The city of Edinburgh, Indiana, is more than your typical travel destination.
Edinburgh lies in the Bartholomew, Johnson, and Shelby counties.
It’s’ the first settlement in Johnson County, sometimes referred to as the town of Edinburg earlier in its history.
The town’s name may have come from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Alexander Thompson, who was said to have a Scotch-Irish descent, most likely named the place.
Others say that early settlers described the town as Eden because of its beauty and eventually came up with Edinburgh.
Either way, the city doesn’t’ lack beautiful and relaxing attractions.
The city has a lot to offer with its beautiful character and charm.
Here are the best things to do in Edinburgh, IN:
Get a dose of family entertainment and catch some local shows at the Pixy Theatre.
Built in 1907, this unique historic venue was formerly a Masonic Lodge until its acquisition in 2008.
It was also the home of the Edinburgh Sugar Creek Players for approximately 20 years.
After extensive renovations, it has staged live performances and film shows for city folks and visitors year-round.
Whether it’s a comedy show, theater play, or a live concert, Pixy Theatre promises to give you a fantastic show.
Check the schedule of performances and events on their website.
If you’re craving something original, drop by for a bite of delicious delicacies from Geri Girl Bakery.
Geri came from a line of top bakers and established a name in the local industry.
She has passed her baking legacy to her daughter, Carrie Davis.
You won’t get enough of these sweet treats, from mouth-watering cranberry orange muffins to almond scones and assorted cookies.
You can enjoy them with coffee or tea or bring some home to your family or friends.
For a different gift idea, you can join the Cookie Club, where a person receives a cookie every day for a month.
Get in full swing with some tee time at Timbergate Golf Course.
Clyde Johnston designed the course, one of the four courses in Indiana that received a “good value” rating from Golf Digest.
This premier public golf course was also named after the town’s rich history of wood-crafting.
For some practice, you can try the golf simulators or get coaching from professional golf instructors.
Drop by the Pro Shop for great golf items and equipment brands.
Your love for antiques and rare collections will come alive inside Exit 76 Antique Mall.
The store is the finest in the Midwest, housing more than 600 vendors in its 72,000-square-foot facility.
Grab rare finds from traditional antique items, collectibles, and unique upscale furniture.
This place has so much to offer if you have a knack for mid-century accessories, jewelry, and artisan crafts.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or want to purchase some old-fashioned home décor, go to the Exit 76 Antique Mall.
Get the best of Edinburgh at the weekly Farmers’ Market.
The market hosts several local vendors and producers.
You’ll find fresh local produce like fruits, vegetables, and crops.
Sample local baked goods and other food specialties if you’re hungry.
You can also find handmade products you may bring home.
Watch entertaining horse shows with your family at the Hoosier Horse Park.
This 200-acre plus Level 4 Cross Country Course has hosted the 1987 Pan American Games Equestrian Events and the 2001 World Police and Fire Games.
The landscaped facility is open for riders training for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and Indiana Whips and Wheels members.
The Horse Park has two Stadium Jumping Arenas, a Baker Covered Arena, and three Dressage Arenas.
If you want to enjoy the outdoors via fishing and hunting, the Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area will give you what you need.
The area spans over 4,950 acres of marsh, game habitat, and creeks, big enough for a day of adventure.
Get a one-day access pass before entering the area and review the Fishing Regulations before fishing.
You can catch channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass in the Stone Arch and Pisgah Lake areas, both open throughout the year.
Lake areas include the Beaver Bottom, the Teal Marsh, and Mallard Marsh.
Go hunting for deer, rabbits, woodcocks, ducks, and geese, which are common in the area.
This tranquil location hosts over 200 wildlife species.
You can go birdwatching at the excellent songbird viewing area, which is open all year.
However, you’re’ not allowed to camp or swim in the area.
Paddle along the scenic Driftwood River at Blue’s Canoe Livery.
This recreation center provides an enjoyable canoe and kayak experience for everyone.
Take a river trip down the flowing waters through a secluded wildlife preserve and Camp Atterbury.
Encounter wildlife like deer and beaver and the great blue heron, osprey, and wild turkey.
The waters occasionally rising in mild rapids are also great for smallmouth bass fishing.
While the recreation center caters to families, it only allows children four years old and above.
They also offer overnight camping and shelter house areas for picnics and day tours.
Premium Outlets offers excellent discounts for shoppers.
You’ll find your favorite premium brands like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, kate spade new york, American Eagle Outfitters, and more.
You can save up to 65% on these brands, so it’s worth the trip.
Find great deals, various men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, watches, bags, and fragrances.
After hopping to the shops, you can grab snacks or meals at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Big Woods, or choose from food selections at the Food Truck Plaza.
Not Just Popcorn is one of the local stops you need to visit in Edinburgh.
The popcorn shop started as a small local business in 1989.
Carole Buck initially had eight flavors on her list.
After several years, she created over 400 handcrafted popcorn flavors that earned worldwide renown.
In 2018, the business took on new management with the name Not Just Popcorn Etc.
However, they still kept Carole’s famous popcorn recipes.
You can book in advance and join the group tours at a minimal cost.
You’ll see the different phases of popcorn production, from growing to popping to coating, taste-testing, and packaging.
Take advantage of wholesale prices or join their fundraising program.
Otherwise, buy corporate gifts, sports logos, seasonal tins, and popcorn.
There’s ice cream here, too.
Visit Rick Wilson Fine Art to see the works of professional artist Rick Wilson.
Take inspiration from the Indiana scenes and various subjects on display.
Wilson uses technical and aesthetic means to create each masterpiece.
You can also meet Wilson and learn from this retired Edinburgh native who started painting in 2003.
Spare some time for art appreciation at this gallery, and you might also find some art pieces you want to bring home.
Are you planning a family camp out?
Irwin Park might be the place for you.
The park has 12 campsites available for recreational vehicles, and campsites are open from April to October.
If you want a day tour, they have three shelter houses with picnic tables.
One of them can accommodate 100 people, the other 66 people, and the third 60 people.
The scenic and peaceful surroundings of the park will give you a relaxing nature trip with the family.
Your little ones can also run around the playground.
Join the annual Edinburgh Fall Bazaar.
For a day, you’ll enjoy and experience the town’s colorful and exciting events.
Each year is a different experience as the townspeople prepare and showcase Edinburgh’s culture, life, and highlights.
The festival features amusing sideshow entertainment, musical performances, contests, and events for everyone.
Watch the town parade as the community takes pride in all that makes Edinburgh excellent for adventure.
What is a great bazaar without delicious food to savor?
Take your party-hosting to the next level when you choose Henry Breeding Farm as your venue.
This historic barn and grounds span about 3,500 square feet.
This makes it a spacious spot for any sort of gathering—personal or professional.
It accommodates up to 200 people and offers the idyllic charm of a rustic setting.
Book your event as early as 10 months in advance to ensure your spot.
You can get to Henry Breeding Farm via North 100 West, only five minutes away from Indiana Premium Outlets.
Edinburgh Aquatic Center is a seasonal public facility opening every Memorial Day weekend.
It features the classic pool and two slides.
It also offers zero-depth entry and an open area pool for kids to swim around and have fun.
So, don’t hesitate to bring your family and friends over!
Admission for adult visitors is only $5 and free for children.
The front of the aquatic center also has a picnic area for you to lounge in after a round of laps at the pool.
Edinburgh Aquatic Center opens its gates for you and your group on Harrell Drive.
Get your muscles pumping when you come by Edinburgh Sports Complex for a good time.
This outdoor facility comes with a Babe Ruth diamond for annual softball games and a rentable Conover Shelter.
If basketball is your preferred sport, the complex has a basketball court too.
For the little ones, there’s a playground onsite.
If you’re lucky, you might just catch a baseball or softball tournament when you drop by for a visit.
The concession stands have all your loved traditional game food and fare, so check it out during big game days.
To reach Edinburgh Sports Complex, head over to South Eisenhower Drive.
marsupium photography, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh’s festivals are must-experiences.
One of these is the Edinburgh Fireworks Festival, which is the town’s rendition of the 4th of July celebration.
This annual festival gathers the best food trucks within and outside the state.
It also offers a car cruise-in during the early hours of the evening.
marsupium photography, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you come with your kids, they may like the bounce houses and other kids’ activities the festival has to offer.
Concluding the event is a breathtaking fireworks show at the water tower.
The Edinburgh Fireworks Festival takes place on Main Cross Street.
marsupium photography, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh’s mural collection is a gift for artists and art enthusiasts visiting the town.
Starting the list is a Color the County mural, which is also the first one of its kind in Edinburgh.
It features the Northern Cardinal—the state bird of Indiana—in flight with its fiery red feathers on display.
To highlight the muse of the artwork are blue geometric shapes.
A result of community collaboration, this mural is on the side of John R. Drybread Community Center on East Main Cross Street.
Another mural example is at the side of Gary’s Dam Bait Shop.
This one depicts the Big Blue River and its fish residents.
You can find this one on Indiana State Road 252.
And there are more murals all over the town, so always keep your camera ready.
Enjoy some fun family recreation at Independence Park, Greenwood, Indiana.
It’s’ 34 minutes from Edinburgh.
In 2000, various businesses, organizations, and individuals joined forces to build the park.
It spans 13.5-acres and is the first in the state to provide an all-access playground for persons with disabilities.
Independence Park lets you enjoy a stroll in the scenic park garden and hiking trail.
You can eat at the picnic shelters or relax at the park’s sensory-friendly music area and large gazebo.
Independence Park also features the Interactive YALP Sona Arch, made possible by grants from A Kid Again and NBA Star Legacy Grant.
Other amenities include a full-court basketball, a wheelchair-accessible basketball court, and the remodeled playground with a rubber surface.
In 1957, a group of Pioneer Engineers established the Indiana Live Steamers.
Today, it’s’ in Franklin, Indiana, 14 minutes from Edinburgh.
Ride through the forest on a small-scale steamer train chugging along small-scale railroad tracks.
The local train group Indiana Live Steamers runs the attraction.
They volunteer and allow visitors to take this fun train ride through the Johnson County Park.
You can also book train rides for special events like birthday parties.
You and your kids will have a great time on this 18-minute trip that crosses the Broken Toe Bridge, the Pedigo Bridge, and Potter Bridge.
Edinburgh boasts different attractions showing its local character, continuing progress, and natural gems.
You will find parks within the city and nearby areas that offer recreational activities, even for the little ones.
The city also attracts visitors with its admirable city celebrations and events.
If you’re looking for a different laidback city to visit, you might find Edinburgh an exciting place.
Book your Edinburgh trip today!
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