James Dean | Grant County Visitors Bureau

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James Dean Trail

James Dean: A Local Legend Remembered in Grant County, Indiana

At 5:45 on September 30, 1955 the world lost the iconic movie star James Dean but gained a timeless legend. Grant County, Indiana native James Dean made only three movies in his short life: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant, but the mark he made on an entire culture is his true legacy. James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, in 1931 and grew up down the street in Fairmount. Celebrate his life during the annual James Dean Memorial Service and the Remembering James Dean Festival. Take photos of the three James Dean cut-out murals created by renowned muralist, John Cerney, in Fairmount and Marion.

Explore Fairmount, Indiana’s James Dean Trail

Download a map of the James Dean Landmarks Trail.

Explore the Fairmount Historical Museum, the James Dean Gallery, and the James Dean Birth Site Memorial year round. The original Hollywood rebel and legend not only left his mark on the world, but also in his hometown. Tour the James Dean Landmarks Trail: see the motorcycle shop where Dean bought his first motorcycle, take a picture at the James Dean memorial downtown, visit Friends Church where his funeral was held, and be sure to leave a remembrance at James Dean’s headstone in Fairmount, Indiana’s Park Cemetery. Then cruise over to Marion, Indiana to see the James Dean Birth Site Memorial.

Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Education, Attractions, James Dean, Museums

The James Dean Museum was updated in 2024 thanks to James Dean’s cousin, Marcus Winslow Jr., who generously gave the museum the rest of his incredible James Dean collection to display. The museum now houses Jimmy’s motorcycles, car, the Winslow farm tractor and a plethora of James Dean’s belongings that have never before been on […]

Attractions, James Dean

Legendary actor James Dean and his family lived in the House of Seven Gables that stood on this site when Dean was born on February 8, 1931. This timeless memorial honors the star and the many accomplishments he made during his all too short acting career. Take a moment to reflect, pay homage, and honor.

Attractions, James Dean

The James Dean Gallery houses an impressive collection of portraits and rare memorabilia, including hometown artifacts, collectibles, magazines, and more. Visitors from around the world come to honor the 1950s film icon and experience the legacy he left behind. Be sure to stop by the Rebel Rebel gift shop, where you’ll find unique, one-of-a-kind items.

Just outside, a pocket park and green space provides the perfect setting for quiet reflection on the short life and remarkable accomplishments of James Byron Dean. Here you can pause to view the bronze bust created by Los Angeles–based artist Kenneth Kendall, one of the many highlights along the James Dean Landmark Trail.

A short drive away, in Fairmount, Indiana, Park Cemetery marks the final resting place of James Dean. Visitors often stop at his tombstone to pay their respects, many leaving behind trinkets as tokens of remembrance for the Hollywood legend. Dean grew up in Fairmount, making his burial site a meaningful place of tribute just down the road from his childhood home.

Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Education, Attractions, James Dean

John Cerney, renowned muralist from Salinas, California, has created and installed three big James Dean cut-out murals. The first mural is James Dean in his “rebel pose” located at the James Dean Gallery, 425 N. Main Street in Fairmount, Indiana. A second larger mural was installed in Marion on State Road 18 at the entrance.

Antiques & Treasures, Places, Shopping

A unique 1950’s and 1960’s collectible shop featuring a large selection of lamps, dishes, toys, ashtrays and ceramics. Collectibles from the 1950’s abound, and you’ll find an extensive collection of books relating to music, movies, television and the entertainment industry.