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Muncie is a city of about 65,000 people in east-central Indiana on the White River, home to Ball State University. It grew rich in the 1880s natural gas boom, when the Ball brothers moved their glass jar company here, and the Ball family's legacy shapes the city's museums, gardens and campus.
Minnetrista, the former Ball family estate along the river, has a heritage museum, historic homes, Oakhurst Gardens and a popular farmers market. On campus, the David Owsley Museum of Art holds an impressive collection spanning ancient to modern works, and Ball State brings concerts, sports and theater.
The Cardinal Greenway, one of the longest rail-trails in the Midwest, starts at a restored depot in Muncie, and the White River Greenway follows the river through town. Downtown Muncie has restored buildings, local restaurants and an arts scene, and historic neighborhoods like Emily Kimbrough and Meeks Avenue preserve homes from the gas boom era. Muncie was also the subject of the famous Middletown studies of American life.
A museum and cultural campus on the White River in Muncie, on land once owned by the Ball family of glass jar fame. It has rotating exhibits on regional history, science and art, historic homes, gardens and a seasonal farmers market. Grounds are free to walk; check what exhibits and events are on.
Ball State University's art museum, with a collection of more than 11,000 works ranging from ancient art to European paintings, Asian and African pieces and modern American art. It is housed in the Fine Arts Building on campus. Admission is free; visitor parking is available in nearby campus garages.
A hands-on children's museum in downtown Muncie with play exhibits about science, the human body, dinosaurs, a play city and an outdoor play area. It is aimed at young children and their families and takes about two hours. Check the opening days, as it closes on some weekdays outside the summer season.
A planetarium in Ball State University's Cooper Science Complex, one of the largest in Indiana, with a modern digital projection system and dome shows about the night sky. Public shows are often free on select evenings. Check the schedule online and arrive early, as seats are first come, first served.
A public university founded with support from the Ball brothers, with a large campus of historic buildings, the Beneficence statue known as Benny, Christy Woods and several museums. The campus is pleasant to walk, especially around the quad. Visitors can park in campus garages for a fee.
Part of the Minnetrista campus, Oakhurst Gardens surround the former home of George and Frances Ball and feature native plants, wooded paths, a pond and a children's discovery area. It is a quiet place for an easy walk by the White River. Combine it with Minnetrista's exhibits for a half-day outing.
An outdoor teaching and research area of about 17 acres on the south side of the Ball State campus, with old-growth woodland, wildflowers, an orchid greenhouse and a short trail network. Spring wildflowers are the highlight. Entry is free; check hours, as gates follow the university schedule.
A large reservoir southeast of Muncie used for boating, fishing, swimming at a beach, camping and horseback riding, surrounded by trails and open land. It is a popular summer escape for local families. A daily gate fee applies in season; check rules on boat motor sizes before launching a boat.
A long rail trail built on a former railroad line, running about 60 miles through east-central Indiana with Muncie at its center. The restored Wysor Street Depot serves as the Muncie trailhead. The flat paved route is ideal for biking, walking and running; it is shaded in many sections.
A paved trail along the White River through Muncie, linking Minnetrista, downtown and city parks with the Cardinal Greenway. It offers easy walking and cycling with river views and benches. It is a good way to see several Muncie sights by bike; some low sections may flood after heavy rain.
The historic downtown around Walnut Street with restored commercial buildings, local restaurants, a brewery, coffee shops, galleries and the Delaware County Courthouse area. It hosts First Thursday art walks and summer events. Street and garage parking are easy to find on most days.
Ball State University's large performance hall, seating about 3,500 people, hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and university events. It is one of the main venues in east-central Indiana. Check the season schedule online and buy tickets early; parking is in nearby campus garages.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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