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
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Marion Public Library & Museum
Address:
600 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-668-2900
The museum houses a large display of artifacts and memorabilia from the history of Grant County, Indiana. History Made Here exhibit highlights the natural gas boom in East Central Indiana, and its effects on Grant County communities. Exhibits include a 1952 Crosley Super Sport car, which was produced in Marion, Indiana. A Victorian exhibit showcases the McClure cabinet, the Marion sweeper and the Marion stove, all manufactured in Marion. Advance notice for large groups, please.
James Dean Weekend Runs and Rallies Are “Classic Cool” Companions to the Remembering James Dean Festival
James Dean is remembered as being quintessentially cool. His youthful angst plus his love of cars and motorcycles led to living life to its fullest. Born and raised in Grant County, Indiana, Dean is a 1950s movie icon. He is known for his “coolness”, his rebellious roles in three Hollywood films, his passion for speed, cars and motorcycles, and ultimately, his tragic death at the young age of 24.
Quilters Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana
The origin of The Quilters Hall of Fame and how they moved into their historic home is a story of unlikely pieces stitched together that unfolded in Marion, Indiana. Located in Marion, Indiana, The Quilters Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization that celebrates the art of quilting. Founded in 1979 by Hazel Carter in Vienna, Virginia, TQHF documents the lives of those who have made outstanding contributions. Those honored have influenced quilting through exhibitions, education, publications, research, collections and documentation. The organization is international in scope, encompassing the United States and the United Kingdom.
Obadiah Jones Cabin
Address:
Fairmount Ave & W 6th St
Jonesboro, IN 46938
Directions
The first log cabin in Jonesboro, purchased by Obadiah Jones in 1834. Obadiah Jones founded the town of Jonesboro and lived on Main Street in this cabin. On display in the Jonesboro Park, restored and maintained today by the Jonesboro Historical Society. Site of the annual Old Settlers’ Day Festival. The cabin stands as a lasting reminder of the community’s early history. Visitors can step inside to experience a glimpse of pioneer life.
Mississinewa 1812 Battlefield
Address:
6000 N 300 W 27
La Fontaine, IN 46940
Directions
Phone: 800-822-1812
The Mississinewa Battlefield was the site of the first victory of the United States Army during the War of 1812, on December 17-18, 1812. A 600-man mounted force led by Lt. Col. John B. Campbell attacked and destroyed four British-allied Indian villages. Site of the annual Mississinewa 1812 living history event. Located 7 miles North of Marion on State Road 15.
Miami Indian Cemetery
Address:
2820 N 600 W
La Fontaine, IN 46940
Directions
The Miami Indian Cemetery is the largest Indian Cemetery in Indiana. Established in the mid-1800s on the Miami Indian reservation, it is the burial site of Chief Meshingomesia and members of his tribe. The land was deeded to the Miami by the United States in the Treaty of 1840. Historic Miami Indian schoolhouse also located at this site. The cemetery remains a place of reflection and cultural significance for the Miami people and the wider community.
Matthews Historical Museum
Address:
816 S. Wisconsin St.
Matthews, IN 46957
Directions
Phone: 765-997-1542
The Matthews Museum showcases memorabilia from the town’s gas boom days of the early 1900s, when Matthews, founded in 1895, was even considered as a site for the state capital. Exhibits include a replica of the Cumberland Covered Bridge, military items, glass bottles, business signs, and yearbooks. Staffed by volunteers, the museum is free to visit with donations accepted and open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2–5pm.
Marion Public Library & Museum
Address:
600 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-668-2900
The museum houses a large display of artifacts and memorabilia from the history of Grant County, Indiana. History Made Here exhibit highlights the natural gas boom in East Central Indiana, and its effects on Grant County communities. Exhibits include a 1952 Crosley Super Sport car, which was produced in Marion, Indiana. A Victorian exhibit showcases the McClure cabinet, the Marion sweeper and the Marion stove, all manufactured in Marion. Advance notice for large groups, please.
Marion National Cemetery
Address:
1700 E 38th St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-674-0284
The Marion National Cemetery, established in 1889 with the Marion Branch of the National Home for Disabled Veterans, has served as a peaceful resting place for generations of service members. Henry Smith, a Civil War veteran, was the first to be buried here in 1890. The cemetery continues to honor veterans of many wars and stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice. Visitors will find it a place of quiet reflection and national pride.
Israel Jenkins House
Address:
7453 E 450 S
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-998-7651
The Elms Station of Farmington is a renovated 1840s property with ties to the Underground Railroad. Known as the Jenkins House, it is listed on the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures and now serves as the clubhouse for Club Run Golf Course. Inside, visitors can enjoy a museum of local artifacts, a historic golf display, and seasonal food service, all while learning about the legacy of the early abolitionists who settled here.
Hostess House
Address:
723 W 4th St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-664-3755
Dine in this beautifully restored historical house that is on the National Historic Register. Luncheon menu includes a selection of soups, sandwiches, sides, salads, and specialties. Scrumptious desserts include our famous homemade pies, apple dumplings, and a variety of desserts. Lunch available daily. Visit Peggy’s Boutique on the second floor to shop for wonderful and unique gifts. Open Monday-Friday with daily specials. Open evenings and weekends for special events only.
Cumberland Covered Bridge
Address:
11160 S 990 E
Upland, IN 46989
Directions
Phone: 765-998-2372
The 181-foot covered timbered bridge, built in 1877 and restored in 1999, spans the Mississinewa River at Matthews and is the last remaining covered bridge in Grant County. It was swept from its abutments by the great 1913 flood, and floated a quarter mile downstream. It was later returned to its abutments by horses. The bridge is the site of an annual festival on the weekend after Labor Day. Scenic, serene setting for picnics or daydreams.
VA Marion Campus
Address:
1700 E 38th St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-674-3321
The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, Marion Campus (formerly the Marion VA Medical Center) is on the national historic register and provides quality care to veterans of America, as it has for over a century. It is located on 144 park-like acres in southeastern Marion. Officially opened in March 1890, the first residents of the home were Union soldiers who volunteered for the military during the Civil War.
Jonesboro Historical Museum
Address:
114 N Main St
Jonesboro, IN 46938
Directions
Phone: 765-674-3959 or 765-674-7823
The fascinating history of Jonesboro is on display each weekend at the Jonesboro Historical Society Museum. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1–4pm, the museum highlights the town’s founding, growth, and local families through artifacts, photographs, and documents. Exhibits also showcase the community’s role in early industry, education, and daily life, giving visitors a closer look at the heritage of this Grant County town.
James Dean Museum
Address:
104 N Main Street
Fairmount, IN 46928
Directions
Phone: 765-948-4555
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.
James Dean Gallery
Address:
425 N Main St
Fairmount, IN 46928
Directions
Phone: 765-948-3326
The James Dean Gallery features a collection of Dean portraits and rare memorabilia, including hometown artifacts, collectibles, magazines and more. Visitors from around the globe visit the Gallery to pay homage to 50’s film icon James Dean. Don’t forget to stop in and browse at the Rebel Rebel gift shop for one of a kind Dean gifts and nifty 50’s items!
James Dean Cut-Out Murals
Address:
425 N Main St
Fairmount, IN 46928
Directions
Phone: 765-948-3326
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.
Ivy Tech Community College
Address:
261 S Commerce Dr
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 1-800-554-1159
Ivy Tech State College is a public, open-access community based technical college. Its mission is to enable individuals to develop to their fullest potential and to support the economic development of Indiana. The Marion campus of Ivy Tech State College offers two-year degrees, technical certificates, courses and short-term training opportunities.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Address:
4201 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-677-2800
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as “one of the best Master’s universities in the Midwest.” The university attracts students from across the nation with its strong academics, faith-based community, and modern campus facilities.
Gas City Museum
Address:
210 W North A St
Gas City, IN 46933
Directions
Phone: 765-674-1892 or 765-674-1428
The Gas City Museum highlights the community’s past with artifacts from City Hall, the Avalon Hotel, the Arcade Theater, the natural gas boom, glass factories, railroads, and local artists. Exhibits share how Gas City shaped the development of East Central Indiana, from business and industry to schools and daily life. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4pm, April through November, with displays that change regularly.
Taylor University
Address:
236 W Reade Ave
Upland, IN 46989
Directions
Phone: 765-998-2751
Taylor University is an independent, evangelical Christian liberal arts school in Upland, Indiana, integrating faith and learning. It offers master’s programs in Business and Environmental Science, 42 undergraduate majors, and an associate degree. Highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report for the past decade, the 250-acre campus features modern facilities, with eight new buildings and major renovations completed in the last 20 years. Students, faculty, and staff affirm a Life Together Covenant, committing to Christ and a shared code of conduct.
CSA Civic Theatre
Address:
505 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953
Directions
Phone: 765-662-6263
The Civic Theatre has been an important part of the Marion arts community for decades. The commitment of hundreds of faithful patrons, volunteers, and board members has sustained CSA through the years. Today, CSA is a vital and growing organization thanks to the support of businesses and individuals who believe in the value of the arts. The theatre continues to inspire audiences with performances that celebrate creativity and community.
Community School of the Arts
Address:
305 S Adams St
Marion, IN 46952
Directions
Phone: 765-662-6263
Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers classes in visual and performing arts. We provide arts education and enrichment with excellence, and we are dedicated to serving the community through providing opportunities for creative expression. Classes available throughout the year. Get passionate about the arts with CSA!