12 Best Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana

1. Have a peek into the palatial interiors of The Gaar House Museum

Located in the heart of the city, The Gaar House Museum was once the home of Abram Gaar, an industrialist and the president of Gaar-Scott and Company. The lavish mansion was planned and designed by the area’s leading architect, John A. Hasecoster, and the construction cost accumulated to an equivalent of more than 6,000,000 USD today.

You can buy a ticket to the museum for 10 USD and admire magnificent architecture through a guided tour that gives you a peek into the palatial interiors, vintage furnishings, and historical relics.

The Gaar House Museum

Address: 2593 Pleasant View Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: The Gaar House Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 4pm (closed on Fri, Sat & Sun)

2. Admire mastodon remains in Joseph Moore Museum

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

The museum is named after Joseph Moore, a teacher at the Friends Boarding School in Richmond, which became Earlham College in times to come. He collected natural history objects to corroborate his teaching.

When Lindley Hall was constructed in 1887, one of the floors was designated for Moore’s growing collection. The fossil of Giant Beaver and the mummy of Ta'an were acquired in 1889. These were together with the skeleton of Tippo Sahib, a local circus elephant that had gone mad and had to be shot. It was in 1905 when Allan D. Hole replaced a curator after Moore’s death and started cataloging items systematically.

An entry to the museum is free, and a planetarium show can be arranged on request.

Joseph Moore Museum

Address: 801 W Nat'l Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Joseph Moore Museum

Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 1pm - 5pm; Wed: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Tue & Thu)

3. Go hiking and explore the lush greens and forest at Hayes Arboretum

Hiking trails are the perfect detox for a busy life. If you are stressed about a lot of things, hiking through the lush green forest at Hayes Arboretum is something that you need. The tour consists of 16 miles (25.7 kilometers) of trails, of which 7.5 miles (12.1 kilometers) are for mountain biking enthusiasts. The trails can be accessed from the west and east sides of the arboretum, and each trail has been assigned different colors – blue, yellow, orange, and red – depending on the level of difficulty. The forest itself is a haven for nature lovers with its breathtaking views and huge variety of plants, animals, beautiful flowers, and mushrooms. Moreover, this 330-acre (133.6-hectare) lush, green space also has Hayes Museum and a nature center that houses interactive displays about native flora and fauna.

Hayes Regional Arboretum

Address: 801 Elks Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Hayes Regional Arboretum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

4. Admire different art exhibitions at Richmond Art Museum

If you are a fan of art and culture, there’s no better place to visit than Richmond Art Museum. It is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Wayne County and Indiana’s second oldest art museum. Explore an awesome collection of decorative art, ceramic pieces, and a strong depiction of the history of Indiana. Art lovers can also check out some of the beautiful paintings on display in various exhibits. The Annual Exhibition of Indiana and Ohio Artists is a highlight at Richmond Art Museum. It takes place every year. In 2020, it successfully completed 122 years. This exhibition gives opportunities to artists from Indiana and Ohio to showcase their skills. Don’t miss out on this attraction and try to catch an exhibition or two while in Richmond.

Richmond Art Museum

Address: 350 Hub Etchison Pkwy, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Richmond Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

5. Swim under the manmade waterfalls, Thistlethwaite Falls

What could be an ideal option if you are frustrated in the scorching heat of Richmond? The answer to this question lies in the majestic Thistlethwaite Falls. These manmade falls were created in 1854 by Timothy Thistlethwaite, who built a dam on the river that forced the water to cascade down the rocky ledge. If you are an archaeology buff, these falls also provide a perfect site for searching ancient fossils among the rock formations along the river. If you happen to find any, you can take them home. If you are planning to visit with children, this spot will not let you down. Just don’t forget to bring your swimwear.

Thistlethwaite Falls

Address: 65 Waterfall Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

6. Pack your picnic basket and relax outdoors at Clear Creek Park

Have a serene family picnic at Clear Creek Park, located on the west side of Richmond. Spanning 49 acres (19.8 hectares), this park comes with entertaining amenities such as a playground, a basketball court, a disc golf course, a tennis court, etc. It is a spot where children won’t get bored for sure. The park is known for Rose City Horseshoe League, which meets on the first Thursday in May and races every Thursday night for 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the number of teams. So, if you are a sports enthusiast you can definitely try a hand in the Horseshoe League at the park; everyone with the relevant skills is allowed to compete.

Clear Creek Park

Address: Clear Creek Park, 1201 W Main St, Richmond, IN 47374

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. See the collection and learn about Ford's Model T evolution and history at Model T Museum

For car lovers, this is one of the places you got to visit while in Richmond, Indiana. Model T Museum features an impressive collection of vehicles, a Pietenpol airplane and vintage garage, a working machine shop, a gift and book shop, and an extensive research center. The museum also features one of the first T models and one of the last ones too. They also house a reference library that gives insightful details about the Ford Model T and the importance it holds in the history of the American auto scene. If you love cars, you can’t miss out on visiting this place.

Model T Museum

Address: 309 N 8th St, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Model T Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 5 USD

8. Immerse yourself in music at Music Garden in Glen Miller Park

One of the most popular and well-known tourist spots in Richmond is Music Garden in Glen Miller Park. This amazing place features interactive music installations for children of all ages. Although the park is known to host many historical and cultural activities throughout the year, it also hosts musical and educational programs for people. The musical instruments installed at the park allow you to dance to your own tune. You can also play through the installed hubcaps and metals. Who would have imagined you can play musical instruments through auto parts? Test your music-making skills in this garden and explore your creativity.

Glen Miller Park

Address: 2200 E Main St, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Glen Miller Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Dine-in for hickory-smoked barbeque with live entertainment at Firehouse BBQ and Blues

Are you a foodie in quest of good food and entertainment? If yes, pay a visit to Firehouse BBQ and Blues, a quaint restaurant that sits in Richmond’s oldest firehouse. The hickory-smoked barbeque menu here is something that will surely activate your taste buds. The mouthwatering brisket and pulled pork packs quite the punch. To partner with the exotic beef brisket and back ribs, one of the legendary concoctions called ‘The Smokin’ Hog’ will surely make your day merrier. Good food is, however, incomplete without good music. Groove to rock and jazz music at this restaurant while relishing your barbeque and drinks and get captivated in a unique and fun-driven dining experience.

Firehouse BBQ and Blues

Address: 400 N 8th St, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Firehouse BBQ and Blues

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun)

10. Take a stroll along the beautiful blooming grounds of Richmond Rose Garden

Located inside Glen Miller Park, this is an exciting place that awaits all the rose lovers. Richmond Rose Garden is open 365 days a year and is one of the most-visited locations in the city. Is there a better place to explore with your loved ones other than this mesmerizing garden? Visiting the garden required no fee since all expenses are taken care of by dedicated volunteers. With more than 100 different varieties of roses on display, this place is sure to leave you spellbound. The place is also ideal for hosting outdoor ceremonies and weddings.

Richmond Rose Garden

Address: Lower Dr, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Richmond Rose Garden

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

11. Pay tribute to Indiana's professional football players by visiting Indiana Football Hall of Fame

Are you an ardent American football fan? If yes, then Indiana Football Hall of Fame, a sports museum located in Richmond, is the place you would definitely not want to miss. Since 1973, this place has held different mementos, uniforms, and memorabilia of various legendary players who have contributed to this historic sport. It also honors star players associated with high school and college. With due recognition given to the deserving sportsmen and women, the museum encapsulates the rich history of football in the state. Sports lovers and enthusiasts are sure to get goosebumps upon visiting this museum.

Indiana Football Hall of Fame

Address: 815 N A St, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Indiana Football Hall of Fame

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

12. Delight your sweet tooth at Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream

How does delicious homemade ice cream sound? If you are in Richmond and are craving for some, then Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream is the place you should drop by. Aside from 18 different flavors of ice cream, the menu also includes shakes, floats, various toppings, malts, and affogatos. There’s no better way to spend some quality time with your friends and family than trying some of the sweet and fresh homemade savories. The finest, quality ingredients are used and the ice creams are made the old-fashioned way. Some of the well-known servings include the Burst of Freedom, Pumpkin Spice, Blue Blizzard, and many more. Indulge your sweet tooth in a plethora of delicacies at Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Ullery's Homemade Ice Cream

Address: 168 Fort Wayne Ave, Richmond, IN 47374, United States

Website: Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 3am - 8pm; Sat: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Feel at home in Richmond

If you are in Richmond, Indiana, there are certainly several exciting things to see and do. Lush green forests, picturesque waterfalls, historical museums, enchanting gardens, delicious restaurant food, and mouthwatering savories, this place has it all. And the best part of it is that you can explore the city at your own pace as if you were in your very hometown. So, get packing and head to Richmond for the most fulfilling holiday experience.