Hoosier towns along the 62 miles of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering! Enjoy the people, distinctive buildings, sights, and sounds of small town life in Indiana.
Located in Grant County, Marion is the northernmost segment of Cardinal Greenway. To make a day out of your hike, stop by the Cumberland Covered Bridge at the southern edge of Grant County, experience the James Dean Festival in September, or enjoy the 3200+ acre Mississinewa Lake and its surrounding recreation areas. You can also visit Indiana Wesleyan University, the largest private university in Indiana.
Gas City began as a boom town in 1887 with the discovery of natural gas in the area. During the summers, Gas City Park is host to a variety of concerts, as well as cook-offs, community picnics, and even the Ducktail Run Rod & Custom Car Show, attended by over 50,000 people!
Jonesboro is the birthplace of Harry Knight, an Indy car driver from the early 20th century who competed in some of the first Indianapolis 500 races.
For such a small town, Gaston has some great places to visit! Emerald Lake is perfect for fishermen. Then head to the Iron Skillet for some chicken parmesan, followed up by ice cream from Barking Cow.
Muncie is one of the larger cities on the trail. Spend the day around the college students at Ball State University, or avoid the bustle by visiting the David Owsley Museum of Art. Check out a music festival and plan a day trip by visiting visitmuncie.org. Take in the views of the Riverbend, dam, and surrounding scenery on this newly constructed cantilevered walkway. Just to the north of the Wysor Street Depot, the Cardinal Greenway intersects with the White River Greenway.
This part of the trail sits right on the old railroad tracks. The lush greenery provides welcome relief during the hotter days, and beautiful foliage in the fall.
Located in Randolph County, Losantville is the epitome of Indiana’s farming communities. For lunch, pack some goodies and sit at a picnic table right on the trail, or visit the nearby Pizza Barn for a special treat!
Economy was named by the original landowner, who thought of laying out the town into lots as the most “economical” way of selling off his property. On your visit, expect to see some hardworking farmers, towering grain silos, and a field or two of colorful wildflowers.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a game at the baseball fields right next to the Greenway! Plan to come early if you want to experience the Wayne County Produce Auction, just a five-minute walk from the trailhead.
Richmond is full of great things to do with the family. Whether you’re looking for a specific item or just love to browse, there’s no shortage of antique shops in Richmond. You can also follow the Chocolate Trail (get free samples!), find a new favorite BBQ joint, or taste the flavor of local wineries and breweries on the Heartland Wine & Ale Trail.