Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Plainfield, IN

  • Published 2023/04/02

Plainfield is a pocket town on the western outskirts of Indianapolis in Hendricks County, Indiana.

Its proximity to Indianapolis made Plainsfield equally progressive and lively.

This town, home to over 28,000 inhabitants, is known for its top-notch leisure and outdoor activities offered by various establishments and attractions.

Whether you want to take a break from your hectic life or enjoy leisure activities, Plainfield has something exciting.

Despite being in an urbanized location, Plainfield maintained its natural beauty.

You can explore the town’s beauty through its lakeside and cross-country trails.

It’s home to a shopping mall, a massive waterpark, lakeside parks, top-notch sports facilities, and a diverse collection of restaurants within its 68-square-kilometer area.

Before anything else, read this post about the best things to do in Plainfield, Indiana.

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Sodalis Nature Park

Sunset at Sodalis Nature Park

Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock.com

Sodalis Nature Park is a haven for local flora and fauna south of Plainfield.

This gorgeous 210-acre nature park is situated along S. County Road 975 E.

It features vast woodlands home to the Myotis Sodalis, an endangered bat species endemic to Indiana.

Whether you’re an average tourist or a nature enthusiast, you should enjoy exploring this nature park.

It has abundant flora and fauna, which you can see up close while hiking through its densely forested areas.

Its nature trail spans over four miles, with a wildlife viewing deck on one part.

It also has a picnic area, a 5.5-acre fishing pond, and a rental pavilion.

Those curious about the wildlife thriving in the area can join its nature programs.

Remember to spend your day at the Sodalis Nature Park and explore its gorgeous natural beauty and wildlife.

Take the Plunge at Plainfield Splash Island

Plainfield Splash Island is one of the town’s most popular attractions and a favorite family getaway destination.

You can visit this indoor water park at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center along Vestal Road.

The entire water park spans over five acres.

It’s equipped with all the exciting amenities and features of a top-notch water park.

It has a Caribbean-themed design and features virtually transport you and your family to this tropical paradise.

One of its most popular features is its 900-foot leisure river.

At the same time, this water park has plenty of slides, splash pads, pools, and other water facilities.

Start your Plainfield travel adventure with a fun-filled activity with your loved ones at the Plainfield Splash Island.

Hike through the Vandalia Trail

The Vandalia Trail is a cross-country trail that spans the entire State of Indiana and passes through Plainfield.

It’s one of the National Road Heritage Trail’s longest open components, which stretches over 150 miles border-to-border.

This trail has two disconnected segments in Plainfield, where you can hike, bike, or go on horseback.

Hiking through this part of the trail is relatively easy since it has a paved surface under the canopy of tall trees that shade you from the sun.

If you want a more grueling hiking experience, you can hike through the 150-mile Vandalia Trail and discover Indiana’s wildflowers and local wildlife.

Enjoy a Shopping Spree at the Perry Crossing

Perry Crossing is a massive outdoor lifestyle and shopping center in the heart of Plainfield.

You can visit this mall along Cinema Boulevard.

It has over 35 stores, a dozen restaurants, and a top-notch movie theater within its 600-square-foot property.

Brands such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, and Old Navy have stores in this mall.

You can choose from over a dozen restaurants to satisfy your cravings.

It serves a wide array of international dishes from Mexican, Asian, to Italian, including fast food chains.

When itching to shop, dine, or have quality leisure time, drive to Perry Crossing for a fun mall experience.

Bring a Date to Stone Creek Dining

Stone Creek Dining is one of Plainfield’s best restaurants regarding the menu, ambiance, and other aspects.

This restaurant is situated along Perry Crossing Way.

This local favorite is known for its casual dining experience with a menu of American comfort food and top-notch steaks.

The restaurant’s interior offers a contemporary feel and cozy atmosphere with modern furniture, making it an excellent place for dinner with your partner.

Besides its popular menu items, Stone Creek Dining also serves an incredible selection of salads, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, and other delicious food.

Start planning your romantic date at this Plainfield favorite.

Catch a Show at the Hummel Park Performing Arts Center

Hummel Park Performing Arts Center is an outdoor amphitheater within Hummel Park.

You can visit this fantastic venue along Sugar Grove Road.

For locals, this amphitheater is home to the Hummel Park Summer Concert Series, which many look forward to each year.

It has a 1,500-seating capacity to fit everyone during concerts, comedy shows, orchestral performances, and stage plays.

Amazingly, it has hosted shows from famous musicians such as The Playboys, Gary Lewis, Patty Loveless, and dozens more.

Check out its upcoming shows whenever you’re in Plainfield to witness performances at the Hummel Park Performing Arts Center.

Shop for Groceries at the Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market

Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market is a seasonal market featuring local farmers and artisans’ best products.

This farmer’s market happens from June onwards at the Plainfield Friends Church.

Like most farmer’s markets, this one offers a lively atmosphere where vendors display and call customers to check out their products.

Many locals spend their mornings buying fresh produce, freshly baked bread and pastries, preserves, and meats at this farmers market.

Visiting this place allows you to rub elbows with locals and enjoy what it offers best.

When you visit in June, drop by the Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market to grab the freshest produce available.

Explore the White Lick Creek Trail

Bridge at White Lick Creek Trail

Eric Wood, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

White Lick Creek Trail is a local trail that travels along its namesake river.

There are multiple access points throughout town whenever you want to visit and hike this trail.

The 3.5-mile trail connects several neighborhood parks, including Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center.

The end of the trail allows access to the larger Vandalia Trail.

Bring your hiking gear and head to White Lick Creek Trail for an extraordinary outdoor adventure.

Catch Fish at the Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake is a gorgeous freshwater body in the heart of town.

You can visit this lake along E. County Road 600 S.

This lake on the southern portion of Hummel Park is known for its gorgeous scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

Families and friends usually hang out at the lake for picnics and outdoor activities.

However, it’s most popular among anglers.

Local anglers report that this lake is home to numerous fish species making it an excellent fishing spot for them.

You can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish at this lake, making it a recommended fishing spot if you’re an avid angler.

Besides fishing, you can also hike its 3.9-kilometer looped trail to explore Blue Heron Lake’s natural beauty.

Pass the Time at the Swinford Park

Swinford Park is one of the several neighborhood parks scattered across town.

You can visit this park along Longfellow Lane.

It spans over 25 acres and features typical park amenities such as picnic areas, a children’s playground, baseball diamonds, and a horseshoe pit.

If you’re searching for a nice spot in town to take a break from exploring its attractions, this park is your go-to place.

It has a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of trees that offer you shade from the sun.

It also has a vast green open space to enjoy outdoor activities, making Swinford Park a great place to pass the time.

Satisfy Your Cravings at the Coachman Restaurant and Lounge

Coachman Restaurant and Lounge is another local favorite in town regarding food and drinks.

You can visit this restaurant along Cambridge Way.

Locals visit this restaurant when craving delicious food and a fun night out.

It’s mainly famous for its lounge atmosphere, excellent for enjoying a drink or two with friends.

Otherwise, enjoy delicious comfort food such as prime ribs, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, wings, and fish & chips, best paired with its beer and cocktail drinks.

Head to Coachman Restaurant for an evening with your friends or family.

Wander Hummel Park

Hummel Park is the biggest neighborhood park in town.

You can visit this park along S. Center Street.

The park encompasses over 204 acres; it offers outdoor recreation and local events.

It has a children’s playground, hiking trails, athletic facilities, a splash pad, and a disc golf course.

It’s a great place to have a picnic or get in the action with various activities such as sports and recreation.

Besides the typical park activities, you can also make this park a massive photo studio because of its gorgeous scenery, such as its wooden pedestrian bridge.

You and your family can enjoy plenty of things at Hummel Park, making it a recommended place to visit in town.

Score Rare Items at Gilley’s Antique & Decorator Mall

There’s always something special about antique collections.

Whenever you plan to add more items to your antique collection or want to start collecting, head to Gilley’s Antique & Decorator Mall.

This antique mall is the biggest in the area.

It’s within a 37,000 square feet facility that houses over 200 antique dealers.

Marvel at thousands of vintage items, from furniture, collectibles, musical instruments, and pottery to toys and artworks.

Visiting Gilley’s Antique & Decorator Mall is a one-of-a-kind nostalgic shopping experience.

Remember to add this antique mall to your itinerary.

See Action at the Capitol Sports Center

For entertainment, head to the Capitol Sports Center and see some top-notch volleyball tournaments.

You can visit this massive indoor sports facility along Gladden Road.

This premium sports center has hosted volleyball tournaments in the county since 1995.

The famous Circle City Volleyball is played there, as are other tournaments.

Thousands of sports fans around the county flock to this place to cheer for their favorite volleyball teams.

Watching this sport at this top-notch venue along with 5,000 other fans is an exhilarating experience you mustn’t miss during your visit.

Capitol Sports Center hosts over 19 tournaments, making it a great place to watch volleyball.

Bring Your Kids to the Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Plainfield has a Sky Zone Trampoline Park, an ideal place to bring your kids when they grow bored touring around town.

You can visit this place along Columbia Road, Suite 172.

Like most indoor trampoline parks in your area, this one offers the same exciting atmosphere with fun features.

It has obstacle courses, massive trampolines, slides, dunk basketballs, dodgeball arenas, and plenty of other amenities guaranteeing your kids have a blast.

Add Sky Zone Trampoline Park to your itinerary, especially if you bring your kids.

Final Thoughts

Plainfield has plenty of attractions and activities, making it an ideal weekend getaway, especially for those from Indianapolis and neighboring cities.

Despite its size, this town has gorgeous attractions such as a waterpark, shopping mall, nature parks, trails, and lovely sceneries.

It has all you need for a perfect weekend getaway or even a short vacation.

Start planning your adventure with the best things to do in Plainfield, Indiana!

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