Gather your besties and spend some quality time together among the scenic rolling hills, charming downtown shops and one-of-a-kind, locally owned cafes and restaurants in Lawrence County, Indiana.
No matter your get-together style, there are so many ways to connect. Experiences range from outdoor adventures, serene nature encounters, shopping, antiquing and dining.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Encounters
Paddle and peddle! Rent canoes, kayaks and bikes at Pathfinders Outfitters. Create your own adventure or schedule a guided trip down the White River for some floating fun.
Caves are a biproduct of a hilly landscape rich in limestone. Cave exploration and tours are available at Spring Mill State Park and at Bluespring Caverns Park. You don’t need to be an experienced spelunker to explore these caves – no tight curves or crawling through cervices here. Take a fascinating and relaxing underground guided boat tours or explore on your own. The caves are open seasonally and subject to closure due to local flooding, so check the linked websites above before you go.
At Spring Mill State Park, nature is on full display year-round. Numerous hiking trails range from easy to rugged and from one-quarter mile to 2.5 miles in length. The nature center provides information about wildlife and flora you might encounter while in the park. Shady trees and creek side banks are plentiful and provide a tranquil place to appreciate nature. Bring a picnic and relax at one of the many picnic tables or shelters. Campsites, for all types of campers, are available. Make plans to return when the Spring Mill State Park Inn re-opens in late 2024, following an extensive renovation.
The Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell is a stroll through the mid 1800s. With 20 historic buildings to explore, you’ll get a glimpse of pioneer life in the Midwest. The three-story Grist Mill is the centerpiece of the village. There are so many gorgeous selfie spots among these cabins and colorful gardens. Admission to Pioneer Village is free with your park admission.
Also inside the Spring Mill State Park is the Grissom Memorial, a museum dedicated to Hoosier astronaut, Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom. Artifacts include his authentic space suit and one of the actual space capsules he piloted. Free with your park admission, this museum is interactive and filled with interesting displays. In addition, throughout the local community, you’ll spot various landmarks and attractions celebrating Grissom’s life in Mitchell. It might surprise you to learn that two other astronauts, Kenneth D. Bowersox and Charles D. Walker were also from Lawrence County in nearby Bedford.
Shopping!
If you are looking for unique items you won’t find in a box store, Lawrence County is the shopping bonanza for you and your friends. The Square in Downtown Bedford is home to several trendy and classic clothing boutiques that are hard to resist. Gather your shopping bags and wander from one to the other. You’ll come away with outfits and accessories your friends at home have never seen, but wish they had!
For a break from shopping, stop in Inklings Bookstore for tea, coffee, smoothies and quick sandwiches or treats. It’s a great place to linger, rest your feet, refuel and browse for your next favorite read.
Bring home freshness and goodness to share from Applacres, right off IN-37 in Bedford. Your family will love flavorful souvenirs like fresh fruit, candy, gourmet coffee and Hoosier homestyle favorites. Treat yourself to free popcorn and the famous cherry apple cider milkshake, while you’re there.
Antiques and Uniques
In downtown Mitchell, stop by the Lawrence County Visitors Center for a visitors guide that will lead you to over a dozen antique stores. These “gold mines” are overflowing with vintage finds, collectibles and primitives. The drive through our towns, back roads and scenic hillsides will be worth it!
The easy to find, This ‘N’ That in Mitchell will provide hours of browsing and treasure hunting. Hours for This “N” That vary. There are two other antique destinations in Mitchell: Fun Finds and It’s About Time Antiques and More. Seven treasure troves await you in Bedford, including Primitive Porch, Peddler’s Corner and White River Arts & Antiques. Be sure to stop at three other shops along your antiquing tour, including Washboard Antiques, The Washhouse and Mustard Seed. Enjoy your finds, then come back again to shop the latest inventory!
Food…Finally!
After your adventures and shopping ‘til you nearly dropped, indulge in some comfort food. Choose from the following menu of must-tries, and YES, order the pie!
Gather your friends for a roadtrip! Plan scenic outdoor adventures, peaceful nature encounters and shopping! You’ll love your experiences and treasure what you bring home, too!
Camping, vacation rentals and hotels
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Feature photo credit: Paolo Restighini
