Blackford County, 1 County at a Time

Indiana travelogue a county at a time.

Blackford County, Indiana Travel Guide

A Hidden Gem in East Central Indiana

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Blackford County is one of Indiana's smallest counties, but it offers a relaxing getaway centered around small town charm, local history, motorsports, parks, and community festivals. Located about 70 miles northeast of Indianapolis, the county includes Hartford City, Montpelier, Shamrock Lakes, and part of Dunkirk. It is an excellent destination for travelers who enjoy discovering places that are off the beaten path.

Why Visit Blackford County?

Blackford County offers:

Historic downtown districts
Indiana racing history
Public parks and walking trails
Local arts and culture
Small town festivals
Historic architecture
Affordable family vacations
Easy day trips to nearby attractions
Cities and Communities
Hartford City

The county seat is known for its beautiful courthouse square, historic buildings, and welcoming downtown.

Highlights include:

Historic downtown shopping
Local restaurants
Arts Center
Historic courthouse
Parks
Annual festivals
Montpelier

Montpelier is famous throughout Indiana for one thing:

The legendary Montpelier Motor Speedway.

The town also offers parks, small businesses, and classic Midwestern hospitality.

Major Attractions
Statue of Chief Godfroy

Statue of Chief Godfroy

Perhaps Blackford County's most famous landmark.

The giant fiberglass statue honors Miami Chief Godfroy and became nationally recognized after appearing during the opening credits of the television series "Parks and Recreation." It has become one of Indiana's best roadside photo stops.

Blackford County Courthouse

Blackford County Courthouse

Built in the late 1800s, this courthouse dominates the town square with classic architecture and beautifully maintained grounds.

Perfect for:

Photography
History lovers
Walking tours
Montpelier Motor Speedway

Montpelier Motor Speedway

One of Indiana's oldest continuously operating racetracks.

Dating back to 1903, this quarter mile clay oval hosts:

Sprint cars
Modifieds
Midgets
Thunder Cars
Local racing events

For race fans, this alone makes Blackford County worth visiting.

Blackford County Arts Center

Blackford County Arts Center

A restored downtown building featuring:

Art galleries
Music lessons
Local performances
Art exhibits
Community events

The center helps showcase local artists throughout the year.

Blackford County Historical Society

Blackford County Historical Society

History enthusiasts can explore:

Local artifacts
County genealogy
Historical exhibits
Regional history
Books about Blackford County

Parks and Outdoor Recreation
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Wilderness Park

Wilderness Park

Features:

24 wooded acres
1.5 mile nature trail
Fitness trail
Bird watching
Hiking
Sigma Phi Gamma Park

Sigma Phi Gamma Park

Offers:

Playground
Basketball
Tennis
Ball fields
Family picnic areas
Hoover Park

Hoover Park

Known for:

Shelter house
Playground
Basketball court
Kings Park (Waterworks Park)

Kings Park

Includes:

Skate park
Horseshoe pits
Tennis courts
Playground
Shelters
Memorial Swimming Pool

Open seasonally with:

Diving board
Basketball goal
Children's recreation
Fireman's Park

Fireman's Park

Offers:

Fishing
Walking trail
Playground
Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park

Features:

Pavilion
Basketball
Playground

Things To Do
Take a Historic Walking Tour

Explore Hartford City's:

Victorian architecture
Historic courthouse square
Churches
Local shops
Watch Dirt Track Racing

Montpelier Motor Speedway hosts races throughout the racing season and remains one of Indiana's classic dirt tracks.

Attend Local Theater and Music

The Blackford County Arts Center regularly hosts:

Concerts
Art shows
Community productions
Photography

Excellent subjects include:

Chief Godfroy Statue
Historic courthouse
Downtown storefronts
Rural landscapes
Sunset farm scenes
Annual Events
Civil War Days

Held each May.

Features include:

Battle reenactments
Living history
Blacksmith demonstrations
Period cooking
Historical exhibits
Heritage Days Festival

Held in May.

Includes:

Carnival rides
Games
Entertainment
Food vendors
SummerFest

Held each July.

Visitors enjoy:

Live music
Artisan vendors
Farmers market
Family activities
Montpelier Jamboree

Labor Day Weekend.

Features:

Parade
Antique car cruise
Carnival
Food vendors
Live entertainment

Golf
Blackford Golf Club

Blackford Golf Club

A public course offering a relaxed round of golf in a scenic rural setting.

Local Restaurants

Visitors can find a variety of locally owned restaurants throughout Hartford City and Montpelier, including:

Pizza
Mexican cuisine
American diners
Family restaurants
Ice cream shops
Cafés

Supporting these local establishments is one of the best ways to experience the county's small town character.

Shopping

Downtown Hartford City offers:

Antique stores
Gift shops
Local boutiques
Seasonal markets
Lodging

Blackford County has limited lodging, so many visitors choose to stay in nearby communities while exploring the county. Options include:

Hartford City motels
Bed and breakfasts in the surrounding area
Hotels in Marion
Hotels in Muncie
Hotels in Anderson

These nearby cities are generally within a 20 to 35 minute drive.

Suggested One Day Itinerary

Morning

Breakfast in Hartford City
Visit the Chief Godfroy Statue
Tour the courthouse square
Explore downtown shops

Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant
Visit the Blackford County Historical Society
Tour the Blackford County Arts Center
Walk the trails at Wilderness Park

Evening

Dinner in Montpelier
Attend races at Montpelier Motor Speedway (race nights)
Sunset photography around the countryside
Family Friendly Activities
Parks
Playgrounds
Swimming pool
Walking trails
Arts Center events
Festivals
Speedway races
Fishing
Nearby Day Trips

Within an hour, visitors can also explore:

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
Taylor University
Fairmount Historical Museum
The Glass Museum
Muncie Children's Museum
Best Time to Visit

Spring: Civil War Days, blooming parks, comfortable weather.

Summer: Festivals, racing season, outdoor recreation, farmers markets.

Fall: Scenic drives through farmland, pleasant temperatures, harvest season.

Winter: Holiday events and quiet small town charm.

Why Blackford County Stands Out

Blackford County is not a destination of large amusement parks or luxury resorts. Its appeal comes from authentic Indiana experiences: a nationally recognized roadside landmark, one of the state's oldest dirt racetracks, historic downtowns, community festivals, local arts, and peaceful parks. For travelers seeking to experience small town Indiana at a relaxed pace, Blackford County offers a rewarding stop filled with local history, friendly communities, and unique attractions.