Things To Do in Henry County, Indiana
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Updated December 2024
In Henry County, you’ll find a little bit of everything here, especially if it involves basketball, the Wright Brothers, and nature (oh, and some delicious pizza). I’ve narrowed down a list of my favorite places to visit, explore, and dine!
Basketball is a big deal in Indiana, especially in Henry County.
The fieldhouse was built in 1959 for New Castle High School, and it’s the largest fieldhouse in the world, holding up to almost 10,000 spectators! The famous Steve Alford, Kent Benson, and Marvin Huffman (and many more) went to high school and started their basketball careers here. Interested in seeing the fieldhouse? Purchase a ticket to a high school basketball (or volleyball, wrestling, etc.) to get a first-hand glimpse of a game in action.
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
New Castle is proud of its basketball heritage, so it makes sense that the 14,000-square-foot Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame can be found (in this city of less than 18,000 in population). It’s full of memorabilia and interactive displays. The museum also rotates many displays throughout the year, so you can visit more than once and still see new things! Admission is free.
The Hoosier Gym is home to the Hickory Huskers and the annual high school all-star basketball game. The movie Hoosiers was filmed at this location. Now, you can visit the historic gym, learn about Indiana basketball heritage, and possibly shoot some hoops in the famous gym. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.
Museums and History
Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum
The Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur) invented the world’s first successful motor-operated plane. Their parents bought a home on 5 acres just outside of Hagerstown for $700. This is home to where Wilbur was born, and the Wilbur Wright Birthplace Museum can be found. Here, you can tour the home and museum and see a full-size replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. The museum is open from April to November and for special events throughout the year.
Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House
Have you ever seen an octagon house? Jane Reeves built this one in 1879 for around $2300 after the death of her husband. The design was inspired by plans she had seen in a magazine. The Reeves Octagon House in Shirley (on the Henry County border) is only one of five octagon homes in Indiana and is deemed one of the most important since the structure has never been altered. Admission is free.
Henry County Historical Society Museum
The museum was opened in 1901 in the former home of General William Grose. It was one of the three Indiana counties that first created a historical society. Open March through December. Admission is free.
The Henry County Veterans Museum in Memorial Park in New Castle is free to visit. The 3400-square-foot museum includes a media room and gift shop and is dedicated to honoring veterans of Henry County.
Nature and outdoor exploring
Henry County hosts the Summit Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s twenty-six state parks. I love it here. The sunsets over the lake are spectacular (enjoy lunch or dinner in the Sunset Pavilion overlooking the lake), and the beach is great for families! Camping, canoeing, fishing, and hiking are other amenities in the park. If you are an Indiana resident, I highly recommend purchasing an annual park pass to access all the Indiana state parks!
Located behind the Arts Association of Henry County building, the Arts Park is a smaller park packed with beauty and nature. Stroll their trails and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and pond. It features a large LOVE sculpture created by the students and teachers at New Castle Community Center’s Welding and Metal Arts classes. This sculpture is a replica of the one by Robert Indiana, born in New Castle in 1928.
The Henry County Memorial Park has a pond for fishing and picnicking, playgrounds, a veteran’s memorial, and even a Storybook Trail for the kids.
Check out all of the Henry County Parks HERE!
Dining Options in Henry County!
A few of my favorites in Henry County.
This place is a total game-changer, offering a blend of casual, elevated dining and entertainment. Their menu has something for everyone, from classic pub grub to creative dishes. And the best part? They have live music and other cool activities like axe throwing and a golf simulator.
This family-owned and operated pizzeria is a happening place in the evenings! They have a full menu offering wood-fired pizza and barbeque. It is also one of the best weekly lunch spots in Henry County with its affordable personal-sized pizza lunch deal.
This beautiful winery is a Middletown favorite. In the summer, they have the loveliest outdoor concert area, where they host local musicians and food trucks under a canopy of lights. The country views offer a fantastic backdrop. In the colder months, they have live music indoors and offer a variety of drinks and handmade pizzas.
Papa Pepperoni is a Middletown local favorite known for its giant Papa Pepperoni pizza and meal deals. They also have subs, stuffed pepperoni breadsticks, salads, and pasta on the menu. Sign up for their VIP Loyalty program for a free birthday reward and deals.
Primo is the Italian cuisine destination of Henry County. They make all their sauces in-house and specialize in menu features like their tenderloin, pizza, chicken parmesan, soups, and everything Italian.
Grill’t is a family-owned New Castle barbeque joint known for perfectly smoked ribs, meats, burgers, and homemade mac and cheese. I dare you to get the Mac & Cheese Overload topped with Brisket. You’ll be greeted by the friendliest owners in town and the best home-cooked comfort foodies on the block.
The family-owned and operated Burch Tree Cafe & Bakery in Knightstown offers breakfast, lunch, daily lunch specials, and baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and cupcakes. They also specialize in custom cakes.
Located on the National Historic Road (Route 40), Block & Brew is a family-friendly pub recognized for its delicious sandwiches, burgers, bison dishes, and American Wagyu beef. Don’t forget to try their fries!
Ky’s American Bistro in New Castle offers a lunch and dinner menu of salads, sandwiches, home-cooked comfort foods, burgers, and desserts. If you’re looking for a great salad bar, this is the place!
Ice Cream Shops
Check out the Henry County Ice Cream Trail for ideas on where to get a sweet treat! This self-guided tour takes you through a collection of local creameries and ice cream parlors, each offering its unique twist on the classic summer treat.
Other fun places to visit around Henry County
Jacob’s Orchard, open seasonally from August to October, provides family fun with activities like a kid’s play area, wagon rides, and a sunflower trail. You can pick your apples; the market sells apple cider donuts, other products, and fall decorations.
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