Discover Muncie

Muncie combines art and history with nature and trails along the White River. There are several themes to explore during a stay: you can focus on painting and art collections, discover historic homes and exhibitions, or explore the landscape on foot and by bike. The places and activities show how these interests differ in Muncie.

Experience art: painting and collections

The Bob Ross Experience offers painting classes in the building where “The Joy of Painting” was filmed. Under the guidance of certified Ross instructors, visitors can learn Bob Ross’s wet-on-wet technique. This combines a specific location associated with the television production with a hands-on artistic activity. If a class is the reason for your trip, check the current schedule in advance.

The David Owsley Museum of Art’s collection includes works from six continents and represents 5,000 years of civilization. Unlike the painting class, the focus here is on the breadth of the artworks across time and geography. Muncie offers different ways to enjoy art: painting for yourself or exploring a wide-ranging collection.

Homes and history

The Oakhurst Experience invites visitors to explore the home of George and Frances Ball interactively. Visitors can use books from the shelves, play board games together, and learn about home food preservation in the kitchen. These activities combine insights into the home with things visitors can try for themselves.

The Delaware County Historical Society operates the Moore-Youse Center at the corner of Mulberry Street and Washington Street in downtown Muncie. The exhibition spaces are located in three rooms on the ground floor of a building more than 160 years old. This provides a specific place to explore the city’s history, with exhibition spaces focused on a single building.

Nature, trails and the White River

On Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus in the center of Muncie, the Nature Area represents three habitats typical of Indiana: tallgrass prairie, wetlands, and woodland. Visitors can walk there and explore the surroundings. The different landscapes give the nature experience several distinct focal points rather than limiting it to a single habitat.

The Cardinal Greenway is free to use and open daily from morning until evening year-round. The 62-mile rail trail runs through Muncie. Along the White River, the paved White River Greenway follows the scenic north bank through the city for 5.6 miles; it is suitable for walking and cycling.

The White River itself also offers recreational opportunities: in Muncie, you can kayak and fish from the bank. Cycling along a six-mile park on the north bank is another option. You can choose between an on-water activity, fishing from the bank, and a bike ride along the river. Together with the trails and nature areas, these activities offer a different travel focus from art and history.

For the broader travel overview: Delaware.