Discover Johnson: History, Nature and Culture

Johnson offers several distinct areas of interest to consider when planning a trip: history and memorial sites, nature and outdoor trails, as well as art and events. When planning your stay, you can give these interests different priorities and choose destinations that suit the purpose of your trip.

History and Memorial Sites

You do not need access to Camp Atterbury military base to visit the Camp Atterbury Museum. Since access rules may change, check them before you travel. The museum’s historical timeline spans the period from before the military base was established to the present day. The Camp Atterbury Outdoor Museum displays military equipment from the period since World War II. The timeline puts the history in chronological context, while the Outdoor Museum focuses on the equipment.

The Camp Atterbury Museum holds the annual Veterans' Memorial Commemoration; dates may change. The Camp Atterbury Prisoner of War Chapel, also known as the “Chapel in the Meadow,” commemorates the Italian and German prisoners of war held at Camp Atterbury during World War II. In addition to the museum, visitors can also visit the Veterans' Memorial Wall, a walking path and a reflection pool.

The Johnson County Museum of History features exhibits on local history, ranging from geological origins and the pioneer era through the 1950s. A genealogy library supports research into historical topics throughout the county. The Historic Artcraft Theatre is listed on the Indiana State Register of Historic Places. Its program includes popular films from various decades and live events.

Nature and Landscapes

The Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area covers 4,950 acres, with habitats for upland game, wetlands, flowing streams and shallow man-made ponds. The area also offers hunting opportunities. Current Indiana regulations apply, so check them before your visit.

The Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow is part of a large, contiguous deciduous forest area that is important for migratory birds and birds that nest in the forest interior. It includes high-quality oak forests on ridges and slopes, as well as floodplain forests in stream and river valleys. The landscapes described therefore include both wooded ridges and damp valley areas.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Johnson County Park has a disc golf course and about five miles of wooded hiking trails; it also has two campgrounds. Since park facilities may change, check the latest information before your trip. Hoosier Horse Park has three dressage arenas, two arenas for stadium jumping and a cross-country course.

The Franklin Greenway Trail extends for 17 miles through Franklin and passes through nine parks and wetlands. For comparison, the wooded trails in Johnson County Park are about five miles long. In Greenwood, the trail network and park facilities are suitable for walking, running and cycling.

Self-guided walking tours are available in Downtown Franklin. Routes and maps may change, so check the latest materials before setting out. In the Franklin Arts District, the tour includes more than 20 stops featuring murals, public art and artistically designed alleys. Individual installations may change. The “Art on the Trail” route also features colorful sculptures and exhibits; public art installations may change over time.

Art and Events

The Historic Artcraft Theatre combines historic character with films from various decades and live events. If you want to plan around a particular event, check the specific event dates before your visit.

Mallow Run Winery offers free wine tastings, concerts in its amphitheater and outdoor yoga. Offerings and event dates may change; check the latest information about tastings and events before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Greenwood, Edinburgh, Morgan, Gibson County, Vigo, Vermillion County, Noble County, Dubois County.

For the broader travel overview: Indiana.