Anderson is a small city in the Nine-County Region of Indiana, home to a nice downtown and the impressive Paramount Theatre.
The city was named after Chief William "Adam" Anderson who was part Delaware Indian and platted around 1827. Things were all well and good for the people of Anderson until the second half of the 20th century. Then the keystones of the economy like GM pulled out or started to fold and smiles disappeared off faces pretty fast as empty storefronts popped up.
Be aware that smoking cigarettes indoors is legal in Anderson, and some restaurants do not have enclosed smoking areas.
Get in
The Indianapolis International Airport (dead link: January 2023) is an hour car ride South-East of Anderson.
Get around
Driving is probably your best option.
See
- A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 3:07PM local time and lasts 4 min. The chances of a clear sky are 35%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Illinois, then across Indiana to Ohio and the Canada–New England border.
- Paramount Theatre, 40.10471°, -85.67898°. Opened in 1929 and originally owned by Paramount Pictures with a starry sky-type atmosphere on the ceiling, one of only 12 such theaters in the US and Canada, then also with a Spanish village-themed auditorium. Occupies a central piece of the downtown skyline. 2020-12-20
- Anderson Center for the Arts, 40.106389°, -85.680278°. 2020-12-20
- Gruenewald Historic House, 626 Main St, 40.10927°, -85.67792°, +1 765 648-6875. Italianate/Second Empire-style house that was built in 1873 on a plot that was an original part of the townsite. 2021-11-05
Do
- Anderson Speedway, 1311 Martin Lthr Kng Jr Blvd, 40.0887°, -85.6965°, +1 765 642-0206. 2020-12-20
- Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd, 40.100386°, -85.620722°, +1 765 642-6627. Daily 7AM-11PM. Discover prehistoric mounds for religious and astronomical ceremonies going back to approximately 160 BC by the Adena-Hopewell people. Also find here a nature center and nature trails to explore the botany and fauna of the region. 2020-12-20
- Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, 4500 Dan Patch Cir, 40.0692°, -85.6386°, +1 800 526-7223. Racino (racetrack/casino), courtesy of Harrah's. 2020-12-20
- Macholtz Stadium, Miracle Ave (located on Anderson University), 40.1163°, -85.6612°, +1 800 428-6414. Home of the Anderson Ravens' athletics and sporting events. 2020-12-20
- Indy Scream Park, 5211 S New Columbus Rd, 40.03015°, -85.65794°, +1 317 218-9515. A fairly embellished scare park that is open from early September to early November. 2021-11-05
Buy
- Good's Candy Shop, 1423 W. 53rd St, 40.06097°, -85.70113°. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 1PM-9PM. Large sweet shop that looks like it's made of chocolate! You can't miss this place - look for the giant candy box sign outside. Family owned and operated, see how the favorite snacks are made - from truffles to fudge, chocolate covered nuts, hand dipped goodies and so forth. They also have a coffee shop!
Eat
- King Gyro's, 915 S Scatterfield Rd, +1 765 640-4260. One of the only places to get a gyro in Anderson, typically served with lamb, cucumber-garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion. King Gyro's also serves regular American fast food, like hamburgers. Customers always note King Gyro's quality food and low prices.
- Lemon Drop, 1701 Mounds Rd, 40.09435°, -85.65931°, +1 765 644-9055. M-Sa 10:30AM-9PM. An old-fashion burger joint, cozy and comfortable. Visitors remember the bright yellow paint, the toy train running around the ceiling, and the burgers on toast (they do have buns though).
Drink
Sleep
Connect
Go next