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Red bricks still pave the main street of Zionsville, a village of boutiques, galleries and porch-fronted houses that feels far from the Indianapolis suburbs around it. The town sits on Eagle Creek in Boone County, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis.
Zionsville grew up along the railroad in the 1850s, and in February 1861 Abraham Lincoln's inaugural train stopped here, where he spoke briefly to the crowd. The brick Main Street and its 19th-century buildings form the heart of the town, and the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center keeps its history and art.
Visitors browse the Main Street shops and cafes, walk or cycle the Big-4 Rail Trail and the creekside paths of Starkey Nature Park, and drive out to the organic dairy at Traders Point Creamery. The village comes alive for the Fall Festival in September and for Christmas in the Village, when Main Street fills with lights and carolers.
The village's brick-paved Main Street is lined with restored 19th-century buildings holding boutiques, antique shops, galleries, salons and restaurants. Shade trees and benches make it a pleasant stroll. Parking is free in lots behind the shops; weekday mornings are quiet, while weekend evenings fill with diners.
Zionsville's museum and genealogy library, a block off Main Street, has rotating exhibits on local and Boone County history, a gallery for regional artists and family history resources. Children's programs and lectures are frequent. Admission is modest; check the calendar for current exhibits and hours.
An organic, grass-fed dairy farm on the edge of town where visitors can see cows in the pasture, watch milking, and eat in the Loft, a restaurant in a restored barn. The dairy bar sells ice cream and yogurt, and a farmers market runs on Fridays in season. Book Loft tables ahead on weekends.
On Saturday mornings from spring to fall, local farmers and makers set up near Main Street with produce, eggs, meats, flowers, baked goods and crafts. Live music and coffee from nearby cafes make it a social morning for the village. Arrive early for the best choice, and bring a bag for the bricks walk.
A late 19th-century farmhouse with barns and grounds preserved as a reminder of the area's farming roots, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Volunteers host tours, heritage events and seasonal activities. The grounds are pleasant for a short walk; check the schedule for open house days.
A small green in the village marks where Abraham Lincoln's train paused on February 11, 1861, on his way to Washington for his inauguration, and where he spoke to a waiting crowd. A marker tells the story. It takes only a few minutes, but it adds a real piece of history to a walk along Main Street.
A wooded park along Eagle Creek just west of Main Street, with dirt trails, boardwalks over wet areas and spring wildflowers on the slopes. It links to the Big-4 Rail Trail, making it easy to combine a walk with a stop in town. Wear shoes that can handle mud after rain, especially on the lower trails.
A paved trail built on the old Big Four railroad line, running north from the village through woods and farmland. It is flat and easy for walking, running or cycling with children. Start near the Main Street area, where you can park, and finish with ice cream or coffee in town.
A long-running community festival each September with a parade, carnival rides, food stands and live music across the village. Local clubs and churches run booths that raise money for the town. Parking is tight, so walk or use the shuttle lots, and come for the Saturday parade in the morning.
Each holiday season the brick Main Street glows with lights and decorated storefronts, with a tree lighting, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa on festival weekends. Shops stay open late for gift buying. Dress warmly and arrive before dusk to watch the lights come on.
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