Frontier Fun
Curated for the History Buff
You don’t have to go far to step back into history. From the moment you drive into Corydon — Indiana’s first State Capital — you’ll notice a sprinkling of historical markers as well as buildings left largely as they were nearly two centuries ago. Enjoy guided walking and driving tours, visit a Civil War battlefield, and watch a real working 1830s farmstead come alive. With these must-do activities planned for you, you’ll quickly see why Corydon’s founders knew this was a special place when they planted their roots here.
Day 1
Thursday Evening
Stretch your legs on an evening stroll through downtown Corydon, founded in 1808. Grab dinner at 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks, where you’ll find a modern spin on Southern food classics like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits, fused with inspiration from varying cuisines. They also have a selected wine list and craft cocktails, including the Old Capital Fashioned, which pays homage to Corydon’s history as the first capital of Indiana from 1816–1825.
History buffs will love the Kintner House Inn; constructed in 1873 this 14-room B&B is on the National Register of Historic Places. If this is your Corydon headquarters, you’ll be steps from all the historic sites. If you’d prefer more modern accommodations, consider staying at our hotels. Vacation rentals are also available in and outside of town, such as High Ridge Log Cabins, Along Blue River Cabin Rentals, or several options on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Day 2
Friday Morning
Take advantage of reduced weekday traffic at one of our most popular attractions, a cave steeped in local history. Squire Boone Caverns and Village is named for Squire Boone, an early settler to the area and brother of Daniel Boone. Squire discovered the caverns in 1790 and built a still-functioning mill powered by the cave’s spring. Foundation stones from the mill inscribed by Squire are on display. And don’t miss the candle and soap-making cabins, too, open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Guided tours take you alongside underground streams, captivating cave formations, and observe fascinating plant and animal life below the earth’s surface. And with a constant temperature of 52 degrees, the cave is a perfect outing all year long.
Friday Lunch
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can find a delicious lunch at Boone’s Kitchen and Candy Shop in the pioneer village at Squire Boone Caverns. All of their food is made from scratch, down to their delicious freshly baked bread and treats. This is casual fare, such as pulled pork or chicken salad sandwiches, perfect for a quick stop before more adventures. If you’re visiting during a different time of year, Corydon’s restaurants are just a quick trip back into town, or you can plan ahead with a picnic lunch on the grounds of either cave.
Friday Afternoon
Take a short drive back to downtown Corydon, where a must-see is Zimmerman’s Art Glass, a family business in operation since 1942, which offers free glassblowing demonstrations. Unique works of art come together before your eyes, and you can visit their gift shop to learn more about their history and pick up a one-of-a-kind glass piece.
Remember the candy you loved as a child? Make an afternoon pit stop at White House Candy, Butt Drugs (a soda fountain in operation since 1952), or both! Their wax bottle candies, Necco wafers, jellybeans, and more will take you back!
Enjoy an afternoon stroll guided by our historic walking tour map, taking in Corydon’s square, shops, and other public spaces. Download a copy or pick up a printed brochure at our visitor center. The tour includes information about buildings dating to the town’s Capital Period and much more.
Friday Dinner
Grab dinner at one of Corydon’s family-friendly restaurants. Everyone in your group will find something they enjoy at a locally owned Mexican restaurant, like Rita’s Taco Shop, El Nopal, and El Nopalito.
Day 3
Saturday Morning
Take a guided tour of the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, which includes entrance to the first State Capitol building in the center of town and the Governor’s Headquarters — the home and office of William Hendricks, Indiana’s second elected governor.
Continue your immersion into local history at the Harrison County Discovery Center, a museum for all ages. History comes alive in interactive, multi-media displays featuring natural science, caves, and the Civil War.
Saturday Lunch
Grab a bite to eat at Koa’s Lodge, housed in a restored 1830s log cabin right downtown.
Saturday Afternoon
Venture outside of Historic Downtown Corydon for more Harrison County history.
Step into the 1830s at the Pioneer Farmstead at O’Bannon Woods State Park, which includes a log cabin, barn, blacksmith and woodworking shops, smokehouse, summer kitchen, bunkhouse, and outhouse. Thanks to talented re-enactors and craftspeople, the farmstead comes alive during special events scheduled throughout the year. We recommend taking the mile-long looped accessible Tulip Valley Trail just outside of the Pioneer Farmstead, which has plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the scenery and interactive displays to learn about local plants and animals.
Saturday Dinner
The Overlook Restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious and relaxing homestyle meal. Just down the road from O’Bannon Woods State Park, the dining room here has a panoramic view of the Ohio River — the perfect place to enjoy a sunset.
Day 4
Sunday Morning
The only Civil War battle on Indiana soil took place on July 9, 1863, just outside of downtown Corydon. Today, visit the Battle of Corydon Historic Site to learn more about the conflict, see a replica Civil War cannon, and step inside a restored log cabin.
Sunday Lunch
Fuel up before you leave town with a stop at Frederick’s Café, just off the square for country breakfast classics like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, home fries, and more.
Want to stay longer?
Check out these bonus ideas
for your vacation:
Take a Driving Tour
Explore the surrounding area from the comfort of your car with a selection of six Harrison County driving tours compiled by the Historical Society of Harrison County. Pick up your printed 64-page detailed guide from the Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center for $10.
Frederick P. Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy
Maybe you’re visiting Harrison County to dig deeper into specific topics of interest or your family history. If that’s the case, make time for the Griffin Center, a division of the Harrison County Public Library open on weekdays.
The Ultimate Guide to Corydon
Don’t stop here.
There’s so much more!
Discover all Corydon has to offer with the official 2022 travel guide. Jam-packed with plenty of things to do, see, and eat — find everything you need to plan an inexpensive, exciting trip you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Additional Itineraries
Not the right fit? We’ve got you covered.
Choose from one of our many itineraries to make the most of your
getaway in a town that offers something for everyone. And more.
Don’t go any further than Corydon for a family vacation that is chock full of activities and thrills that will satisfy kids and adults.
Surround yourself in the beauty of Southern Indiana as you explore outdoor adventures like canoeing, caving, camping, mountain biking, or hiking.
Whether you’re looking for a girlfriends’ getaway or a romantic weekend with your significant other, Corydon offers special events, shopping, history, wine, and outdoor adventures you are sure to enjoy.