Peru, Indiana: Circus History, Theater, and Aviation

Peru, Indiana, offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: circus history, theater, aviation, and scenery along the Mississinewa River. Some attractions are located in town, while the Seven Pillars and Frances Slocum State Forest are described as being approximately southeast of Peru. This lets you choose cultural offerings, an annual event, and outdoor destinations as separate priorities.

Circus History and Festival

The Circus City Museum is dedicated to Peru’s more than 100-year circus history. Exhibits include photographs, miniatures, artifacts, and costumes. The variety of exhibits gives the museum a broad focus on local circus history.

The Peru Amateur Circus holds an eight-day festival in Peru every year in mid-July. Around 200 young people aged 7 to 21 perform in ten circus shows. The circus also gives young people from the region the opportunity each year to practice and perform acts ranging from tumbling to the flying trapeze. Mid-July is a useful time frame for planning; check the specific festival dates before your trip.

The International Circus Hall of Fame is located at 3076 E. Circus Lane, Peru, Indiana 46970. Outside its regular season, museum visits are available by appointment. Arrange an appointment directly in advance.

Theater and Aviation

The Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre is a nonprofit community theater group in Peru, founded in 1964. Its performances take place at the Historic Peru Depot, 154 S. Broadway, Peru, Indiana 46970. If you plan to attend a performance, check the schedule for the specific show.

The Grissom Air Museum is located at 1000 W. Hoosier Blvd., Peru, Indiana 46970. The adjacent Museum Air Park houses most of the static aircraft exhibits. Other exhibits mentioned there include a watchtower, a B-58 escape capsule, and a D-21 drone. Alongside circus history, aviation is another distinct theme to consider when making your selection.

Scenery and Trails

About 4 miles southeast of Peru, the Seven Pillars, also called The Cliffs, are located along the Mississinewa River. The limestone formation consists of rounded pillars and alcoves created by wind and water erosion of the limestone. Its name, riverside location, and distinctive shape describe it as a geological landform.

Frances Slocum State Forest is about 5 miles southeast of Peru, north of the Mississinewa Lake Dam on the north bank of the Mississinewa River. The 515-acre forest is intended for day use. Unlike the Seven Pillars, its defining landscape feature is not a single limestone formation but a designated forest area.

Trail connections also offer a practical way to plan. The 28.1-mile Panhandle Connector Route runs from Peru to Kenneth and connects the Nickel Plate Trail with the Panhandle Pathway. Another connection leads to the Peru Riverwalk on the Wabash: trail users can reach it from the Nickel Plate Trail. This lets you choose between a route with named trail connections and the Riverwalk as a destination.

For the broader travel overview: Miami County.