Madison County: Earthworks, Art and Park Trails

Ten prehistoric earthworks give Mounds State Park a distinctive historical character. Art collections, park trails and local traditions also offer concrete starting points for a trip to Madison County. You can organize the different themes according to whether you’re interested in early history, exhibitions, nature or events.

Earthworks and Nature at Mounds State Park

The ten prehistoric earthworks in Mounds State Park were built by the Adena-Hopewell. The Great Mound is believed to date to around 160 B.C. This places a group of earthworks alongside the approximate date of a named mound: for trip planning, it offers an engaging introduction to the area’s early history without assigning the same date to all the structures.

For orientation: Mounds State Park is east of Anderson, near I-69. The Nature Center complements the archaeological focus with a wildlife observation room, animal exhibits and interactive games. When planning your stay, you can take both historical topics and animal-related activities into account for the same park visit. The exhibits and games offer a different focus from the earthworks themselves.

Art and Experiences in Anderson

Anderson University has three gallery spaces: the Jessie C. Wilson Gallery, the Warner Sallman Collection and the Jeeninga Museum of Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology. The Warner Sallman Collection includes a permanent collection of the artist’s original paintings. Art enthusiasts will find several named collection and exhibition spaces here, including one with original works on permanent display.

The Anderson Museum of Art also offers different ways to experience art. Groups can arrange a guided tour of the facility by booking in advance. The tour can focus on the museum’s history, collection, exhibitions or architecture. The Splatter Box is another offering: an immersive blacklight painting experience at the museum. Advance booking is important for groups, and choosing a tour topic can tailor the visit to a particular interest.

History and Traditions

The Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The history of Camp Chesterfield also includes the role it offered women: at a time when they were not yet allowed to vote, the camp gave them opportunities to lead and speak in public. The register listing and this historical perspective shed light on different aspects of the site—its recognition as a historic place and a social development.

The Andersontown Powwow is a recurring tradition held every year in Madison County. Check the dates and venue for the year in question. This can help you plan a stay around an event without assuming the powwow has a fixed date or a permanent venue.

Park Trails and Cycling

Falls Park has 3½ miles of trails for walking, running and cycling. This trail network accommodates several types of use, while its length offers a concrete reference for planning. At Shadyside Memorial Park, walking paths wind around Shadyside Lake, and a red covered bridge is also part of the landscape. The two parks offer different highlights: Falls Park features versatile trails, while Shadyside is known for its loop around the lake and its bridge.

Rangeline Nature Preserve offers three cycling loops named “Novice,” “Intermediate” and “Expert.” If you’d like to include cycling in your trip, you can consider these named loops alongside the cycling options at Falls Park. For a walk by the water, Shadyside Lake offers another specific option.

Events, Entertainment and a Special Visit

Harrah’s Hoosier Park offers casino games, harness racing, dining and entertainment. Live harness racing takes place from March through December; check the current racing calendar for your travel dates. The seasonal schedule helps you plan this activity, while the calendar provides guidance for specific dates.

The 1925 Pubhouse in Anderson is a stop on the central Tenderloin Lovers Trail. Since participating businesses and trail lists can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before visiting. Another special activity is the World’s Largest Ball of Paint: visits can be arranged by phone or email with the Carmichael family. Make arrangements before you arrive.

First consider which experiences matter to you during your stay, then look for a hotel in Madison County whose location suits your planned visits.

Explore more destinations: Anderson, Morgan, Hendricks, Hancock County, Jay County, Marion, Grant County, Hamilton.

Return to the main travel overview: Indiana.