Grant County: Museums, History and Trails

Mississinewa 1812 is an annual living history event in Grant County. It commemorates the Battle of Mississinewa, which took place on December 17 and 18, 1812. Museums, historic railroad cars and buildings offer a glimpse into further chapters of regional history: Exhibits on the natural gas boom and industry sit alongside topics such as quilt design, James Dean and local everyday life. Paved trails add opportunities to spend time outdoors to the cultural experience.

Museums in Marion and Gas City

The Marion Public Library Museum preserves the history of Marion and Grant County through exhibits and artifacts. Its interactive “Made in Marion” exhibit focuses on the county’s natural gas boom and the region’s industrial origins. This takes visitors from the broader history of the city and county to a specific chapter in the region’s industrial history.

Marion is also home to The Quilters Hall of Fame, located in the former home of influential early 20th-century quilt designer Marie Webster. Visitors can use a 1901 Singer treadle sewing machine as well as an electric Singer Featherweight. The combination of the historic house and the two machines brings the subject of quilt design to life.

The Gas City Museum tells the story of the city through exhibits on the natural gas boom, glass factories and railroads, as well as local artists, city government and everyday life. Its topics range from industrial developments to the people and institutions of city life.

James Dean and Other Topics in Fairmount

The Fairmount Historical Museum displays James Dean memorabilia from his family’s collection, including awards, clothing, motorcycles and movie-related items. A separate exhibit focuses on Jim Davis and Garfield. The James Dean Museum also has a location in Fairmount, with more than 6,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum displays new artifacts from the Winslow family and has expanded its exhibits on Jim Davis and Garfield, as well as Fairmount’s history.

Since 1975, volunteers have organized Fairmount Museum Days as part of the Remembering James Dean Festival. The three-day weekend traditionally takes place on the last full weekend in September. The program includes concerts, look-alike contests, film screenings and a large car show. Since exact festival plans may change, check current dates and program details before traveling to the event.

Trails and Historic Buildings

The section of the Cardinal Greenway in Grant County runs 17 miles from Converse to Jonesboro. The Sweetser Switch Trail offers another connection to railroad history: It includes a wooden railroad caboose dating to 1916, a restored passenger car and a mail car in downtown Sweetser. Together, the two examples connect different route distances and historic railroad cars with specific places in the county.

Near Matthews, a covered wooden bridge spans the Mississinewa River. Built in 1877 and restored in 1999, it is the last remaining covered bridge in Grant County. Jonesboro is also home to a historic structure: The city’s first log cabin was purchased by Obadiah Jones in 1834. Today, it is on display in Jonesboro Park and is being restored and preserved by the Jonesboro Historical Society.

Planning Your Stay

Grant County is in east-central Indiana and offers convenient access to Interstate 69. The county has numerous paved trails with easy-to-reach starting points and ample parking. When searching for a hotel, use your planned visits as a guide: Those mainly visiting museums and events may have different priorities from those planning to spend time on paved trails and at historic buildings.

Explore more destinations: Marion, Gas City, Pike, Greene County, Miami County, Spencer County, Washington County, Clay County.

Return to the main travel overview: Indiana.