in Richmond, Indiana was established in 1915 in an effort to protect an old-growth Beech and Maple forest. Today the arboretum, which covers 330 acres, is primarily a horticultural research facility, which is open to the public on Tuesdays to Saturdays.

The arboretum provides a wonderful outdoor green space where you can see a multitude of endemic plants in their natural environment. Walkers and hikers can explore four trails which vary in length from a quarter-mile to one mile, making them suitable for families with children. The arboretum includes a nature center, housed in an historic old dairy barn and there is also a small museum documenting the Hayes’ family history.

Hayes Arboretum, Elks Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-962-3745

Everyone is invited to come and learn all about the pioneer days in Wayne County at the Wayne County Historical Museum in Richmond. The museum was established in 1930, when the local historical society received a gift of substantial personal effects from a prominent local resident and an old meeting house to keep them in.

Since then the collections have grown by leaps and bounds and additional property has been added. Everyone will find something of interest to admire in the museum whose varied collections include a 3,000 year old mummy, an exquisitely made 1880’s Dolls House, old cash registers and even a few vintage cars.

Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 N A Street, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-962-5756

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Even if you are not an avid gardening enthusiast you simply cannot help being impressed by the Richmond Rose Garden. Richmond has long been home to rose-growers for the commercial market and in 1985 it was decided to establish a rose garden as part of the Glen Miller Park.

Such was the success of the garden that in less than two years it became an All America Rose Display Garden. Now, more than 35 years later the mature rose garden is a sight to behold, showcasing over 100 varieties of roses as well as lovely perennials, annuals and ornamental trees. There is no entrance fee to visit the garden.

Richmond Rose Garden, Glen Miller Park, 2200 E Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-720-0983

The Richmond Art Museum (RAM) holds the distinction of being the oldest cultural institution in Wayne County. The museum is unusual in that it is housed in a public high school and that it offers free admission to everyone.

The permanent collections include a number of works by 19th and 20th century American Impressionists as well as collections by local eastern Indiana artists from the 19th Century and various prestigious Hoosier Group artists. In addition, the museum hosts an annual exhibition of visual arts created by Indiana and Ohio artists and various other temporary exhibitions. Aspiring artists can sign up for lessons and workshops to improve their skills.

The Richmond Art Museum (RAM), 350 Hub Etchinson Pkwy, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-966-0256

Gennett Walk of Fame is definitely one for those who enjoy something a little out of the ordinary. Way back in 1872 a Richmond citizen by the name of James Starr brought in a piano expert and started to build pianos in a small riverside factory. In time, the company established their own recording label called Gennett Records.

Today music enthusiasts can visit the site of the old piano workshop to admire a collection of plaques imbedded in the sidewalk. Each of the record-shaped plaques honors one of the musical legends who recorded under the Gennett label back in the day. Amazingly, new names are added to the Walk of Fame each year.

Gennett Walk of Fame, Along South 1st Street, Whitewater Gorge Park, Richmond, IN 47374

Named after an erstwhile teacher of the Earlham Liberal Arts College, the The Joseph Moore Museum is home to a treasure trove of artifacts from the natural world, both past and present. Exhibits range from fossils dating back as far as the Ordovician era (350 million years ago) to far more recent finds and to some exhibits which are still very much alive. As you make your way through the museum you can admire an Egyptian mummy called Ta’an, attend a show at the Ralph Teetor Planetarium, see Pleistocene Giants and learn about raptors and live reptiles. On Saturdays and Sundays the planetarium hosts immersive Full Dome Movies.

The Joseph Moore Museum, Earlham College, 801 National Rd W, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-983-1303

The historic Wayne County Courthouse is a prominent Richmond landmark which was built in the early 1890’s. The courthouse is located adjacent to the Old Richmond Historic District where architecture enthusiasts will enjoy admiring some of the city’s oldest buildings. The beautiful façade of the courthouse conforms to the Romanesque Revival style and features high-pitched gable roofs and an octagonal corner tower. The brick building is clad in local Indiana limestone which was lifted into place by a steam-powered crane. When you step inside the u-shaped building you will see an impressive marble staircase surrounded by open galleries. The courthouse is open to the public from Monday to Friday during regular office hours.

Wayne County Courthouse, 301 E Main St, Richmond, IN 47374, Phone: 765-973-9200