Located in southeast Indiana along a bend in the Ohio River, Lawrenceburg’s distilling history has earned the town its “Whiskey City” nickname. Founded in 1802, the river played a major role in the city’s development, providing fertile farmland and a transportation route that put its homegrown spirits on the map. Nowadays, Lawrenceburg offers small-town charm with its historic main street, riverfront views and winter festivities.
“There is so much to see and do in Lawrenceburg throughout the winter,” says Jennifer Clayton with the Dearborn County Convention, Visitor & Tourism Bureau. “Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation at Perfect North Slopes, wine tasting at The Ridge Winery, live music at Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater in the historic downtown district and holiday activities of all sorts. Winter truly is a great time to plan a getaway here.”
Holiday lights in as many shades as the winter dusk glow throughout the town, lighting the way to the gleaming waterfront and beckoning you to revel in holiday cheer.
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1. Holiday Shopping in Downtown
Knock out your holiday shopping with local businesses stocked for the gifting season. Visit Billie Co. for vintage and upcycled clothing, Blacklist Boardshop for a new set of wheels and, tucked off Walnut Street, stock up at Back Alley Mercantile for seasonal food items perfect for holiday parties. Hunt for treasures at Huntington Carriage House Antique & Gift Mart or Hamerlynck, a trove of vintage toys and collectibles.
2. Festive Feasts
After you work up an appetite shopping, grab a sandwich from Main Street Market, a bourbon burger from The Lawrenceburger or barbecue ribs from Whiskey’s. Glimpse the past at Lawrenceburg’s Four Score and 7&7 Mural on the side of Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria as you wait for a pie. For something sweet, pick out holiday cookies at Sweet Beard Bakehouse or refuel at Funny Farm Coffee Co. with a caffeine boost featuring holiday flavoring, including peppermint and more.
3. Warm Up in Whiskey City
Wet your whistle with local whiskey crafted at Lawrenceburg’s historic distillery, the Ross & Squibb Distillery, at nearby bars and restaurants. Founded in 1847 as Rossville Distillery, Ross & Squibb is Indiana’s oldest distillery still in operation. Sip it on the rocks or neat at Stage Left Whiskey Bar, Proof 124 or The Captain’s Tavern, and for the wine fans, try the tasting room at The Ridge Winery.
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4. Holiday Happenings
Join in Lawrenceburg’s annual winter cheer at the Winter Wonderland Festival & Parade from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, in downtown. Watch festive floats glide by during the parade starting at 5:30 p.m. and skate at the ice rink before warming up in the cozy igloos lining Lawrenceburg Civic Park.
Wander through rows of 150 cheerful Christmas trees decorated by the community at Newtown Park as part of the Dearborn County Historical Society’s Light Up the Parks event. See other holiday lights at Dearborn Trail where the bicentennial monument’s riverboat-style smokestacks glow blue and snowflakes light the night sky. Lights crisscross Walnut Street downtown, twinkling like falling snow through the historic main street.
5. Embrace Winter’s Chill
Head to the snowcaps at Perfect North Slopes for a family-friendly day of skiing, tubing or snowboarding. With more than 20 trails, a 1,200-foot tubing run, and ski and snowboarding lessons, the slopes offer an experience for amateurs, pros and those sticking it out at the lodge with a cup of hot cocoa.
On a clear day, walk the Dearborn Trail along the Ohio River. This 4.5-mile-long trail offers scenic glimpses of the river and historical tidbits of the town’s past. The War Memorial to the Common Man, erected for the city’s bicentennial, sits at the Walnut Street entrance and honors the everyman. Go birdwatching on the 1.3-mile Osprey Lake Nature Trail in the important wetland habitat known as the Oxbow.
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6. Indoor Family Fun
For a day indoors, swap your snow boots for bowling shoes at Durbin Bowl, Lawrenceburg’s only bowling alley, or revisit nostalgic games at Atomic Arcade. From classic pinball machines and arcade games to Atari and Xbox, brush up on old favorites or discover something new.
7. Lawrenceburg’s Past
Learn about the town’s history by analyzing artifacts at the Archaeological Research Institute downtown or visiting one of their dig sites. Enjoy a tour of historic buildings, including the Angevine Cabin, the Queen Anne-style Train Depot or the Vance-Tousey House, a Federal-style mansion built in 1818. Also, spot a Civil War cannon at Newtown Park.
8. Catch a Show
Built in 1893, the historic Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater was originally a German music hall, then a movie theater and is now a lively music venue. Recently restored in 2023, the venue showcases local and touring artists. Stop by the Stage Right Kitchen before the show for black pepper fried chicken, an Indiana staple. The Lawrenceburg Event Center also hosts live music and is home to No’Ce, an Italian American kitchen and bar.
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Learn More
For more information on things to do in Lawrenceburg, visit the Dearborn County Visitor Center at 320 Walnut St. while in town or contact them at 812-537-0814. To learn more about Downtown Lawrenceburg and its offerings, visit downtownlawrenceburg.com.
