Plan a Henry County Spring Break Staycation
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Planning to be in East Central Indiana this Spring Break? Why not turn it into a staycation? With Henry County’s beautiful scenery, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, indoor fun, or a family outing, you’ll find it all in Henry County, Indiana.
Let’s explore some ideas to inspire your Spring Break staycation in Henry County…
Disclaimer: This blog post was written for Henry County Destination Development. You can find the blog post here.
Explore Henry County’s Museums
Learn about the county’s history and culture at the Henry County Historical Museum, which houses artifacts, exhibits, and documents that tell the story of the county’s past. Visit the Middletown Fall Creek Historical Society for Middletown-related artifacts and the Historic Knightstown Museum for Knightstown memorabilia and genealogical information.
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum has new exhibits celebrating Indiana’s basketball history and is free to visit. The Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, home of the Hickory Huskers in the movie Hoosiers, is also free to visit.
The Wilbur Wright Birthplace has tours that detail the life and accomplishments of one of the Wright brothers. The Jane Reeve Octagon House is one of five remaining octagon houses left in Indiana and is open for tours at specific times.
Pay homage to Henry County’s military heritage and the veterans who have served at the Knightstown Veteran Memorial Garden of Memories and the Henry County Veterans Museum.
Get Active With Outdoor Adventures
Henry County’s parks offer outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, disc golf, basketball, volleyball, baseball, playgrounds, and skate parks. Explore Summit Lake State Park’s scenic trails (for all levels) for hiking. Check out the Cardinal Greenway Trails that pass through Henry County for a longer bike ride.
There are several golf courses to choose from in the county. Practice your swing at the Fairway Driving Range, which has 15 acres of tee stations, or play a round at one of the courses in New Castle, Middletown, or Knightstown.
Paddle, Fish, and Boat in Henry County
Summit Lake State Park provides affordable kayak and canoe rentals, and visitors can enjoy fishing and boating on the lake. Westwood Park & Lake and Wilbur Wright Fish and Wildlife Area also offer fishing and boating. Those with their own canoe or kayak can access the Big Blue River at the Knightstown Canoe Launch. You can also use the Big Blue River Rides for three—to four—hour kayak trips.
Get Competitive with Racing, Skating, and Bowling
Challenge your friends and family to a fun bowling competition at Rose City Bowl or roll on into The Rink for skating fun.
If you have a need for speed, visit the New Castle Motorsports Park, a one-mile karting facility open to the public on select days, or the Mt. Lawn Speedway, which opens for the season in early April and offers several events throughout the season, including Spring Break.
Dine Around Henry County
Choose from a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll find everything from pizza and barbeque to Mexican and comfort food in Henry County. Some restaurants even offer live music and trivia nights, providing entertainment alongside your meal. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the area’s numerous bakeries and ice cream shops won’t disappoint.
Borrow, Create, and Explore at the Library and Art Association
The New Castle-Henry County Library is open all Spring Break and has a “Library of Things” with over 70 items to reserve. Borrow items like badminton sets, games, bocce ball, toys, museum passes, and hobby items. This library also hosts a Seed Library, with free seeds to plant. Henry County is also home to the Spiceland Public Library, Knightstown Public Library, and Middletown Public Library. Check out books, magazines, and videos with your library card.
The Art Association of Henry County provides art-related activities, including classes, exhibits, and camps. They also feature painting and pottery studios and a beautiful Arts Park and Pavilion.
Local Shopping and Cruise-In Fun in Henry County
You can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods at the New Castle Farmers Market, L&K Produce, and Jacobs’ Family Orchard. If you’re interested in antiques, check out the National Trail Antique Mall in Lewisville and other antique shops in the county. There are also many boutiques, florists, and home decor stores throughout the county’s downtown areas.
The New Castle Broad Street Cruise-In season begins in April and runs through October. New Castle’s first Saturday of each month is packed with classic and late-model cars, food trucks, and vendors!
Enjoy a Night Away From Home – Rent, Camp, Glamp, or Anything in Between!
Looking for a change of scenery without the daily chores? Consider booking a stay somewhere local! You’ll find a wide variety of options to suit your needs, including inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals through VRBO and Airbnb.
Several campgrounds and a state park with camping facilities are located within the county, including Spring Valley Campground, Summit Lake State Park, Cornerstone Campground, New Lisbon Family Campground, Walnut Ridge Campground, and Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. Some locations provide cabin rentals, RV hookups, and amenities like pools, fishing, and arcades.