Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Martinsville, IN

  • Published 2022/09/20

Martinsville is a small city home to one of Indiana’s few remaining pre-Civil War county courthouses.

It is located on the Interstate 69 corridor between Bloomington and Indianapolis, just a short drive from the region’s major attractions.

Martinsville has a lot to offer tourists, including shopping at its many boutiques, dining at some of the best restaurants in Indiana, and visiting the historical sites that make the city so special.

There are so many things to do in Martinsville that it can be hard to decide where to start.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting the city for some time now, consider this list of the best things to do in Martinsville, Indiana:

Explore Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Situated on Forest Road, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is a fantastic place to explore nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

It comprises about 25,000 acres of forest area with high peaks, valleys, and some of the state’s best hardwoods.

The area’s previous owners attempted to convert the ridges into a farm but failed because the land was unsuitable for agriculture.

The state purchased the abandoned area in 1929, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest was formed.

You can enjoy the peace of camping on the forest grounds.

There are several designated campgrounds where you can pitch your tent or park your RV.

You can also have fun fishing in one of the three lakes inside Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

Gold-panning, hunting, and picnicking are popular activities visitors can enjoy while visiting the state forest.

Step into the World of Art in the Art Sanctuary of Indiana

Art is everywhere in Martinsville, and one of the best sites to enjoy the city’s art scene is the Art Sanctuary of Indiana.

Nestled on North Sycamore Street, this art gallery features talented local artists from around the city.

You can find some interesting art pieces that might inspire you to create something yourself.

Aside from being an art gallery, this place also hosts special occasions like weddings,

The newly renovated venue provides an elegant and luxurious setting ideal for formal gatherings and corporate events.

If you’re an artist or love art in general, this place is definitely worth visiting!

Satisfy Your Cravings at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen

The Martinsville Candy Kitchen, located on North Main Street, is a one-stop shop for all your sweet tooth needs.

It has been serving mouth-watering sweet treats to people of all ages since 1919.

Some popular items include candy canes, boxed chocolates, baked goods, and whole pies.

The owners are proud to say that most of their candies are still handmade in their kitchen.

Come and visit “The Sweetest Place in Town” and fulfill your sweet cravings at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.

Watch a Movie at the Centerbrook Drive-in Theater

If you’re looking for a fun family outing, the Centerbrook Drive-In Theater is the place for you.

Located along State Road 67, this drive-in theater is one of the oldest in the state and one of only a few that operate today.

The Centerbrook Drive-In Theater opened its doors in 1950 and was named after two towns, Centerton and Brooklyn.

It features a playground for the little ones and arcade games inside the concession where you can play classic pinball, Pac-Man, and many more.

Concession stands are also available, so you can get snacks or drinks during your stay at this drive-in theater.

The Centerbrook Drive-In Theater has taken great care in preserving its history as much as possible while making it easy for everyone to enjoy watching movies together.

Grab a Jar of Honey from Hunter’s Honey Farm

Visit Hunter’s Honey Farm along West Honey Lane to make your life a little sweeter.

The farm has provided the community with pure and natural honey for over a hundred years.

Aside from honey, they also offer different kinds of products such as bee pollen, beeswax, and propolis that can be used to create other things.

Hunter’s Honey Farm also offers tours where you can experience fun activities like honey tasting, candle-making demonstrations, honey extracting and bottling, and much more.

After the tour, you can browse their gift shop for things to buy as souvenirs from the honey farm.

Visit Cedar Creek Winery

There’s no shortage of things to do in Martinsville, but if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you should consider visiting Cedar Creek Winery.

It’s located on Leonard Road and is the city’s only all-in-one winery, brewery, and distillery.

They have a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and cigars that you can enjoy with the picturesque scenery around the tasting room.

Their wine list includes barrel-aged or dry wines, semi-sweet wines, sweet wines, and dessert wines that you’ll love.

While the brewery offers craft beers, the distillery features artisanal batches of rum, brandy, and moonshine.

No matter your mood, you can find something to enjoy around Cedar Creek Winery.

Play Golf at Martinsville Golf Club

If you want something fun to do while visiting Martinsville, try shooting some balls down one of their many fairways or putting greens.

Located on East Morgan Street, Martinsville Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course encompassing 6,244 yards from the longest tee for a par of 71.

It first opened in 1925 and offers lessons and memberships for everyone who wishes to learn and play golf.

The course provides beginners and experts great recreation at a very reasonable price.

There are no traps or gimmicks on this course—just good old-fashioned golf that’s fun to play and easy to enjoy.

The golf club also has a Ladies’ Golf Association and Men’s Golf League for people with the same interests.

If you’re looking for somewhere cool to hang out while you’re in Martinsville, look no further than Martinsville Golf Club.

Experience the Outdoors in Bradford Woods

Bradford Woods is a 2,500-acre outdoor center at Indiana University that offers a one-of-a-kind setting for events.

It includes a huge lake, lush forests, and hiking trails you can visit once you step inside the area.

Bradford Woods also hosts various programs throughout the year for multiple purposes.

The programs include recreation therapy, outdoor therapeutic programs, school programs, teambuilding and facilitation, and retreats and events.

When you come and visit, you are welcome to explore the property and enjoy a nice walk around the property.

You can also experience recreational activities such as swimming, climbing, archery, and others facilitated by their on-hand staff.

Learn about Fish at Cikana State Fish Hatchery

Cikana State Fish Hatchery is a fish farm on Interstate 44.

It’s a warm water/cool water hatchery that utilizes both intensive and extensive culture techniques for fish culture.

This hatchery is open to the public and offers an excellent opportunity to explore nature while learning about fish and their conservation efforts.

Some common species cultured here include walleye, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and redear.

Join a tour if you want to get a glimpse of the wildlife in the area or enjoy a relaxing walk through the fish ponds.

Cikana State Fish Hatchery is a fantastic place to visit if you’re a nature lover or want to learn more about fish.

Go Back in Time in the Morgan County History Center and Museum

The Morgan County History Center and Museum is home to one of the city’s most extensive collections of historical artifacts.

It’s located on South Main Street, in the historic Blackstone House, also known as the Disciple House.

The museum’s mission is to collect and preserve the city’s historical artifacts and enrich the public’s knowledge of local history.

It features a variety of exhibits and demonstrations that highlight the history of Morgan County and its people.

If you want an in-depth understanding of the city’s history, head to the Morgan County History Center and Museum.

Spend a Fun Family Day in Jimmy Nash City Park

Located along North Home Avenue, Jimmy Nash City Park is a fantastic place to take the kids out to play on a bright, sunny day.

The little ones can have fun in the 100-acre park filled with recreational activities that even adults will enjoy.

Jimmy Nash City Park has eight rentable shelter houses, basketball and pickleball courts, paved trails, and multiple playgrounds.

Moreover, the City Park Pool features diving boards, twisty slides, a children’s play area, a baby pool, and a splash pad.

To make your special day more memorable, you can rent the Family Pavilion if you have gatherings and events.

Buy a Unique Item from The Sterling Butterfly

Located on East Morgan Street, The Sterling Butterfly is the go-to place for unique handcrafted products to give to someone special.

It’s a venue where you can purchase quality, handcrafted items made by local artisans and a place where artists showcase their creations.

Today, the shop is a multi-purpose studio and store that provides lessons and workshops about crocheting, jewelry making, drawing, and knitting.

Check out the variety of products showcased in the shop racks and be inspired to create your own crafts.

If you want to do more than just shopping and looking around, you can join a session and enhance your crafts-making skills.

The Sterling Butterfly must be on your list of places to visit in Martinsville if you love arts and crafts.

Play Around with Kids in ShotZone

If you want to feel excitement and adrenaline rushing through your veins, try visiting ShotZone on Old State Road.

It’s a premiere indoor airsoft and gel arena that provides the same excitement with airsoft without the pain.

This indoor facility is open for free play, birthday parties, tournaments, corporate events, and other celebrations that require a little fun.

It is a safe space to unleash your inner child and let it just be wild; you can even be competitive and join tournaments.

ShotZone is a fun little place in Martinsville that provides endless opportunities to have fun and make memorable memories.

Buy Local Produce from Walker’s Homestead Little Red Barn Market

Walker’s Homestead on Bill Smith Road is the home of the Little Red Barn Market, which features various products from local artisans and farmers.

You can find dairy, meat products, dry goods, and goat milk soaps the farm produces.

Aside from product offerings, they also provide classes on topics such as candle making and food preservation.

Throughout the year, they host vendor market events where you can see what other vendors are offering.

Everything in the market is guaranteed fresh and high quality, so if you need to stock your refrigerator with the freshest products, get it in Walker’s Homestead Little Red Barn Market.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Once you’ve had your fill with all the exciting and fun activities in Martinsville, it’s time for you to explore what other places could also offer.

Here are some of the other things you can do near Martinsville that you can visit within 30 minutes:

Be One with Nature in Burkhart Creek County Park

Twenty minutes from Martinsville, you’ll find this beautiful nature park in Paragon.

Burkhart Creek County Park is an 83-acre donation from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

It features gorgeous scenery that highlights the beauty of the natural surroundings in the area.

The park also has paved trails for easy walking and one or two steep trails for an additional workout.

You can find shelter houses, hiking trails, and parking areas in Burkhart Creek County Park.

It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and serene atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Martinsville is an excellent place to visit for anyone who wants to experience a simple life.

It might be small, but it has something for everyone—it has many activities you can indulge in, like fishing, hiking, or just walking around and admiring the beauty of nature.

Try the best things to do in Martinsville, Indiana, and enjoy your time here.

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