The Ultimate East Central Indiana Bucket List for Year-Round Adventure
Whether the weather is delightful or frightful, there is no shortage of things to do in East Central Indiana all year round. From thrilling racetracks and serene nature preserves to historic museums and vibrant community hubs, this region offers something for every traveler and resident.
Add these premier indoor and outdoor destinations to your ultimate Indiana must-visit list.
In This Article
Outdoor Recreation in East Central Indiana
When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, head outside to experience the natural beauty and historic outdoor attractions of East Central Indiana.
Prairie Creek Reservoir
Located near Muncie, this park contains 750 acres of land and 1,275 acres of water, providing a variety of recreational offerings. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and camping.
Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
What began as a 264-acre property donation in Connersville to the Indiana Audubon Society has grown to more than 700 acres with approximately 8 miles of marked hiking trails. Fishing and rustic camping opportunities are also available.
Mississinewa Riverwalk
Go strolling along the river on this 2.25-mile walking path in Marion. There are plenty of sites and activities along the way, including the Matter Park fishing pond, a playground with a splash pad and shelters with grills.
Henry County Memorial Park
Created in 1920 to honor World War I soldiers, this 94-acre park in New Castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and now includes memorials to all wars involving U.S. military members.
Montpelier Speedway
This racetrack in Montpelier has been around for so long (since 1903) that it began with events powered by actual horses before becoming a motorized horsepower dirt oval. Races are held regularly throughout the summer.
Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve
Diverse scenery awaits at this 475-acre preserve in Bryant. More than 3 miles of trails pass through marshland, forests, prairies, meadows, streams and the namesake Loblolly Ditch.
Kamp Modoc
Family fun can be found at this camping resort located about equal distance from Muncie and New Castle. In addition to more than 280 campsites, the facility offers water activities, a jump pad and a golf course.
The Overlook
This small park in Rushville provides a link between downtown and the larger Riverside Park. The Overlook overlooks (of course) the Flatrock River and features a climbing tower, an accessible playground and a sculpture garden.
Hayes Arboretum
Pollinator prairies and 500-year-old forests are among the highlights of the 466-acre Hayes Arboretum. The property also includes 16 miles of trails.
Best Indoor Attractions in East Central Indiana
When the winter weather turns chilly, move the fun inside. East Central Indiana boasts an incredible lineup of museums, arts venues, and local entertainment.
People’s Marketplace
This vendor market in Hartford City began in 2025 as a holiday popup, with plans to eventually make it a permanent attraction. Located in the Newberry Building, the market showcases vendors selling candy, bread, woodwork, plants, jewelry and other crafts.
David Owsley Museum of Art
With support from art historian David Owsley, the grandson of Ball State University founder Frank Ball, this on-campus museum in Muncie showcases a collection of more than 11,000 pieces.
Whitewater Valley Arts Association
Founded in 1962, this Connersville nonprofit promotes the arts through in-house gallery shows, community theater programs, concerts, workshops and virtual exhibitions.
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
The history of Indiana hoops is on display at this museum in New Castle. Exhibits commemorate state legends like John Wooden, Oscar Robertson and Larry Bird.
The Tipsy Glass Winery
Audrey Muhlenkamp took her homemade wines into the retail world with the opening of The Tipsy Glass in Bryant. In addition to offering nearly two dozen varieties, the winery holds a trivia night each month.
Gas City Performing Arts Center
As one of the area’s newest attractions, the Gas City Performing Arts Center is a concert and entertainment venue for national touring artists and local programs put on by Mississinewa Community Schools.
Historic Randolph County Infirmary
For spirits of a different kind, the historic Randolph County Infirmary in Winchester has been featured on several shows as a hotbed of paranormal activity. The facility offers public daytime tours and private evening “investigations.”
Love Community Center
This Rushville community center includes a public library, an early learning academy, an indoor pool, a fitness center, pickleball courts, an indoor track, a senior center and a food pantry.
Antique Alley Trail No. 1
Modern-day treasure hunters can seek out that special item along this loop trail that features hundreds of antique dealers. Cambridge City near Richmond is the hub of this trail, with 11 antique shops and an antique mall all within a three-block area.
Get to Know East Central Indiana
Want to learn more about living and working in East Central Indiana? Check out the latest edition of Livability East Central Indiana.