Noblesville, Indiana
Area Guide

Hamilton County, Indiana, located on the north side of the major metropolitan city of Indianapolis, is a fast-growing, culturally diverse area that is home to eight bedroom community cities that offer residents a semi-rural quality of life with easy access to city conveniences. Each of these eight towns—Noblesville, Westfield, Fishers, Carmel, Cicero, Arcadia, Anderson and Atlanta—have their own unique feel, nature, events, parks and attractions; with an average half-hours drive from Indianapolis or each other, residents of and visitors to Noblesville effectively have a city experience encompassing nine separate locations with the small-town feel of an upscale hamlet. Noblesville and its Hamilton County sister towns is historically rich and naturally beautiful, with no shortage of events, attractions and activities to keep residents and visitors on the move. Hamilton County and its communities are often referred to as the “playground of Indianapolis” due to the number of parks, museums, venues and recreational spots available. The convenience commuting to Indianapolis offers Noblesville residents still more opportunities for leisure, education or career. This, along with its strong economy, affordable living and top ranked schools , makes Noblesville ideal for both families, professionals and retirees alike, offering a wide variety of services catering to residents from all walks of life. To learn more about Noblesville, any of the eight cities and towns of Hamilton County, or the Indianapolis area, please visit:

Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://8greattowns.com/

Noblesville Main Street
www.noblesvillemainstreet.org/

Westfield-Washington Chamber of Commerce
www.westfield-chamber.org/

Carmel Clay Chamber of Commerce
www.carmelchamber.com/

Fishers Chamber of Commerce
www.fisherschamber.com/

Hamilton North Chamber of Commerce
www.hamiltonnorthchamber.com/

Fishers Visitor Information Center
www.2chambers.com/fishers,_indiana1.htm

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
visitindy.com/

History

Hamilton County’s history dates back to 1818, when the Miami tribe of Native Americans ceded the land of Hamilton County to the United States government in the Treaty of St. Mary's. In 1823, a charter was drafted, which recognized Hamilton County as a separate and independent county; in the same year, the town of Noblesville was laid out, becoming the county seat the following year, but not officially incorporated until 1851. The Peru and Indianapolis Railroad reached Noblesville in 1851, serving to increase the town’s population and economic prosperity. In 1876, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail was built and by 1879 the Hamilton County Courthouse had also reached completion. Both structures remain in present-day Noblesville as historic landmarks and are classic examples of the Second Empire style based on historical French Renaissance architecture, featuring prominent mansard roofs and a large, functional clock tower. A well of natural gas was discovered in 1888, bringing Noblesville its first growth boom. The numerous Victorian homes and the bulk of the historic Downtown Commercial District were constructed during this peak period of Noblesville’s early prosperity. Other historic structures and destinations in Noblesville include Hamilton County Courthouse Square, the Catherine Street Historic District, Conner Street Historic District, William Houston Craig House, Daniel Craycraft House, Holliday Hydroelectric Powerhouse and Dam, Noblesville Commercial Historic District and the Noblesville Milling Company Mill. Though known for the trial of KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson in 1925 and 1995 discovery of Klan paraphernalia in an abandoned barn, Hamilton County is in no way defined by this part of its history—in fact, Hamilton County was very active in the Underground Railroad, with the estimation that Westfield was responsible for escorting more slaves to freedom than any other town in northern Indiana. Today, Noblesville is defined by the diversity of its history—dark and light—with the Klan items on display at the Hamilton County Historical Society museum and events such as Follow the North Star at the Conner Prairie Living History Museum, educating visitors about Hamilton County’s role in the Underground Railroad. Other popular museums, sites and destinations of historical interest in Noblesville, Indianapolis and Hamilton County’s towns include the Carmel Monon Depot Museum, Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens, Potter’s Covered Bridge, the Indiana Transportation Museum, Indiana State Museum, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Indianapolis’ Monument Circle. To learn more about any of these historic sites of interest in Noblesville, Indianapolis or the towns of Hamilton County, please visit:

Hamilton County Historical Society
http://noblesville-indiana.funcityfinder.com/hamilton-county-historical-society/
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~inhchs/indx.htm

Carmel Clay Historical Society
carmelclayhistory.org/

Indiana Historical Society
www.indianahistory.org

Historic Places in Noblesville
http://www.downtownnoblesville.com/history.html

Hamilton County Museum
http://noblesville-photos.funcityfinder.com/museum
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~inhchs/indx.htm

Westfield-Washington Historical Society Museum
www.wwhs.us/

Carmel Monon Depot Museum
http://www.monon.org/monontrail.html

Indiana Transportation Museum
www.itm.org

Conner Prairie Living History Museum
www.connerprairie.org/

Indiana State Museum
www.indianamuseum.org/visit/exhibit/
www.visitindy.com

The Historic Ambassador House & Heritage Gardens
www.ambassadorhouse.org/

Potter’s Covered Bridge
http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/bridge

Scottish Rite Cathedral
www.aasr-indy.org/

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
http://www.in.gov/iwm/2335.htm

Monument Circle
http://visitindy.com/monument-circle

Parks and Recreation

Hamilton County is nicknamed, “the playground of Indianapolis”, due in part to the large amount of parks and natural destinations in the area. Hamilton County’s city and community parks are, in fact, on par in terms of quality with many state and national parks and wildlife refuges. With eight towns in addition to Indianapolis being only a short drive away, Noblesville residents and visitors are afforded access to an impressive amount of parks that offer a wide range and diversity of experience for nature enthusiasts and those who seek to discover the true spirit of Indiana. With six state parks—Indiana Dunes, Summit Lake, Mounds, Fort Harrison, Brown County and White River State Parks—within 30 minutes drive distance to choose from, Noblesville residents enjoy the advantages of their location. In addition to the high caliber state parks at their disposal, Hamilton County residents are also privy to municipal parks of an unparalleled quality. Our area parks are of such a high quality, in fact, many Indianapolis city residents often commute to Noblesville and other Hamilton County towns—just to enjoy our park system, which includes Forest Park, whose aquatic center and golf range make it a park in a class of its own. Other local parks and natural destinations of interest offer visitors a range of outdoor activity, with some parks catering to seasonal recreation, making Noblesville residents able to enjoy many of our fine area parks year-round. Morse Reservoir Park & Beach, Dr. James A Dillon Park and Eagle Creek Park offer hiking, biking, boating, fishing and swimming, as well as picnic areas for leisurely enjoyment. Eagle Creek—6th largest municipal park in the nation—130-acre Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve and Fairbanks Art and Nature Park boast vast wooded expanses that showcase the beauty of Indiana’s mature wooded areas, natural meadows, wetlands and lakes. Fairbanks, additionally, is located alongside both the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the White River, a literal symbol of Indiana’s balance of nature and culture. Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden, likewise, offers visitors something different: the tranquility of koi fish ponds, flowing waterfalls and tropical flowers and three acres of sunken gardens to explore and enjoy. From Coxhall Gardens and Strawtown Koteewi Park to Lee Road Park and the Westfield Skateboard Facility at Amelia Park, there’s a variety of recreational activity and relaxation spaces available for Noblesville area residents and visitors to take pleasure in. Many Hamilton County municipal parks are pet-friendly, such as Paul Ruster, Broad Ripple and Pierson Bark Park—so pack the leash and ball when you plan your day out at the park. The Indy Greenways and the Indianapolis Monon Trail are a unique park experience in that they invite activity in both the urban and natural realms—the paved trails of the greenways connect communities, county and community parks and urban areas together while accommodating wildlife viewing, walking, biking, rollerblading and equestrian activity. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Hamilton County is nicknamed “the playground of Indianapolis”—so when you’re in Noblesville, don’t forget to visit the playground! To find out more about Hamilton County municipal parks, Indiana State parks or other outdoor destinations in the Noblesville area, please visit:

Indiana State Parks
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2392.htm

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park
http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

Indiana Dunes State Park
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Summit Lake State Park
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2967.htm

Mounds State Park
www.moundsstatepark.org

Fort Harrison State Park
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2982.htm

White River State Park
inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov/

Brown County State Park
www.browncountystatepark.com/

Indianapolis Monon Trail
http://www.monon.org/monontrail.html

Indy Greenways
www.indygreenways.org/

Morse Reservoir
www.morselake.com/

Coxhall Gardens
http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/coxhall

Strawtown Koteewi Park
http://blog.8greattowns.com/tag/strawtown-koteewi-park/

Taylor Center of Natural History
http://blog.8greattowns.com/taylorcenter

Cheeney Creek Natural Area
http://www.fishers.in.us/cheeneycreek

Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
http://www.fishers.in.us/preserve

Fishers Heritage Park at White River
http://www.fishers.in.us/whiteriver

Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
http://www.imamuseum.org/100acres

Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden
www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org/

Lee Road Park
www.cityoflawrence.org

Forest Park
http://www.cityofnoblesville.org

Eagle Creek Park
eaglecreekpark.org/

Westfield Skateboard Facility at Amelia Park
http://www.cityofwestfield.org

Dog-friendly Indiana
http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/indiana.html

Paul Ruster Park
http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Parks

Broad Ripple Park
broadripplepark.org/

Pierson Bark Park
www.piersonbarkparks.com/

Activities and Entertainment

Noblesville residents enjoy the benefits of the lifestyle of an urban hamlet with the conveniences and luxuries of their closeness to the larger metropolitan area of Indianapolis, “The Crossroads of the World”. Music, science, history, dining, shopping, theatre and art come together in Indianapolis’ melting pot of experiences. From the quiet beauty of Indianapolis’s Greenway system to upscale shopping and dining destinations, Noblesville residents are offered a diverse choice of entertainment opportunities. With everything from nightclubs and spas to world-class art galleries available, our residents have a busy calendar to choose from. Theatre festivals, little theatres and playhouses put on shows ranging from small community productions to lavish Broadway-styled revues. Dance recitals, art exhibits, festivals, farmer’s markets and crafts shows are available year-round. Museums, galleries and the Indianapolis Zoo are other popular area attractions, with the downtown areas of both The City of Noblesville and metropolitan Indianapolis being home to some of the most interesting shops, bookstores, coffeehouses and fine dining destinations in all of Indiana. The culinary traditions of Indiana’s pioneer past are integrated into Indianapolis’ emerging world of haute cuisine—for dining visitors to Noblesville, there are new flavors waiting for you in Indiana, as well as the dishes that are near and dear to traditional hearts. Everything from retro dining at Ginger’s Cafe, local favorites MCL Cafeteria, The Roost, Le Peep or one of the Indiana-based Sahm's Restaurants, high tea and afternoon scones at The Ruby Pear, comfort food with a modern twist at the Uptown Cafe and Restaurant to upscale dining at Kelties or The Hamilton—there’s something for you to sink your teeth into in Noblesville. Whether your tastes run to cultural events or rock and roll shows, zoological excursions or sampling the street foods of our pocket neighborhoods, exploring history or nature, there’s always something exciting waiting for residents of Noblesville and visitors to our area. Spend afternoons taking in exhibits at nearby Carmel’s Arts & Design District, browse the vendors at the Clay Terrace or Old Town Antique Mall, take in the sunset over the Indianapolis skyline, or at one of the glorious parks of the Hamilton County. Spend an evening of drama at the Belfry Theatre, or instead explore science and history by following the Nickel Plate Arts Trail. Ghosthunters can walk or ride with the Unseen Press’ Historic Indiana ghost walks tours, or take a day trip to Irvingtown to investigate the spirits at the Soup & Spirits Curiosity Shoppe. Cap off the day with a cold one from Barley Island Brewing Co.—or a different kind of cold one, with a cone from Alexander’s on the Square. Come to Noblesville, where your location puts you in the center of everything but “away from it all”. To learn more about attractions and activities available in Noblesville, Hamilton County or the greater Indianapolis area, please visit:

Indiana Tourism
http://www.in.gov/visitindiana/

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
visitindy.com/

Indiana Wine Trail
www.indywinetrail.com

Nickel Plate Arts Trail
http://nickelplateartstrail.org/

Indiana Glass Trail
http://www.indianaglasstrail.com/

Indiana Foodways Alliance
www.indianafoodways.com/

Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail
http://ruralroutestomainstreet.com/

Noblesville Tourism
http://destinationnoblesville.com/portal/

Noblesville Guide & Tourism
http://www.choosenoblesville.com/

Noblesville Traveler’s Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Noblesville

Westfield Traveler’s Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Westfield

Carmel Traveler’s Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Carmel

Fishers Traveler’s Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Fishers

Indiana’s 9-County Region Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Nine-County_Region

Northern Hamilton County Guide
http://wikitravel.org/en/Northern_Hamilton_County

Culture & The Arts

Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission
www.noblesvillearts.org/

Carmel Arts Council
http://www.carmelartscouncil.org/

Fishers Arts Council
www.fishersartscouncil.org/

Carmel Art & Design District
www.carmelartsanddesign.com/

Indianapolis Art Center
www.indplsartcenter.org/

Carmel Arts Council Children’s Art Gallery
www.ci.carmel.in.us/community/things/arts2.html

Indianapolis Museum of Art
www.imamuseum.org/

Belfry Theatre
www.thebelfrytheatre.com/

Carmel Center for the Performing Arts
www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art
www.eiteljorg.org/

Verizon Wireless Music Center
verizon.musiccenternoblesville.com

The Palladium
http://www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/tickets/index.aspx

Sinisterly Bad Theater
www.SinsterlyBadTheater.com

Harrison Center for the Arts
www.harrisoncenter.org/home.php

Indiana Repertory Theatre
www.irtlive.com/

Attractions

Irvington Ghost Tours
http://www.indianaghosttours.org/

Historic Indiana Ghost Walks & Tours
http://8greattowns.com/tours
http://www.unseenpress.com/
http://westfield-indiana.funcityfinder.com/ghost-walk-tours/
http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-attractions-tours

Museum of Miniature Houses
www.museumofminiatures.org/

Laser Flash
www.laser-flash.com/

Forum at Fishers ice skating
www.theforum-fishers.com/

Indianapolis Zoo
www.indyzoo.com/

Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds
www.boonefairgrounds.com/

Pinheads Entertainment Complex
www.bowlatpinheads.com

Dining, Shopping & Lifestyle

Hamilton County Shopping Guide
http://8greattowns.com/guide

Hamilton Town Center
http://8greattowns.com/towncenter

Historic Downtown Noblesville
http://www.downtownnoblesville.com/

Noblesville Main Street
http://www.noblesvillemainstreet.org/

Downtown Westfield
http://www.dwna.org/site/

The Carmel Farmers Market
http://www.farmersmarketonline.com

Noblesville Antique Mall & Emporium
http://8greattowns.com/content/view/17/62/

Old Picket Fence
www.noblesvilleantiques.com/

Logan Village Mall
www.loganvillagemall.net/

Old Town Antique Mall
www.carmeloldtownantiquemall.com/

Clay Terrace
www.clayterrace.com/

Fox Prairie Golf Course
www.foxprairie.com/

Purgatory Golf Club
www.purgatorygolf.com/

Forest Park
http://www.cityofnoblesville.org

Indiana Foodways Alliance
www.indianafoodways.com/

Ginger's Cafe
www.gingerscafe.net/

Kelties
www.kelties.com/

Le Peep
www.lepeep.com

Woody's Library Restaurant
www.woodyscarmel.com/

MCL Cafeteria
http://www.mclhomemade.com/

Alexander’s on the Square
www.alexandersicecream.com/

Barley Island Brewing Co.
www.barleyisland.com/

The Hamilton Restaurant
www.hamiltonrestaurant.com/

Uptown Café and Restaurant
www.uptowncafenoblesville.com/

The Ruby Pear
www.therubypear.com/

Sahm's Restaurants
http://www.sahms.com/saluns

The Roost
http://www.sahms.com/roost

Events

With so many different parks, attractions, recreational activities and destinations to offer visitors, a lifetime of days in Noblesville would leave visitors with scant time enough to see it all. Likewise, the metro area of Indianapolis events calendars are jam-packed daily, leaving no visitor or resident ever in the position of finding themselves bored or at a loss of things to do in Noblesville or Hamilton County. Noblesville’s local events calendar is as busy as our neighboring metro area’s, featuring events like hosts its annual Potter’s Bridge Festival and Stonycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival, regular events like Noblesville’s First Friday art walks and Hearthside Suppers at Conner Prairie and seasonal music productions like the Carmel Gazebo Concert series or Symphony on the Prairie at Connor Prairie. From hearing the roar of the engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to enjoying cotton candy at the Indiana State or Hamilton County 4-H Fair, public events span a broad range and offer residents and visitors unique opportunities daily. The Carmel International Arts Festival allows art aficionados the chance to discover new pieces while the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race lets fans enjoy the adrenaline rush and cheer their driver to victory. The Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie is a celebration of literature and Americana in the Indianapolis area that rejoices in the cultural and literary heritage of the region. The Palladium and the Lucas Oil Stadium offer everything from open-air broadcasts to stand-up comedy, family shows, sporting events, musical concerts and Broadway productions. The cultural diversity of Hamilton County, Noblesville and the Indianapolis area are celebrated year round in a host of colorful festivals. To explore the events available to Noblesville residents and visitors, please visit:

Downtown Noblesville Events
http://www.downtownnoblesville.com/events.html

Main Street Noblesville Calendar of Events
http://www.noblesvillemainstreet.org/Events_CSF9.html

Downtown Westfield Events Calendar
http://www.dwna.org/site/events/

Hamilton County Calendars
http://www.noblesville.com/busdirectory.php

8 Great Towns Events Calendar
http://8greattowns.com/

Events - Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association
visitindy.com/indianapolis-events

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Programs and Events Calendar
http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/parks

Noblesville’s First Friday
http://8greattowns.com/content/view/125/220

Indiana State Fairgrounds
www.in.gov/statefair/fairgrounds/

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/

Lucas Oil Stadium
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/

Fishers Art in the Park
http://www.fishersartscouncil.org/art-in-the-park/

Fishers Renaissance Faire
www.fishersrenfaire.com/

Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
www.connerprairie.org/Plan-Your-Visit
http://www.connerprairie.org/Headless-Horseman-Overnight

Summer Art Fair on the Square
http://indplsartcenterartists.blogspot.com

Hearthside Suppers at Conner Prairie
www.connerprairie.org/Suppers.aspx

Civil War Days at Conner Prairie
www.connerprairie.org/Plan.../Civil-War-Days/Reenactors.aspx

Fright Manor
www.frightmanor.com/

Halloween ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
http://www.indyarts.org/calendar.aspx?id=2964

Arts Council of Indianapolis Calendar of Events
http://www.indyarts.org/Calendar.aspx

Hamilton County 4-H Fair
www.ces.purdue.edu/hamilton

Stonycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival
www.stonycreekfarm.net/

Carmel Gazebo Concerts
www.carmelgazeboconcerts.org/

Follow the North Star
www.connerprairie.org/Plan-Your.../Follow-the-North-Star.aspx

Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival
www.vintageindiana.com/

NUMA Arts and Cultural Festival
http://www.dwna.org/site/events/numa/

Carmel International Arts Festival
www.carmelartsfestival.org/

CarmelFest
www.carmelfestivals.com/

Symphony on the Prairie
www.indianapolissymphony.org/.../symphony_on_the_prairie

Potter’s Bridge Festival
http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/pottersbridge

Noblesville Street Dance
http://www.facebook.com/streetdance

Shakespeare in the Park
www.shakespearefellowship.org/linksfestivals.htm

The Palladium
http://www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/tickets/index.aspx