Area Attractions

Crawfordsville is a west-central Indiana community of about 15,000 and named one of the best 100 small towns in America by Norman Crampton. It has a distinctive downtown, a rich history, varied arts venues, and is home to Wabash College, one of the nation’s top rated liberal arts colleges. Wabash College information can be found at 765-361-6100, www.wabash.edu. Crawfordsville is located only 30 minutes from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue is a major university with nationally recognized academic programs and Division 1 athletics. Further information can be found at www.purdue.edu. Downtown Indianapolis is within an hour’s drive from Davis House.

The city’s legacy includes a long line of resident authors, such as Lew Wallace, who wrote Ben Hur. The General Lew Wallace Study Museum is well worth visiting to learn about his life as an author, civil war general, inventor, artist and musician.

Another historically significant site is Lane Place, the 1845 home of Henry S. Lane, statesman and founder of the Indiana Republican Party.

Downtown Crawfordsville houses the Old Jail Museum. Built in 1882, it is the only one of seven rotary jails constructed in the U.S. currently in operating condition.

Near Crawfordsville are two outstanding state parks. “Shades” is approximately 12 miles southwest and “Turkey Run” is approximately 20 miles southwest. Both parks offer picnicking facilities and wonderful hiking and scenery along the limestone banks of Sugar Creek.

For canoeing or fishing, Sugar Creek offers some of the finest water and classic small mouth bass fishing in Indiana. For more information, contact www.clementscanoes.com.

Detailed information about these attractions and area events can be found by contacting the Montgomery County Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-866-3973 or 765-362-5200.