Looking for a family-friendly getaway with history, adventure and unique charm packed into one weekend?Ā Richmond, IN is worth the trip for the day or the weekend. Visit a historic museum on the underground railroad where thousands of slaves were helped to freedom, tourĀ an elk farm, sample free chocolate all over town and so much more. We were surprised and delighted at all the fun we had!
Consider a trip to Richmond, IN if you’re in Cincinnati, OH (about 1.5hrs away), Columbus, OHĀ (about 1.5hrs away),Ā Dayton, OHĀ (about 50mins away), Indianapolis, IN (about 1hr away).
My top 5 MUST see/eat/do experiences in Richmond: Quiet Harmony Elk Ranch, Levi & Catharine Coffin House, Bismark Donuts, Red Front Grill & Ullery’s Ice Cream. Read more below why I love them!
š Want to skip all the planning? Let me take the wheel and follow my weekend in Richmond, IN itinerary. Scroll down to see!Ā
WHere to stay in Richmond, IN
There are several hotel options right off the highway, but I would highly recommend where we stayed, the Hilton Home2 Suites Richmond. It’s perfect for a family with 2-4 kids because the rooms are large with a fullĀ fridge, a microwave, 2 double beds AND a pullout couch. The hotel includes breakfast and has a swimming pool (check to see if it’s open yet. It was closed due to Covid when we were there) and an outdoor patio with grills to use.Ā
If you’re looking for an airbnb, check out the list of options from the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau including one cottage that has a pool.
WHere to eat in Richmond, IN
Right off 70 in Richmond is a great, local restaurant called Red Front Grill & Bar. It has a very eclectic menu, so there is literally something for everyone. Mexican, great pizzas and delicious subs. I highly recommend the Stromboli Sub or the Philly Cheese Steak with the bourbon sauce. SO good! The atmosphere is great for families and a great place to watch a game – there are TVs everywhere.Ā
Bismarck Donuts is a MUST, and they have a drive thru if you’re on your way out of town. Try the apple fritter, glazed twist with sea salt and the cinnamon roll with maple frosting. WOW, so good.
A stop at the homemade ice cream shop, Ullery’s Ice Cream is also a MUST. It’s the best in town and a family run business that started (and still is) a concession ice cream truck at fairs and festivals. Order from the walk up window, or if the shop is open inside, enjoy the variety of flavors in a freshly made waffle cone, waffle bowl or classic ice cream parlor glass bowl.
Ulleryās is a part of Richmondās Chocolate Trail so grab a passport to start your free samples! See more of the chocolate trail below.Ā
Buffalo Wings & Rings is right by Home2 Suites and is a great option for lunch or dinner. I enjoyed the grilled salmon caesar salad and my picky mac n cheese kids really appreciated the kraft mac and grilled cheese option. š
Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders is a perfect stop for lunch. The pizza is delicious!
If you’re looking for more options, check out this list of restaurants in Richmond my friend Stephanie, from Consistently Curious.Ā
Sample ALL the Chocolate in Richmond, IN
Speaking of eating, kids and adults will love The Chocolate Trail throughout Richmond and surrounding town. With the passports, you can visit 14 places to get FREE chocolate samples including ice cream samples, a brownie for kids, chocolate milk, chocolate chip cookie, a HUGE piece of fudge, chocolate tea, chocolate candy and even a chocolate votive candle.Ā
To get started, grab a Chocolate Trail Passport from The Old National Road Welcome Center: 5701 National Road E. (U.S. 40), Richmond, INĀ 47374.
The Underground Railroad Grand Central Station
a This is a MUST SEE ATTRACTION In Richmond, IN
One of the main attractions and a HIGHLIGHT of the weekend was visiting the LEVI AND CATHARINE COFFIN HOUSE museum and historical sight. It was a main stop for freedom seekers on the underground railroad and became known as ‘grand central station’ because they assisted THOUSANDS of freedom seekers to slavery. It was fascinating and humbling to experience for myself and my kids (4, 7 & 9). My oldest had recently learned about Harriet Tubman, so it was especially eye opening for her.
The interactive museum sets the stage for what slaves experienced and brings some context into the struggle they endured to escape, explaining free states vs. slave states and bounty hunters.Ā
After exploring the museum, you enter the house through the same door that thousands of freedom seekers entered. There, you learn about the business they ran and how that helped fuel their ability to help so many freedom seekers. It’s an amazing experience and worth the trip.Ā
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids over 3. Tours last a little over an hour, but you could easily stay longer.Ā
Outdoor Aventures in Richmond, IN
We always like to find outdoor adventures in every new city we meet. Fresh air and stretching our legs is always a welcomed activity. If you’re looking for this, try one ofĀ these options that are perfect for families:
š„¾ Hiking at Hayes Arboretum. The nature center was closed due to Covid when we visited, so we hiked. The blue and yellow trails are less than one mile in length, and great for families with some elevation changes but nothing too hard even for my 4 year old. There is a paved trail that is longer and also gives you the option to drive through the arboretum. The Natural Playscape is fun for the little ones.Ā
šŖØ Thistlethwaith Falls is an unexpected find. You’re driving through an industrial area and all of a sudden you pull off and find a waterfall. We appreciated it because there was no hiking involved, just a set of steps down to a great places to fossil hunt at the base of the falls. This is close to Bismarck Donuts, so be sure to make that a stop.
š“āāļø Free bike rental for riding on the Cardinal Greenway. Bring kids bikes and rent adult bikes for free at Cycling & Fitness Warehouse, 213 N 3rd St, Richmond, IN 47374 which is just 100 yards or so from the start of the bike trail. Don’t forget helmets!
Quiet Harmony Elk Ranch
This place is a must see mid May through September. When in season, think of it as elk ranch meets a fall pumpkin festival! Viewing the massive, gorgeous elk is a memorable and unique experience, worth the trip. But, they also offer barrel car rides, tunnel slides, a playground, back country ATV rides to view the elk and tours in your car to view the elks grazing. Something to keep you and the kids busy all day. When you get hungry, grab an elk burger on a homemade bun and delicious homemade fudge that’s FREE if you have a chocolate trail passport.Ā
We shopped in the trading post and brought home elk jerky, steak and burgers. Wow, so good and such a healthy option. Once we go back in season, I’ll do another post about all the fun!
Fun, One-of-a-Kind Museums in Richmond, IN
Car lovers will swoon at the Model T Museum in Richmond’s Depot District. Admission is $5 for 13+ and open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. My kids weren’t totally interested, but I had to drag my husband out of there ;). They have over 30 Model T Ford cars of all kinds including a festival concessions car, a grocery car, a medic vehicle from the war and many more. It’s look, don’t touch kind of place, so don’t expect to sit in the cars.Ā
We didn’t have time to experience the Wayne County Historical Museum , but it’s a great option for the history lovers in your family. See Egyptian mummies and the Egyptian room, Richmond-made cars, pioneer exhibits, and more.
Other stops to consider in Richmond, IN
- Fountain Acres Amish Market for delicious sandwiches, candy and cheeses. This is just down the road from the Levi Coffin House.Ā
- Hiking the Conifer Trail at Cope Environmental Center.
- Tour Abbott’s Candies Factory, a candy factory started in 1890. Tours are free and available M-F 9-3.
- Outdoor Sculpture Trail on the I.U. East campus
- Canoe and paddle boat rental on the Middlefork Reservoir
Make Richmond, IN a Pit Stop between Columbus and Indianapolis
Driving between Columbus and Indianapolis? Richmond, IN is the perfect pit stop for the day or even overnight. If you only have a little time, here’s my suggestion:
1. stop at BISMARCK DONUTS to grab some really great donuts – on par with Holtman’s Donuts in Cincinnati – thumbprint cookies & smoothies. They are open until 1pm daily.
2. stretch your legs at an unassuming, small waterfall off the side of the road called Thistlethwaite Falls. I would have never guessed it was there! No hiking involved, just walk down the steps and let the kids hunt for fossils.
3. stop at Warm Glow Candle Outlet for a sandwich and a piece of homemade pie at the hearth cafe. Then stay to shop. It’s a whole lot more than candles. It’s like if the Cracker Barrel gift shop and a fancy flea market had a baby. Great prices, tons of unique decor and of course, candles!Ā
Don't Miss Meltdown Ice Festival in Richmond, IN
This annual festival occurs in January and brings artists from all over the US to display their incredible ice sculptures. There is music, food trucks, activities and interactive ice sculptures for kids. Be sure follow the Richmond Meltdown Facebook Page for announcement of dates or check out the Richmond Meltdown website here.Ā See all the fun the weekend provides, including fireworks, fire & ice shows, in the Richmond Ice Festival post from my friend at Consistently Curious.Ā
A Weekend Itinerary in Richmond, IN
Don’t want to plan the weekend? Just follow this weekend guide for fun with your family. This is based on travel May 15-early October, so be sure to double check locations are open.
FRIDAY:
Stay: Home 2 Suites, 5950 National Rd. E., Richmond
Dinner: Red Front Grill, 4725 National Rd. E., Richmond
Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor, 168 Fort Wayne Ave
SATURDAY:
š© Donuts & Breakfast sandwiches at Bismark Donuts, 1241 NW 5th St, Richmond, IN 47374
š Levi & Catharine Coffin House, 201 US-27, Fountain City, IN 47341
šÆļøWarm Glow Candle for shopping, 2131 N Centerville Rd, Centerville, IN 47330 – this is WAY more than candles. It’s a Cracker Barrel gift shop mixes with an artisan flea market.
š Lunch at Mancinoās Pizza & Grinders, 217 National Rd. W., Richmond – YUM!
š“āāļø Ride bikes on the Cardinal Greenway. Bring kids bikes and rent adult bikes for free at Cycling & Fitness Warehouse, 213 N 3rd St, Richmond, IN 47374 which is just 100 yards or so from the start of the bike trail. Don’t forget helmets!
š½ļø Dinner at Firehouse BBQ & Blues, Little Sheba’s or Buffalo Wings & Rings.Ā
Here’s your google map to follow!
SUNDAY:
Explore Quiet Harmony Ranch 10684 Morrison Mikesell Rd New Paris, OH 45347
