Plan an autumn getaway to Owen County, a family-friendly community in south-central Indiana that’s so welcoming, you’ll feel right at home.
Located in the White River Valley, Owen County is packed with exciting amenities and activities. It’s known as “Sweet Owen County” thanks to its nationally recognized confectionaries like Nate’s Candy Jar and Diamond K Sweets, but that’s just a sampling of what gives the county its unique, unforgettable flavor.
Picturesque parks and outdoor attractions such as waterfalls draw adventure-seekers along with those looking to admire the area’s beautiful fall foliage, and Owen County’s broad selection of restaurants, shops, museums and theaters offers plenty of fun and entertainment.
Ready to plan your trip? Read on to discover Owen County’s must-see destinations.
1. Owen Valley Winery
Indulge in wine made from Indiana-grown grapes at the family-owned Owen Valley Winery in the hills of Owen County. Located near McCormick’s Creek State Park in a relaxing rural setting, the winery is part of the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail and offers handcrafted wines by the glass and bottle, along with an $8 wine flight for those looking to try up to four varieties at a time. Owen Valley Winery serves sharable appetizers, too, such as charcuterie platters, plus hot paninis and desserts – including cheesecake each Friday.
2. McCormick’s Creek State Park
Head to McCormick’s Creek State Park – the state’s first state park, open since July 4, 1916 – for outdoor adventure. With beautiful scenic waterfalls, the park has more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including a trail through Wolf Cave Nature Preserve, as well as opportunities for camping, horseback riding and fishing. McCormick’s Creek State Park is also home to an Olympic-size swimming pool, the Canyon Inn and a recreation center for activities such as racquetball, volleyball and basketball.
3. Cataract Falls
Part of Lieber State Recreation Area in northern Owen County, Cataract Falls is Indiana’s largest waterfall by volume – and it’s well worth a visit. There are two sets of waterfalls separated by about a mile, and visitors can hike or drive to travel between them. While visiting Cataract Falls, stop by the Cataract General Store, which opened in 1860 and is one of the state’s oldest working general stores. Try one of its famous pickles or grab a MoonPie and a bottle of Coca-Cola.
4. Gosport
Discover small-town charm in Gosport, a quaint community to the northeast of Spencer located along the West Fork of the White River. Rich in history, Gosport is the only town in the nation situated directly on the 10 O’Clock Line, a regional boundary line established in 1809 by the U.S. and the Miami Tribe. While visiting, be sure to grab a bite at Millie McGee’s Gosport Diner, then head to Nate’s Candy Jar to try their famous Fudge in a Cup. Passing through in August? Don’t miss the Gosport Lazy Days Festival, an annual event that began in 1969 and includes a fish fry, live music and entertainment, a parade, old-fashioned children’s games and more.
5. Tivoli Theatre
Located in downtown Spencer and part of the Spencer Courthouse Square Historic District, the historic Tivoli Theatre is a beautifully restored Mission Revival-style cinema initially constructed in 1928. Today, the Tivoli remains a top spot for movie-goers, showcasing a mix of new releases, classic films and old favorites at an affordable rate. Admission is free on Thursdays, and weekend admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and under.
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6. Apple Butter Festival
Taking place each September in Spencer, the Apple Butter Festival is the perfect way to kick off the fall season in Owen County. The annual event is sponsored by the Spencer Lions Club and held on the Owen County Courthouse lawn, where attendees can sample apple butter varieties made across Indiana and enjoy special events, such as a parade and a demolition derby.
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7. Owen County Heritage & Culture Center
Visit the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center in downtown Spencer to learn more about what makes Sweet Owen County so unique. Located in a former community library constructed in 1911, the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center features photographs, paintings, books and artifacts pertaining to the community, and a gift shop that sells handmade items like jewelry, clothing and paintings – all created by Owen County residents. The facility is open by appointment only; to schedule your visit, go to owencountyindhistory.org.
See more: A Day at the Indiana State Museum
8. Spirit of the American Doughboy
The Owen County Courthouse lawn features the Spirit of the American Doughboy, a pressed copper sculpture created by Owen County native E.M. Viquesney. Viquesney’s famous creation portraying a soldier in combat honors the Owen County residents who served during World War I and includes a plaque listing the names of those who died or were classified as missing during their service.
