17 Best Things To Do In Greenfield, Indiana

1. Take a stroll at Downtown Greenfield Main Street

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Experience the enchantment of Downtown Greenfield Main Street, the heart and soul of Hancock County. Powered by Greenfield Main Street, Inc., this hub celebrates a blend of tradition, architecture, and community spirit. Embark on the Greenfield Historic Landmarks walking tour and explore 10 distinguished edifices. Choose a printed guide or the Distrx app, and let local historians regale you with tales from the past. As you wander, the essence of Greenfield’s legacy unfolds around you.

Greenfield Main Street

Address: 2 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140, United States

Website: Greenfield Main Street

Opening hours: Wed: 11am - 2pm (closed on Thu - Tue)

2. See the exterior of Hancock County Courthouse

Nestled in Greenfield’s heart, the Hancock County Courthouse is an architectural marvel combining Romanesque Revival and Tudor Gothic Revival styles. Located at 9 East Main Street, this three-story buff-coloured stone building, erected between 1896 and 1897, is a masterpiece by Wing & Mahurin architects. It proudly features a majestic stone arch entrance, a distinctive raised basement, and a central clock tower topped with turrets and a vivid red roof.

With neighbouring historical structures such as the Old County Jail, the courthouse stands as a testament to Greenfield’s rich judicial heritage.

Hancock County Courthouse

Address: 9 E Main St #302, Greenfield, IN 46140, United States

Website: Hancock County Courthouse

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Shop 'til you drop at J. W. Riley's Emporium

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shop till you drop at J. W. Riley’s Emporium! It’s a unique shopping center where you can find pretty much everything you won’t find in malls including vintage furniture, antique pieces of jewelry and trinkets, old hard-to-find magazines and comic books, vintage artworks, and other collectibles. There are more than seventy stores to choose from and they cater to young and old alike.

The shopping center is located in the heart of town close to many places to eat including nice restaurants like Lincoln Square Pancake House, Tour of Italy, and Carnegie’s.

J. W. Riley's Emporium

Address: 107 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140

Website: J. W. Riley’s Emporium

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

4. Join the festivities at Riley Fest

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Riley Festival is an annual event that happens during the fall. It is to celebrate the birth date of James Whitcomb Riley, the renowned American writer, poet, and best-selling author. This four-day festival is one of the largest craft vendor festivals in the state and features parades, contests, exhibits, and live entertainments such as local music, dancers, and, poetry readings. You can also expect hundreds of booths that sell a variety of stuff—from food, crafts, and other interesting items.

Riley Fest

Address: 312 E Main St C, Greenfield

Website: Riley Fest

5. Bowl the night away at Strike Force Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you up for a fun game of bowling with the gang? Then you should head to Strike Force Lanes. This bowling center is a favorite hangout spot and features 32 lanes, automatic scoring, automatic bumper bowling, an arcade, and a shop. The snack bar offers tasty food and refreshing drinks for both young and old guests. It also has a banquet room where you can book birthday parties and other events. Bowl the night away at Strike Force Lanes!

Strike Force Lanes

Address: 1539 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140

Website: Strike Force Lanes

Opening hours: Tue and Thu: 10am - 10pm; Wed and Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 2pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)

6. Watch the latest flicks in comfort at Legacy Cinema

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Watch the latest movies in total comfort at Legacy Cinema. This 9-screen theater features nice comfy seats, crystal clear pictures, and crisp sounds—pretty much everything a film buff would surely appreciate. The theater facilities, from the lobby to the restrooms, are meticulously kept clean. The concession stand offers refreshing drinks and tasty snacks including nachos and, of course, popcorn! The staff is well trained and friendly. If you’re going to be bringing a car, parking wouldn’t be a problem.

Legacy Cinema

Address: 2347 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140

Website: Legacy Cinema

7. Enjoy the tastiest treats in town at Greenfield Chocolates

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for the best places to eat chocolate in Greenfield, Indiana, then check out Greenfield Chocolates! This cute little chocolate shop is located in the heart of town so it’ll be hard to miss it. They offer a wide variety of treats ranging from the usual milk, dark, and white chocolates to the fancier handcrafted artisan truffles! You know that you’ll get the best because they use only the freshest, top-notch ingredients that they ship from France, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Greenfield Chocolates

Address: 15 W Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140

Website: Greenfield Chocolates

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

8. Learn more about the city's history at Hancock County Historical Society

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

These museums, operated by Hancock County Historical Society, are a good starting point to know more about the history of Hancock County. Located on North Apple Street in Greenfield, Chapel in the Park Museum and Old Log Church Museum offer an interesting collection of animal fossils, Native American artefacts, Civil War memorabilia, Victorian-era clothing, and much more. If you are a history buff, then these places are for you.

Hancock County Historical Society

Address: 28 Apple St, Greenfield, IN

Website: Hancock County Historical Society

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (Apr - Oct)

Price: 3 USD (adults); 1 USD (children)

9. Plan a picnic at Riley Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for free things to do in Greenfield, Indiana? Spread across 40 ac (16 ha), Riley Park is one of the city’s top parks due to its beautiful verdant space for recreation activities. The park includes numerous facilities such as paved walking paths, courts for tennis and baseball, a skating range, a swimming pool, picnicking spots, playgrounds, and large pavilions for events. Additionally, the park also features a sledding hill and is close to Brandywine Creek where people can enjoy fishing.

Riley Park

Address: Apple Street & US 40 Greenfield, IN

Website: Riley Park

10. Go birdwatching in Brandywine Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Explore kid-friendly things to do in Greenfield, Indiana, such as visiting Riley Park, this park is spread over 60 ac (24 ha) and offers a variety of well-maintained facilities for outdoor activities. There are large playing fields for games like soccer and softball, wooded walking trails, and picnicking spots. The park is also ideal for birdwatching.

Brandywine Park

Address: 900 East Davis Road Greenfield IN

Website: Brandywine Park

11. Find out all about James Riley at The Riley Birthplace and Museum

Considered to be Greenfield’s biggest attraction, James Whitcomb Riley House showcases the life of famous Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. The museum comprises two buildings, one of which was the childhood home of the poet. The first building offers a peek into his life, while the other one features a huge display of his works. Riley Birthplace and Museum is one of the best-preserved late Victorian-era houses in the country. Despite being a longstanding establishment, you can still see its authentic furnishings as well as heirlooms pieces. A guided tour is offered for visitors on request. Visitors can also stroll through the beautiful garden featuring a rose arbour and a gazebo. Don’t forget to take a photo beside the seated statue of the poet.

The Riley Birthplace and Museum

Address: 250 W Main St, Greenfield, IN

Website: The Riley Birthplace and Museum

Price: 10 USD (adults); 1 USD (students ages 7-17)

12. Enjoy a glass of beer at Wooden Bear Brewing Co.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Wooden Bear Brewing Co. is Greenfield’s first brewery and a fantastic place to enjoy craft beers. Located in downtown Greenfield, the brewery offers a large selection of beers from specialty beers to seasonal beers. Its laidback and welcoming vibe make it a top spot for hanging out with friends and family after a long day of touring the city.

Wooden Bear Brewing Co.

Address: 21 West North Street, Greenfield, IN

Website: Wooden Bear Brewing Co.

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

13. Go apple picking at Tuttle Orchards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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One of the most favorite destinations for families, Tuttle Orchards is a working farm offering a bevy of activities such as apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, joining guided tours and educational games, and playing in the tractor area. The farm also offers fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meat and other items made by local artisans. If you get hungry, visit the café nearby and go for a caramel apple. Since the farm gets crowded during weekends, reservations are advised.

Tuttle Orchards

Address: 5717 N 300 W, Greenfield, IN

Website: Tuttle Orchards

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

14. Play a round of golf at Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Earlier known as Greenfield Country Club, Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield is the county’s best golf facility. Its scenic 18-hole Championship golf course welcomes players of varying skill levels. Hawk’s Tail provides 6770 yds (6190 m) of golf, while its back tees are 6800 yds (6217 m) long. It offers a good mix of challenges including water hazards, trees, and bunkers. Facilities available include golf clinics and gold simulator sessions. There’s also a café with great views of the golf course.

Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield

Address: 145 S Morristown Pike, Greenfield, IN

Website: Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

15. Enjoy fall activities at Lark Ranch

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Lark Ranch is absolutely the best place for families during the fall season. It offers an amazing range of activities such as a train ride, a 90-ft (27 m) slide mountain with fantastic views of the surrounding areas, a giant inflatable jumping pillow, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and pony rides. Kids can also participate in other games such as corn cannons and barrel rides. Families can also get a close look at all the farm animals and check out antique tractors.

Lark Ranch

Address: 1611 N Meridian Rd, Greenfield, IN

Website: Lark Ranch

Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon - Thu)

Price: 12 USD

16. Spend a day fishing in Beckenholdt Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located to the north of the town is Beckenholdt Park. It is a 75-ac (30 ha) park created from reclaimed farmland. The park’s grounds include native prairies, a reforestation area, and two wetlands, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The park also offers numerous walking tracks and a fishing lake. Other facilities include a dog park, a pavilion, and picnic spots.

Beckenholdt Park

Address: 2770 North Franklin StreetGreenfield IN

Website: Beckenholdt Park

17. Get close to nature at Thornwood Preserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy the experience of walking through natural woodlands in Thornwood Preserve. Spread over 40 ac (16 ha), this nature preserve has a mixed forest cover, all thanks to its varied terrains. Exploring this preserve is the perfect way to enjoy nature undisturbed. There are seven hiking trails of various difficulty levels that cut through the woodlands, a great way to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the area. Those who want to camp here can get access to facilities during the weekends. The Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department frequently holds nature programs open to all.

Thornwood Preserve

Address: 1597 South Morristown Pike Greenfield, IN

Website: Thornwood Preserve

Enjoy the experience of a small town

The quintessential small town vibe of Greenfield is best enjoyed by slowing down and appreciating its charm. With this list of the best activities in Greenfield, you are guaranteed to know all that this small town offers. So take the time to explore and get to know the city’s top features. If you are on a road-trip, be sure to check out Indianapolis, with its myriad of vacation rentals, just a 30-min ride away. And if you are traveling with your furry companion, you can consider these pet-friendly RV rentals for a stop!