An adventure lacking the best things to do in Richmond should not be classified as one, and we know you’re itching for a real adventure.
If you are heading to Richmond, Indiana, and want to infuse your visit with some interesting history as you drive, then keep reading.
From restaurants with a modern vibe to meeting the descendants that freed 2,000 slaves, here are amazing things to do in Richmond (IN), alone or with anyone you deem favorite.
Richmond is a city known for its protected engineering and early recording industry. It is located in eastern Indiana, near Ohio.
The early history of Richmond is associated with the National Road, which brought numerous settler families to the city.
As years passed by, this city became among the most populous in the state and a center of industrial and human expression.
Richmond was the venue for social events for various prominent Impressionist specialists, making it more of a venue over time.
We have provided you with the luxury of 27 of the best and most fun things you can do while you are here in Richmond. Feel free to choose a favorite.
Fun Things to Do in Richmond
1. Levi & Catherine Coffin House State Historic Site
Levi and Catherine risked their lives daily to help slaves get to freedom across Indiana. And while they lived in their Wayne County mansion, it is estimated that they helped 2,000 men, women, and children find their way to freedom.
Touring the Levi & Catherine Coffin House State Historic Site will remind you that there are good people in the world.
For black teenage daughters, it was a reminder of their past. And definitely worth a visit regardless of age.
Here, you will learn about the Coffin Wagon with the fake name that the slaves were in and how it made them feel like part of their family. The site also reveals what life was like for runaway slaves and the downright deplorable conditions they faced to get a chance at freedom.
2. Go Antique Shopping in Cambridge City
A lot of people like to go to antique shops in this town. So it only makes sense to check out what’s for sale in the adorable Cambridge City.
Along with some wonderful murals, the main streets are lined with antique shops full of goodies for sale. We definitely recommend hitting up Building 125 – a giant space filled with new and old items for sale from locals.
And while you’re in Cambridge City, make a stop at the King’s Cafe if you need something to eat. On the Chocolate Trail, the coffee is good, and the desserts are great.
3. Dougherty Orchard
Since 1883, Dougherty Orchard has given us every excuse to make apple pies! Seriously, it’s the oldest orchard in Indiana and also features a petting farm and baked goods.
There are also homemade donuts and animals you can adopt to make pets. When you are here, you will find that your taste buds have an affinity for apple pies and orchard-made food.
You should be on your way already to the Dougherty orchard to get a good spot.
Things to Do in Richmond at Night
1. Abbott’s Candies Factory & Shop
During our visit to Richmond and Wayne County, we had the pleasure of visiting Abbott’s Candies Factory. If you don’t know, his caramels are absolutely amazing and are the best-selling candy in stores, but watching them being made was so cool.
Each caramel is hand-cut and wrapped (yes, hand-wrapped), and the process, while perhaps more efficient by machine, shows the company’s commitment to quality.
There are also seasonal candies, chocolates, and a free gift if you have a Chocolate Trail card.
2. Barn Near Helm
If making your own flower arrangement by heading out to the flower fields and cutting your own stems sounds appealing, it is.
The Barn at the Helm is one of the tourists’ favorites when visiting Wayne County (IN). And if we had to pick a time to visit, it would be late summer and fall.
The barn has a giant sunflower field, perfect for photos. It also has greenhouses and other fields full of beautiful flowers worthy of wedding bouquets (they do too).
Francine says, “Honestly, it was a pleasure to wander among the rows of flowers and watch my daughter so carefully select each stem to cut. And the result was a beautiful flower arrangement. On our Indiana road trip and home, we carried it through the resort.”
3. Wayne County Historical Museum
Again, here’s a history nerd. So learning about the area through a super cute museum (hello, mummy!) is always fun.
Open by appointment only; the museum has plenty of ways to learn about Wayne County and its fascinating racing history.
Given how adorable downtown Richmond is and how it feels like we’ve stepped back in time about 7 decades, it’s no surprise that it has some really good restaurants.
Things to Do in Richmond for Couples
1. Thistle Thwaite Falls
If you don’t know the story of Thistle Thwaite Falls, it’s a great one, so we’ll share it.
At the south end of Springwood Park is a picturesque cascade that rushes down the banks to the West Fork of the Whitewater River.
Twenty feet high and sixty feet wide, Thistle Thwaite Falls is man-made and named after sawmill owner Timothy Thistle Thwaite.
He created a dam across this rough porch for his plant during the nineteenth century. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Cascade is a great place to hunt for Late Ordovician fossils dating back exactly 450 million years.
You’d never expect it to be in the heart of Richmond.
An artificial waterfall for several mills in the mid-19th century is now a wonderful retreat for people who want to explore nature.
Thistle Waite Falls has a mesmerizing view that can captivate almost anyone. What’s more, is the fact that you can take a lot of pictures.
If you need to pass the time, cool down, or relax, the best place to visit would be Thistlewaite Falls. There is so much to explore.
Visiting Thistle Thwaite Falls is one of the best things to do in Richmond, Indiana.
Tip: There are some pretty steep steps leading up to the falls, so bring good walking/hiking shoes. There is also a 5.5km hiking and walking trail nearby, so feel free to make a day of it.
2. Lizzie’s Tin Cafe
Such a cute diner-style restaurant. It’s dedicated to all things Ford Model T.
It also has celebrities from the 1920s lining the walls and is where many locals eat, so get ready to enjoy dinner here with your significant other.
The menu is dinner (aka what grandma would make you when you visit), and the atmosphere is fun and welcoming.
We visited countless times for breakfast, and it was delicious.
3. Firehouse BBQ & Blues
Take Richmond’s oldest firehouse, restore it and add some delicious barbecue – and what do you get? A great combination of comfort food with a rich history.
If you’re mainly interested in eating where the locals do it. AJ’s is one of those super affordable places to get a good, hearty breakfast. We assure you of an amazing crispy bacon breakfast sandwich without getting disappointed.
Things to Do in Richmond for Kids
1. Joseph Moore Museum
There’s always a good reason to let your kids explore a new place with new things to see and learn about. One place to get it all is the Joseph Moore Museum.
An incredible free exhibit hall dedicated to Indiana’s exciting history is a good incentive to visit the Earlham College campus.
The foundations of the historic center go back to an assortment collected in the 1870s by Joseph Moore, a school teacher.
It began as an office but expanded to a full room after he purchased a half skeleton of a mastodon found in New Paris, Indiana, in 1873.
Star attractions include live iguanas, snakes, and one of three ancient Egyptian mummies in Indiana.
There is so much to learn at the Joseph Moore Museum, and if you want to experience the best of Richmond, IN, come!
2. Gennett Records Walk of Fame
Richmond’s Gennett Records, founded by Henry Gennett in 1917, produced arguably the earliest pontoon of jazz and blues.
These musicians include Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Bix Beiderbecke, and Charley Patton, to name a few.
You can visit the studio near the Whitewater River, where an interpretive trail highlights the previous part of the studio.
The most popular craftsmen are commemorated with emblems implanted in the path, which are designed to look like 1978 rpm records.
On the Gennett Records Walk of Fame, you’ll also see honors to those who have helped build Gennett Records.
It’s always a good idea to visit a place where you, your kids, and anyone can be inspired to be their best, and you’ll find that Gennett Records is such a place.
3. Amish Country
Richmond and Wayne County have a huge Amish population, which is evident if you visit any neighborhood street.
It’s definitely worth the effort to find the numerous Amish-obsessed organizations around. You can take it as a challenge.
The Amish can be fine art furniture makers or nurseries selling spices, perennials, annuals, vegetable plants, seeds, etc.
Ten minutes north of Richmond, Fountain City, visit the Fountain Acres Amish Store for cheese, candy, and log furniture.
In Amish country, you’ll feel separate from all of Richmond because it’s a different environment to explore.
This place is perfect for adding to your list of fun things to do in Richmond, Indiana, as it offers many interesting options to explore and appreciate.
Indoor Activities to Do in Richmond
1. Richmond Rose Garden
Richmond gained attention for its roses thanks to a popular nursery established in E.G.’s 1881 hillside around what is now Glen Miller Park.
The rose nursery developed dramatically; by the 1940s, the Hill Flower Products Company had more than 1,000 sections of flower soil.
This legacy of roses was long praised by the Rose Festival, which died down in the latter half of the 1990s.
There is still a part of Richmond that revisits those days in the Richmond Rose Garden, which was established long ago in Glen Miller Park.
Currently, you can appreciate more than 100 varieties of All American Selections roses, complete with perennials, flowering annuals, and shapely trees.
The Rose Garden is the right place for a family day.
The beautiful scent of flowers, beauty, and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for a vacation.
2. Middlefork Reservoir
One top thing to do in Richmond, IN, is to pay a visit to the Middlefork Dam.
In Richmond’s true north is a 177-section of land that was worked in the 1960s, accounting for nearly 66% of the city’s water supply.
This waterway is located in a 400-section park that has received much attention from the Richmond Parks Division over the years.
It is great for a family outing or gathering, with four safe houses and ample vegetation. The lake is obviously a focal point for fishing trips and a great boating experience. It is one place where you can see a lot of new things.
If you don’t have your own vessel, you can rent a paddle, skiff, canoe, or kayak on-site.
Various amenities include concessions, lodge, bait shop, docking offices, RC aircraft field, and a Richmond dog park.
3. Old National Road Welcome Center
Off US Highway 40, near the Indiana-Ohio junction, is a guest community that will help you make money in Richmond and Wayne County.
The Old National Road Welcome Center is open six days a week, except when you come after hours.
If you visit after hours or on a Sunday, there is a 24/7 data lobby inside the entrance where you can get guides and brochures anytime.
The center is a helpful first stop for a while in the area, putting you on the right track for anything from Amish organizations to collectibles.
The store carries a great variety of neighborhood brands, from stoneware to candles, as well as memorabilia tied to Richmond’s jazz and blues legacy.
You’re sure to fund something that catches your eye in the Old National Road welcome area, and all you need to get there is the decision to make the trip.
Romantic Things to Do in Richmond
1. Antique Alley
There are so many antique shops in and around Richmond that the Richmond/Wayne County Department of Tourism has created a route to help you find them all.
There are at least 1,200 vendors nearby. Antique Alley is divided into west and east sections for accommodation purposes.
Cambridge City should be on your mind as you travel west, as there are ten shops and collectibles just two blocks downtown.
When you cross the Indiana-Ohio line, your hunting odyssey can take you to Lewisburg, where Brick Rhode Antiques and Bistro has 21 dealers under one roof.
You can spend a lifetime searching and finding as many things as you wish to buy or see. It is an antique lover’s paradise.
One thing that makes this place interesting is the fact that you can bring your kids with you, and they can choose what they want.
2. New Boswell Brewing Company
The New Boswell Tap Room is located in a remarkable area of Richmond, IN, called the Depot District. The taverna is colossal, including the Italian market.
The menu changes with different sandwiches and pizzas. Some days they have Backyard BBQ pizza, and on others, Italian beef sandwiches.
It’s a huge portion of hot Italian beef on a French-style bun topped with melted mozzarella cheddar and presented in natural juices.
Beer brewed in this area is not always available, so not all are available daily. Some beers include Cream Ale.
The office seems to be busy, yet there is a lot of space and several different organizations in the structure.
In addition, they have remarkable customer service as the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about how to help guests.
3. Richmond Civic Theatre
A small town outside the metro in the cornfields of Indiana has one of the best local theaters you’ll see, and it’s just a trip away from exploring.
The Civic Theater is a beautiful old building and is a particularly great resource for Richmond as it is an extremely useful area to explore.
Richmond Civic Theater has a decent selection of plays and notable projects from the neighborhood’s imaginative scenes.
One wonderful thing is that there is no terrible place in the house. The fascination and intrigue for the games depend on the qualities of the visitors and the particular game.
The exceptional ability is just equaled by the assortment of shows presented by the Richmond Civic Theater that appeared in its time.
It’s a great place for a family vacation and a must-attend event. It is left to the visitors to choose how to enjoy the place!
Cheap Things to Do in Richmond
1. Madonna from the Trail
The landmarks of the Madonna Trail were planned to provide an image of the city’s courage and self-confidence in the distinguished country.
They were the ladies whose strength and love helped so exceptionally in destroying the wilderness and building long-term homes.
Established between 1928 and 1929, the twelve sculptures became a source of neighborhood pride as they captured the attention of onlookers.
Thanks to the efforts of loved ones and public gatherings, all are currently in great shape and can be seen.
Now there is a bench where one can sit and watch Madonna and think about the trailblazers she represents.
Although the Madonna of the trail used to be gray, the statue later took on a bright white shade of recent times.
2. Richmond Symphony Orchestra
The Richmond Orchestra is a social diamond for the area.
The orchestra engages the local area with performances and youth programs. It is also at home with pop and old programs. They attend performances, get to know different plays and writers.
The level of imagination and execution is extremely high as the shows are somewhat reasonably priced, unlike in the bigger cities.
Richmond is graced with a line-up of amazing guest artists who provide visitors with an enjoyable evening to remember.
It is no longer news that so much can be expected from an orchestra when watching the synchronized play of various musical instruments.
That said, seeing an orchestra is sure to be an exciting experience, especially when it’s the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.
3. Druley Performance Gymnasium
This is a great place for sports enthusiasts as it features interesting games that visitors can watch for free without having to pay for reserved seats.
This facility is a gymnasium located in Earlham College and is a great place to watch an interesting game of Basketball.
With impressive features and top-notch maintenance, there is very little to complain about at Druley’s Performance Gymnasium.
This Performance Gymnasium looks like it could be old, yet it has been maintained quite well and modernized.
There is plenty of parking near the Gymnasium, and the walk inside is short and easy. This is a nice environment to watch the game.
If you’re a little bored and wondering how best to pass the time, it’s a good idea to play a game at Druley Performance Gymnasium.
Free Things to Do in Richmond
1. Luxe Lizzies Boutique
Who doesn’t love a good shopping experience where you can pick exactly what you want and not worry if it will be okay?
If you fall into this category, Luxe Lizzies offers fun, unique store designs for tweens and ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes!
At Luxe Lizzies, you’ll find everything from common nuts and bolts to popular must-haves!
You will find clothing sizes such as medium, large, extra large, and super extra large. There are also shoes, handbags, gems, and ornaments.
Luxury Lizzies is an exceptional store with the packages they offer! The main thing that surpasses their style choices is their commitment to quality stuff.
Couple this with their beautiful decorations and various decorations, and every visitor will be delighted and make it the most popular place to shop!
2. 4th Floor Blues Club
If you’re looking for a great place to throw your party, look no further because the 4th Floor Blues Club is the place to be.
The area boasts a wide range of seating and other activities. There is also plenty of space for people to hit the dance floor.
Assuming you have a crowd, this is the best place for you and your crown to let off steam, as it can host about a hundred and fifty people.
The staff are also very accommodating and see that food and drinks are available for its visitors. They have great food.
One of the most talked about features of the 4th Floor Blue ls Club is the old-fashioned elevator with very nice staff that takes you up to the club and back down.
The Blues Club is always described as a neat establishment with plenty of room for a few people. This makes it easier for people who have a phobia about the pandemic.
3. Smiley’s Pub
Smiley’s Pub is a pleasant restaurant with a well-stocked bar. They also have a full menu of delicious food and drinks.
A gray wooden climate, a British phone box, and natural British beer brands set this bar apart from the rest.
The staff are well-mannered and connect with customers in discussions and chats. You can try a lot of drinks in the pub.
The menu is somewhat varied for a bar, but the food is great. They also have entertainment and live shows that vary from day to day.
There is something for everyone at Smiley’s Pub, as there is almost always something interesting going on within its walls.
If you’re just interested in a good drink or food, you’re still welcome at Smiley’s Pub because there’s nothing stopping you from having a good time.
Cool Places to Visit in Richmond
1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
This charming botanical garden is located in the Lakeside District of Richmond, Virginia. Rose Gardens, Fountain Gardens, Asian Gardens, and Healing Gardens are examples of his collections.
Things To Do: Stroll through the various gardens, enjoy the art exhibitions, and attend events and seminars.
Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $8 for children.
The admission fee will be discounted if a program is going on here.
times: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
2. Belle Isle
The city of Richmond is full of surprises. One of which is Belle Isle. The island is a small island within the city on the James River that is often used as a city park.
The Belle Isle is one of Richmond’s tourist attractions and should be visited if you get the chance.
Things to do here include Hike trails, swimming, visiting Belle Isle Aquarium, playing golf at Belle Isle Golf Range, strolling Belle Isle Beach, catching a beautiful sunset at Sunset Point Watch, or trying giant slides.
The Belle Isle offers free admission and opens daily, 5 am to 10 pm
3. Edgar Allan Poe Museum
As the name already implies, this museum is dedicated to the famous American writer Edgar Allan Poe.
Not to be confused with his original residence, this museum commemorates his time in the city of Richmond.
There are things to do here, like explore the museum’s incredible collections, and buy books and memorabilia.
Location: 1914 E Main St, Richmond.
Admission: $6-8.
Hours: 10 am-5 pm. Closed Mondays
4. Virginia Museum of Science
Explore all areas of science, from DNA to space, at the Virginia Museum of Science.
This museum should definitely be added to your Richmond must-see list.
Here, you can explore the museum, enjoy the exhibits, and participate in museum activities and games.
Location: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond.
Admission: Exhibition Tour: $15 for adults, $13 for children (ages 6-12) and seniors, and $10 for children under 5.
Opens: Daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Conclusion
At the end of your vacation, with this article as your guide, you will not only be thrilled but also satisfied with all the many adventures that Richmond brought your way.
Happy Holiday!
