Midwesterners are generally perceived to be -- and often pride themselves on being -- pretty genial folk. "Midwest nice," a cultural stereotype across middle-American states, is a brand of polite friendliness that goes out of its way to be accommodating and nonconfrontational (also co-opted by Minnesota as "Minnesota nice"). One Midwestern city known as the "Friendly City" claims the corner on niceties, and it's not in Minnesota -- it's in Indiana. Lebanon, just 28 miles northwest of Indianapolis
and 155 miles from Chicago, is a small city blending historical charm with family-friendly amenities.
There's no doubt Indiana can be a great place to raise kids: Indianapolis boasts one of the top five children's museums in America, and the state is dotted with small, peaceful towns like Fishers, one of America's safest and most affordable family destinations, just 32 miles east. With Lebanon's proximity to major metro areas, its walkable downtown, lively festivals, acres of parks, jailhouse-turned-distillery, and many trails, it's easy to see why the city has grown rapidly, attracting people seeking a neighborly feel. It's also only 79 miles north of Bloomington, Indiana's renowned university city filled with art, culture, and wineries, a scenic gateway to the state.
"Lebanon" comes from local hickory trees that reminded early settlers of the biblical Cedars of Lebanon. Established in 1830 as the seat of Boone County -- named for Daniel Boone -- the city built a courthouse in 1839 which was rebuilt twice, with the final version completed around 1911 in Classic Revival style. Its massive limestone columns and stained-glass dome -- Indiana's second-largest -- are standout features. Inside are eight rare, Hahl pneumatically calibrated clocks -- now obsolete, air-powered mechanisms that were an early alternative to electric timekeeping. The courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a downtown cornerstone.
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Explore The Historic Downtown And Lebanon's Many Trails
Downtown Lebanon's courthouse is a historic hub still buzzing with life, its plaza surrounded by restaurants and businesses. Across from the courthouse sits the public library, an Andrew Carnegie-founded original that was finished in 1905. Scattered throughout downtown are several historic buildings, notably the perhaps-ghost-haunted Cragun House, a Victorian-era home built in 1893 that is now a museum, and Oak Hill Cemetery, which features unique funerary art and the graves of some prominent Indiana figures. Take a self-guided walking tour of friendly Lebanon, soaking in stories of colorful characters and architectural marvels, using a guide put together by the city and several supporting organizations.
The Boone County jailhouse, built in 1832, was at first "little more than a wooden shed attached to the courthouse." Eventually, in 1938, a tunnel was dug beneath it to connect the jail to the courthouse. In 1992, a new jail was built. The historic jailhouse remained empty until 2014, when a local family purchased it to start a distillery, making "Conjugal Visit Moonshine," "Hoosier Vodka" and more. Its symmetrical, pastel-turquoise door even made it into "Accidentally Wes Anderson," a photography movement styled after the film director's distinct aesthetic.
Lebanon is well connected to its local region via multiuse trails, which are continuing to expand. The Big 4 Trail is transforming former railroad tracks into trails across Boone County, eventually covering 50 miles. Abraham Lincoln traveled this way en route to his 1861 presidential inauguration, adding to the historic significance. The three trail segments currently open traverse corn and soy fields, old iron bridges, and vibrant murals, giving joggers and bikers a glimpse of quintessential Indiana country. Plenty of parks and even fishing ponds round out this outdoor-lovers' paradise.
Where To Eat And Shop In Downtown Lebanon
The city's known for a full calendar of festivals and events, many of them celebrating Lebanon's history. An annual Civil War reenactment, colonial market days, summer BBQ competition, Christmas festivities, and more are great reasons to plan a visit to the heart of Indiana. Boone County Summerfest is one of the city's biggest, with live music stages and pickleball tournaments.
South Lebanon Street is the heart of downtown, with eateries on every side of the courthouse square. 1830 Chophouse is a locally owned, upscale spot specializing in hand-cut meats and fresh seafood. The menu features classic steakhouse appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms, along with unique dishes like wild boar meatballs. Another local distillery -- Four Finger-- offers house-made spirits -- from bourbon to absinthe -- as well as the opportunity to develop and distill your own whiskey (Bachelor or bachelorette trip idea?). Soak it up with Gorditos Rust Belt Tacos and Tortas -- guests rave about the queso dip. Klooz Brewz prides itself on "highlighting bold, local flavors", creating brews like Selfish Ghost and Boonelicious Sour. Pair your pint with "beer-drinking foods," like smashburgers or cheese curds.
Just steps from the square are charming, independently owned shops like Samson Historical, a unique destination for history buffs and period enthusiasts. Here, you can buy anything from handcrafted leather goods to historically accurate clothing. Indiana Gifts is the perfect place to nab that "ABC Indiana" board book for children, a "Catch the Fever" T-shirt, or locally roasted "honey coffee" -- Midwest mementos perfect for souvenirs or gifts. Quilts Plus is a mecca for fabric and patterns lovers, while Friendly City Games brings it all back to the city's beloved vibe -- a board game store with space to share the table with friends.
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