Delaware offers a wide range of reasons to visit: art collections, a planetarium, and experiences focused on the history of model aviation sit alongside woodland and prairie areas and longer trails. A farmers market adds another distinctive touch. When planning, first consider which of these topics interest you most. That way, you can focus your time on culture, nature, or a mix of both, and then look for suitable hotels for your trip.
Art, History, and Unique Experiences
The Bob Ross Experience combines painting classes in the wet-on-wet technique. They are taught by certified Ross instructors. Workshop availability and booking options may vary, so check before planning your visit. Tours of the complete Glick Center studio are available by appointment only. As booking terms may change, it is recommended that you confirm the appointment arrangements in advance.
An extensive art collection awaits you at the David Owsley Museum of Art in the Muncie area of Delaware County: it comprises more than 11,000 works of art from every continent, representing 5,000 years of civilization. The National Model Aviation Museum offers a different perspective on history; its mission is to preserve and make accessible the history of model aviation. Those interested in science will find another notable cultural destination in the Charles W. Brown Planetarium: it is the largest planetarium in Indiana.
The Garfield Trail also offers an interactive way to engage with a topic. A mobile pass guides you through check-ins at individual Garfield statues. As the digital pass may change, check the latest information beforehand.
Woodlands, Prairie, and Trails
Christy Woods encompasses 17 acres of mature deciduous forest and tallgrass prairie. The site has a 100-year history as an outdoor teaching laboratory for Ball State University. Species found there include tiger swallowtails, red bats, and migrating scarlet tanagers; the presence of individual species may vary by season. The Minnetrista Nature Area represents three habitats typical of Indiana: tallgrass prairie, wetlands, and woodland. The two areas therefore offer different highlights if you are interested in landscapes and habitats.
A different variety of plants awaits you at the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse. More than 2,000 orchids grow there, and the greenhouse is also home to the largest university orchid collection in the United States. To compare different types of landscapes, it is also worth looking at the three habitats represented at the Minnetrista Nature Area. Together, these sites show how diverse nature experiences in Delaware can be, without requiring you to focus on just one type of landscape.
For outdoor exercise, there is the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile paved rail-trail. It extends through five counties from Richmond via Muncie to Marion. Gaston is the northernmost point of the Greenway in Delaware County; from there, the trail heads south through Muncie toward Richmond. It is suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, and inline skaters, and is ADA accessible. Maintenance and weather may affect current access details; check conditions before setting out.
The Prairie Creek Trail System is located at the southern end of Prairie Creek Reservoir in Delaware County. It adds a specific starting point at the reservoir to the overview of regional trails. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between the options: the Cardinal Greenway is an extensive route through several counties, while the Prairie Creek Trail System is located along a specific section of the reservoir.
Market and Programs for Young Learners
The Farmers Market at Minnetrista offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, handmade items, flowers, meat, honey, and artisan products. The mix of vendors may change with the seasons. This gives the market a different focus from museums and trails: it centers on local food and goods. So if you plan a visit around the market, it is worth keeping an eye on the dates and offerings.
The Nature Lab offers storytimes, crafts, and hands-on learning activities for young learners on Saturdays. It is for children and their caregivers; the specific activities may change as the program evolves. This provides another option for your stay alongside art, model aviation, the planetarium, and natural areas. Check the current program schedule if you have a particular date in mind.
Find Hotels to Match Your Travel Interests
The topics described here differ considerably: museums and the planetarium offer cultural highlights, nature areas and greenways invite you to explore landscapes and get active, while the market brings together local products. If you want to combine several topics, keep an eye on the specific dates and conditions for activities that require advance arrangements or have a seasonal schedule.
Discover more destinations: Muncie, Allen, Spencer County, Benton County, Lagrange County, Tippecanoe, Shelby County, Jennings County.
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
