The long-awaited Spring season is finally here, and odds are that we can all agree on one thing: It’s time for a break! If you’re considering last-minute Spring Break plans, Brown County, Indiana is the perfect family-friendly Midwest destination offering a little something for everyone.
Explore the Village of Nashville
With door to door businesses lining the streets of town, Nashville’s mile-long downtown area is home to more than 150 eclectic shops and art galleries filled with handcrafted items, locally-owned restaurants, and a sweet mix of wine tasting rooms (this one’s for mom and dad)!
Look around to see a number of public art pieces while out and about in the downtown Arts Village. Between public art and the many art studios and galleries, you’ll get a feel for Brown County’s deep artistic roots. Getting its start in the early 1900s as an art colony, Brown County remains a haven for artists to this day.
Fun fact: We’re home to one of the oldest art galleries in the country, the Brown County Art Gallery.
Be sure to pop into some of our sweets and treats shops for live demonstrations! The Nashville Fudge Kitchen, Schwab’s Fudge, the Candy Dish, Heritage Candy Store, Miller’s Ice Cream, and the Carmel Corn Cottage are often cranking out their special treats in their stores for all to see…and taste.
Did you know that you can even mine for treasure at Copperhead Creek Gem Mine? Find gems, fossils, and arrowheads! Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and located in the heart of the Village for your panning fun.
Just around the corner is the Brown County History Center’s Pioneer Village. This neat little downtown pocket of history is home to a two-story 1879 log jail, a two-story dog-trot log building, an authentically-restored log cabin with pioneer period exhibits, a working blacksmith shop circa 1850, and an 1898 doctor’s office. Buildings are open on Saturdays starting in May!
Opt Outside for Endless Adventure
It’s that time to trade in the snow boots for a pair of hiking boots and hit the trails! In the most densely forested county in the state with over 170,000 acres of forested land, getting a little mud on your boots is expected. Check out our recommendations for the best hiking in Brown County!
Or, if you prefer to keep the dirt to a minimum, the Friends Trail in Brown County State Park and Salt Creek Trail in downtown Nashville are two paved walking trails that are great for strollers and are both wheelchair accessible. There’s also the park’s newly-launched 7 Vista Challenge, which is an absolute MUST-DO for all park-goers to take in the scenic overlooks and capture some memories!
Fun fact: Just this year, our beloved Brown County State Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places making the park Indiana’s largest historic district.
Brown County is chock-full of outdoor activities, rugged adventures, and of course, beautiful Spring scenery. A few ways to make the most of it, no matter your skill level, include mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, golfing, bird watching, zip lining, disc golf, and adventure tours (just to name a few). So who’s you ready for their next adventure?!
Don’t Wait to Book Your Stay
Hibernation is over, and after this especially long winter, it’s no surprise we’re all thinking the same thing. Maybe it’s a long weekend, breaking up the mid-week monotony, or staying for a whole week. While there are plenty of family-friendly places to stay, weekend rentals are booking up fast, so do yourself a favor and don’t wait to book.
Tip: Save some money on lodging by taking advantage of weekday lodging specials!