Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Anderson is a city of about 55,000 people on the White River in east-central Indiana, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. It grew on the site of a Lenape village led by Chief William Anderson, and boomed in the 1880s after natural gas was discovered, then became a major center for auto parts manufacturing for General Motors.
The historic downtown has grand early 1900s buildings, including the restored Paramount Theatre, a 1929 atmospheric movie palace with a starry ceiling and a Page theater organ, and the Anderson Public Library's Carnegie building, now the Anderson Museum of Art. The West Eighth Street Historic District is lined with Victorian homes from the gas boom.
Mounds State Park, just east of town, protects ten prehistoric earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people, including the Great Mound, with trails along the White River. Anderson University, Hoosier Park racing and casino, and Shadyside Park with its lakes and trails are other draws.
A 1929 atmospheric theater in downtown Anderson whose ceiling looks like a night sky over a Spanish courtyard, complete with twinkling stars and moving clouds. It hosts concerts, films and shows and has a historic Page theater organ. Tours can be arranged, and the annual season includes classic movie nights.
An art museum in the former 1901 post office building downtown, with a collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Indiana painters, plus changing exhibitions and a children's gallery. Admission is modest. Allow an hour, and combine it with a visit to the nearby Paramount Theatre.
A brick house museum near downtown Anderson, built in stages from the 1860s to the 1870s by a German immigrant family, with restored rooms and period furnishings. Volunteers lead tours and the house hosts teas and holiday events. It keeps limited hours, so check ahead before going.
A residential district of grand homes built during Anderson's gas boom of the late 1800s, in Queen Anne, Romanesque and Colonial Revival styles along tree-lined streets. It is a great area for a self-guided walk to see the architecture. The houses are private, so admire them from the sidewalk.
The historic center of Anderson with brick commercial buildings, the Paramount Theatre, the art museum, local restaurants and shops, plus murals and seasonal events. It is compact and easy to explore on foot. Free parking is available on the streets and in public lots near Meridian Street.
A state park on the White River on the east side of Anderson, protecting ten prehistoric earthworks built by Adena-Hopewell people about 2,000 years ago, including the large Great Mound. Trails lead through woods and along the river, and a nature center has exhibits. A daily entry fee applies per car.
A long city park along Shadyside Lake and the White River, with walking and biking paths, a playground, picnic shelters, fishing spots and a Japanese-style garden area. Summer concerts are held at the park. It is a pleasant place for a walk or a bike ride, with free parking at several points.
A private Christian university founded in 1917 on a tree-lined campus in Anderson, known for its music programs and the Reardon Auditorium. Visitors can walk the grounds and attend concerts and games. The campus once hosted the Indianapolis Colts summer training camp for many years.
A combined horse racing track and casino on the edge of Anderson, with harness racing during its season, slot machines, table games, restaurants and live entertainment. Guests must be 21 or older for the casino floor. Check the racing calendar if you want to watch live races from the grandstand.
A short quarter-mile oval track in Anderson, famous for hosting the annual Little 500 sprint car race, one of the longest-running short track events in the country, held over Memorial Day weekend. Regular weekend racing runs through the warm months. Bring ear protection and arrive early for good seats.
Top-rated local businesses in Anderson, with real reviews on WiserMap.
No reviews yet. Been to Anderson? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Anderson? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Publichall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Tonypeoni, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: 765tru, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Publichall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Publichall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Publichall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Publichall, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: David Wilson from Oak Park, Illinois, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Emmmmh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kpaul.mallasch (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Lgideon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Emmmmh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kschro10, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Emmmmh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
