Hendricks County is located deep in the heart of Indiana — just minutes west of Indianapolis, and it’s one of the most popular get-a-ways in the state. The mix of attractions you can find is sure to appeal to people of all ages and tastes.
Here are some of the top reasons that visitors and residents alike love Hendricks County:
Oasis Diner
Located in Plainfield, the largest town in Hendricks County, and close to the Indianapolis International Airport, the Oasis Diner offers a peek back through history. Manufactured by the Mountain View Diners in Signac, NJ, and shipped via rail to Plainfield in 1954, the Oasis is one of only five historical diners still in existence on U.S. 40 from Maryland to Illinois.
The Oasis is open seven days of the week and features made-from-scratch desserts, hand-crafted sodas, and old-fashioned malts. Grab some fried pickles and a hand-breaded pork loin sandwich — which is widely regarded as one of the best — while you’re enjoying the nostalgia.
Marvel Ballooning
Have you always wondered what it would be like to ride a balloon into the sky? Located in Danville, the seat of Hendricks County, Marvel Ballooning was started in 2019 by a commercial airline pilot who decided that hot air balloons were the best way to travel.
Balloon flights carry up to four passengers at a time and can be taken over both rural land and Danville proper for a gorgeous view. Aside from being a thrilling ride that you won’t ever forget, balloon flights and tethered rides are also used for special occasions (like marriage proposals), corporate events, weddings, and parties.
Mayberry Cafe
With more than just a tip of the hat to “The Andy Griffith Show,” Mayberry Cafe has been putting home-cooked meals on the table since 1989 and delighting visitors with its country charm.
Voted one of the 10 best diners in America in 2015, you can catch reruns of the television series while you eat and take pictures with Andy’s squad car out front. When you come to Mayberry, you’re always treated like family.
Beasley’s Orchard
While you’re hanging out in Danville, make sure that you head over to Beasley’s Orchard. One of the top places to visit in Indiana, the Orchard has been around since the Beasley family purchased the farm back in 1946.
What started as a little cart full of apples for sale has blossomed into a thriving business with a year-round market for produce, jams, jellies, baked delights and apple cider (among other things). In the fall, there’s a sunflower field you can wander, apples in the orchard that are begging to be picked and an eight-acre corn maze. Activities and events are constantly changing, so check out their website before you go!
The Tie Dye Lab
Looking for something hands-on that everyone in your family can enjoy? Why not check out The Tie Dye Lab? This Avon studio offers reservation-free fun (groups of more than eight should schedule in advance) for all ages.
Even if you’ve never tie-dyed anything before, it won’t matter. Staff members will help you pick out an item to dye and a selection of colors and then walk you through the process. You’ll be amazed at how thrilling it can be to walk out of there with something so cool that you’ve created!
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Natural Valley Ranch
Located over 78 acres of Hendricks County, Natural Valley Ranch is one of the best experiences you can have with your family or friends — although you will definitely need a reservation.
Weather permitting, you can ride the trails, travel alongside White Lick Creek on a guided tour, take riding lessons or experience Summer Horse Camp. The ranch also has an array of other animals. Feed the miniature goats some snacks, pet a miniature horse, see some fancy chickens and a load of other fur babies that love visitors. Pony rides may also be available (although you should call first to reserve a time).
Sky Zone
Are the kids bouncing off the walls with all of that pent-up energy that comes from being stuck indoors in the winter? Well, give them someplace to literally bounce around — and join them — at Sky Zone.
Located in Plainfield, Indiana, Sky Zone will let you jump on wall-to-wall trampolines, practice your parkour skills and challenge yourself (or your teens) on the “Ninja Warrior” course. While you’re there, see if you’ve got what it takes to conquer the “Warped Wall.” You’ll come home tired — but so will the kids.
The Virtual Galaxy
Do you have a video game aficionado in your midst? If you (or your kids) want to experience what virtual reality is like, this is the place to do it.
Come to The Virtual Galaxy and immerse yourself in a game of your choosing. You can grab a burger and some fries while you and your family talk, laugh and play together. It’s a great place to explore — and you never have to worry about the weather.
For more great ideas about where to spend your time in Hendricks, you just have to look around. We’ve just about run out of space, but we still want to mention a few more delightful places to visit, like the historic Royal Theater, uPaint Pottery Studio, and the Doctor Who Museum and Store. No matter what you’re looking for on your travels, there’s something worth seeing in Hendricks County.
[[featured blog photo: https://www.facebook.com/beasleysorchard/]]
