Danville Things To Do: Escape to a Quiet Retreat

In Danville, Indiana, a small satellite community of Indianapolis, there are more things to do than you might think. Yes, the town is mostly rural and doesn’t have the typical tourist attractions–there are no theme parks, no massive Indianapolis shopping malls, no novelty museums, and not even a typical Danville hotel in sight–but what it does have is history and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a perfect place for a day trip from Indianapolis. Things to do in Danville are all affordable, educational, and most of all, fun for the whole family.

One of the major bonuses of living and visiting this small rural community is the rich amount of history there is to see on a daily basis. A simple walk through downtown Danville will show you that this is not some town that just popped up in the last few years, and a visit to the Hendricks County Museum will prove it. The museum, a former jail and sheriff’s residence, houses all sorts of relics from days gone by. The rich tradition of Danville is displayed in the museum, from the simplest agricultural implement to military supplies and uniforms. This historic site in Danville is on the National Register of Historic Places; a visit here is surely worth your while.

After you leave the museum, you still have all of downtown Danville to explore. The downtown sector is the hub of things to do in Danville; this is where all the unique craft shops, delicious Danville restaurants, and restored historical buildings reside. Danville businesses line the courthouse square, most of them independently operated. These stores are the main source of Danville shopping, and you can find plenty of goods made with a personal touch here, like homemade fudge from Carla’s Creations, locally designed jewelry at Meazle’s Jewelry and Gifts, or Danville art at the Gallery on the Square. And after all this, you can still take a visit to the Hendricks County Courthouse, the center of Danville and a building as old as the town itself, if you haven’t gotten enough history for one day.

After all your shopping and sight-seeing, it’s probably time to eat. Well, you’re in luck, because Danville restaurants are just like a little slice of home. Frank’s Place is a delicious Italian restaurant which, like everything else in Danville, exhibits a personal touch. Danville is also the home of the Mayberry Cafe, a time machine that’s a tribute to the town that Andy Griffith called home in the popular television series, and Wiggles, an all purpose sweet shop that even has some Indiana State Fair staples year round.

One of the coolest Danville things to do for Danville children and adults alike is a visit to Ellis Park, the major fixture in the Danville parks department. Ellis Park is the largest park in the town limits, with 49 acres to its name. This is also one of the oldest parks in Central Indiana; it was founded way back in 1913. Ellis Park includes acres and acres of open fields, shelter houses, picnic benches, and much much more. For Danville sports enthusiasts, the park has baseball diamonds, softball diamonds, volleyball courts, tennis courts, football fields…if you’ve got a sport you love, then Ellis Park probably has you covered.

Ellis Park is also home to a number of Danville attractions. A fun thing to do in Danville during the summer is a ride down one of the two 125 foot water slides at the Gill Family Aquatic Center. When the weather’s hot and the sun is out, Danville families pack up and go to this miniature water park inside of Ellis Park for a spin in the vortex, a relaxing drift down the lazy river, or a wild plummet down the water slide. You can also simply dip your toes in the water for a short cool down. Ellis Park also features an amphitheater which is a popular venue for Indianapolis music, attracting organizations like the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Hendricks County Orchestra.

Speaking of music, why not take a trip to the recently renovated Royal Theater? This historic emblem of Danville history is also located downtown and offers some of the finest entertainment in Hendricks County. First opened in 1914 and remodeled, renovated, and expanded several times after that date, the Royal Theater is a stunning display of glittering lights, handsome architecture, and lush interior design. The Theater still remains the movie house it was intended to be, keeping regular screenings of both new and classic films, but nowadays it is also used as an entertainment venue. It is one of the pillars of Danville music, featuring such artists as Jennie DeVoe, Carrie Rodriguez, Tad Robinson, and more. Seeing a movie or a live Indianapolis band at the Royal Theater is one of the most fun things to do in Danville.

So if you thought Danville was just a sleepy little town on the outskirts of Indianapolis, you’re right. However, its sleepiness works to its advantage; Danville functions as a safe, slow haven from the rigors and stress of bustling downtown Indianapolis. Fortunately, even if you’re coming to Danville to escape, there’s still plenty of things to do here. Step back in time at the Hendricks County Museum, the Hendricks County Courthouse, the Mayberry Cafe, or the Royal Theater, grab a homemade meal at Frank’s Place or Wiggles, splash and dash at the Gill Family Aquatic Center inside Ellis Park, or just take a stroll through historic downtown Danville. The only limit to things to do in Danville is how much fun you’re willing to have.

	Hendricks County Museum 170 S Washington St P.O. Box 226 Danville, IN 46122 317.718.6158 Homepage
	Frank’s Place 33 S Washington St Danville, IN 46122-1709 317.718.1146
	The Mayberry Cafe 78 W Main St Danville, IN 46122-1704 317.745.4067
	Wiggles 71 S Washington St Danville, IN 46122-1709 317.718.7189
	Ellis Park 600 E Main St Danville, IN 46122 317.745.3015 Homepage
	Royal Theater 59 S Washington St Danville, IN 46122 317.745.1499 Homepage

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