We’ve planned the perfect nostalgic weekend trip that will give you a blast from the past! Be reminded of simpler times as we show you a little sliver of how Lawrence County went from railroads to rockets.
Nostalgic Activities
Holiday Drive In
Drive-in movie theaters may seem like a thing of the past, but Lawrence County’s very own Holiday Drive-In Theater will prove they aren’t! Enjoy a nostalgic night beneath the stars while watching some of the latest movies that are out. Order up a jumbo cheeseburger and a lemonade from the concession stand for dinner. Then, sit back and relax!
Movies usually play both Friday & Saturday nights (and sometimes on Sunday)!
Mitchell Opera House
The Mitchell Opera House was originally built in 1906. It was set in the perfect location, right in the center of a railroad town that was the intersection for the Monon Line and the B&O Railroad. Visitors came from all around to see Broadway’s biggest stars. Even President, William Howard Taft, made an appearance! In 2015, the beautiful building was restored and brought back to life, inviting visitors to see live shows once again.
You should catch a show while you are in town! Most shows are held on the weekends.
Grissom Boyhood Home
In 1961, Virgil I. Grissom (or “Gus” as we like to call him) became one of the first Americans to venture into space. The member of the original Mercury 7 grew up right here in a small, Southern Indiana town. His boyhood home still stands today. Inside, you will find some of Gus’s memorabilia as well as time-period pieces. It’s like walking back in time!
We invite you to take a free tour of Gus’s boyhood home. Open on Saturdays, 11am – 3pm, May – October.
The Pioneer Village
The historic Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park is flooded with history. The village was restored in the early 1900s with much of the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). As you walk the paths, you will undoubtedly notice the centerpiece of the village, a 3-story Grist Mill that still grinds corn to this day! Throughout the season, interpreters dressed in pioneer clothing will be inside the village cabins showing visitors what it was like to live in the 1800s.
Nostalgic Eats
Railroad Café
Have a nostalgic meal at the Railroad Café. They offer up delicious food like railroad ties, train-wreck salads, conductor sandwiches and other cleverly named entrees! Around the restaurant are old photos of the railroad industry that will remind you of a time when trains went through Mitchell every day!
The Railroad Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Salt Creek Brewery
This unique brewery is inside an old service garage. The walls are filled with antique signs and vintage knick knacks. Enjoy a beer (or homemade rootbeer float), listen to music and try the great food from the La Cala Cocina restaurant inside.
Visitors can also buy Salt Creek Brewery goodies like cigars, beard oils and t-shirts!
Wondering Where to Stay?
Spring Mill Inn
Stay at the historic Spring Mill Inn, constructed in 1936. Complete your Limestone Country getaway by staying at the historic Spring Mill Park Inn. Rest peacefully all weekend long, surrounded by warm and cozy country décor. Go for a dip in the indoor/outdoor pool and dive into the full-service dining room menu, complete with items to satisfy every craving!
To learn more about all there is to do in Lawrence County, click here.
