Discover Marion: Lights, Trails, and Local History

Marion offers a variety of reasons to stay: a seasonal light display, outdoor trails, local history, and a water park. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to think ahead about which of these themes matters most for your trip. The destinations differ distinctly in the experiences they offer: the Walkway of Lights is seasonal, the Mississinewa Riverwalk is a paved walking path, and the museum and Splash House have different focuses.

Lights and Outdoor Trails

The annual Walkway of Lights features more than two and a half million lights along a route of over two miles. It begins at Ballard Field, passes through downtown and along River Drive, and ends in a winter wonderland around the Gardens of Matter Park. Its starting point, route, and endpoint give the attraction a clearly defined course. Its seasonal nature is important when planning your dates: check the current event schedule for your intended visit.

The Mississinewa Riverwalk offers a different focus. The paved walking path is 2.25 miles long, begins at the Washington Street Bridge and 1st Street, and leads to the fishing pond in Matter Park. This makes it a different kind of experience from the Walkway of Lights: here, the key features are the trail length, paved surface, and destination; there, the focus is on the light display and seasonal route.

Visitors pass several public parks along the Riverwalk. Features described include playgrounds, a splash area, and shelters with seating and open grills. There are also historic monuments and benches with memorial plaques. The mix ranges from play and water areas to seating and memorial features. When planning your visit, you can therefore consider these different park features as well as the trail distance.

Another option is the Cardinal Greenway, which runs directly next to Hogin Park. It is suitable for cycling, hiking, and skating. This offers several ways to enjoy outdoor activities, while the Mississinewa Riverwalk is described as a paved walking path. If you’re planning your stay around a particular activity, these different focuses can help you decide which destinations to explore further.

Local History and Water Attractions

The Marion Public Library Museum focuses on the history of Marion and Grant County. It preserves that history through exhibits and artifacts. One exhibit has a specific connection to the city: a Crosley automobile made in Marion is on display. This brings together a broad historical perspective on Marion and Grant County with an individual object tied to local manufacturing history. The museum offers a distinct focus alongside outdoor trails and activities.

Splash House in Marion is a water park with a lazy river, two racing slides, the “Big Flush” slide, and a large wave pool. Children have an area with a play mat and a large water bucket. These named features set the water park apart as a destination for water attractions, distinct from the museum and outdoor trails. Operating details may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Gas City.

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