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OUR COMMUNITIES
Get to know the towns along the trail.
Mitchell
Mitchell is located in south-central Indiana, 85 miles south of Indianapolis. The city is full of history and character, with its Mitchell Downtown Historic District and Mitchell Opera House listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Spring Mill State Park is located just east of Mitchell. It includes a memorial to Grissom as well as several caves and a pioneer village. The buildings in the village are original structures from the former mill town that was located here, recreations of buildings in the town, and other pioneer-era buildings that were moved to the park. Mitchell’s downtown is visitor-friendly and welcomes you!
Orleans
Platted in 1815, Orleans stands as the oldest town in Orange County. Founded two months after Andrew Jackson’s famous victory over the British in New Orleans, the settlers named their new town to honor this event. Samuel Lewis, one of the founders, later became a prominent figure in Texas after he fought for Texas independence from Mexico and served as a senator in the first two congresses of the Republic of Texas under Sam Houston’s presidency.
Dogwood trees line Ind. 37 in northern Orange County. The dogwood is the trademark of Orleans. “Operation Dogwood” ,launched in the mid-1960s, has succeeded in its goal of having hundreds of the trees planted along roads, in the historic town park square and in yards. The annual Dogwood Festival is held in late April.
The historic Orleans town square is called “Congress Square”, meaning public square. It is also referred to as “Seminary Square” after the Orleans Academy that stood there from 1864 to 1963. Whatever we call it, the square has something for everyone: shelter houses, playground equipment, a restored picturesque 1926 brick bandstand, vintage gas lights, veteran’s memorial, and more. Visitors also enjoy our beautiful fountain and sculpture located at the center of the park.
Dogwood trees line Ind. 37 in northern Orange County. The dogwood is the trademark of Orleans. “Operation Dogwood” ,launched in the mid-1960s, has succeeded in its goal of having hundreds of the trees planted along roads, in the historic town park square and in yards. The annual Dogwood Festival is held in late April.
The historic Orleans town square is called “Congress Square”, meaning public square. It is also referred to as “Seminary Square” after the Orleans Academy that stood there from 1864 to 1963. Whatever we call it, the square has something for everyone: shelter houses, playground equipment, a restored picturesque 1926 brick bandstand, vintage gas lights, veteran’s memorial, and more. Visitors also enjoy our beautiful fountain and sculpture located at the center of the park.
Leipsic
Leipsic, established in 1851, was originally named Lancaster. The town was later renamed when they received a post office and there was another Lancaster in the state. The Leipsic post office was established in 1852 and remained in operation until 1980. Leipsic was a thriving community with two grocery stores, hardware store, blacksmith, and barber. Farmers would corral their livestock through town to board the train headed for the stock yards in Louisville. Today there are about 50 residents in the unincorporated community sitting in the Northeast Township of Orange County. The former two-room schoolhouse serves as the Community Center where local events and dinners are still hosted by community members.
Saltillo
Blink and you'll miss Saltillo, a town in Washington County home to 90 people. It was named in commemoration of Saltillo, Mexico, the location of a battle in the Mexican–American War. It's rural setting shows you where to go when you want to escape the speed of everyday life.
Campbellsburg
Less than a square mile in size, Campbellsburg is the epitome of a southern Indiana small town. Like many communities in the early nineteenth century, Campbellsburg was laid out in anticipation of the railroad line would be built through the territory; that was in 1849! It was originally called Buena Vista in commemoration of the Battle of Buena Vista, but was later renamed Campbellsburg for Robert Campbell, who platted an addition to the town in 1851.
Campbellsburg remains a close-knit community that also features a major employer, Metal Powder Products (MPP), on the western edge of the Town, adjacent to the Monon South Trail.
Campbellsburg also serves as the gateway community to the Cave River Valley Natural Area, a beautiful oasis of canyons and creeks protected on 316 acres of property controlled by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The entrance to the Cave River property is less than two and a quarter miles from the Monon South in Campbellsburg.
Campbellsburg remains a close-knit community that also features a major employer, Metal Powder Products (MPP), on the western edge of the Town, adjacent to the Monon South Trail.
Campbellsburg also serves as the gateway community to the Cave River Valley Natural Area, a beautiful oasis of canyons and creeks protected on 316 acres of property controlled by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The entrance to the Cave River property is less than two and a quarter miles from the Monon South in Campbellsburg.
Salem
When in Salem, the center of this beautiful county, visitors will only be blocks away from the downtown district which offers a variety of dining and shopping opportunities around the historic courthouse square. While exploring downtown Salem, visitors will enjoy several artistic murals and outdoor eating opportunities at Heritage Park and rooftop dining at El Maguey. Railroad history buffs will enjoy visiting The Depot in the John Hay Center Pioneer Village, a railroad museum and home of the World Headquarters of the Monon Society. The Depot transforms the great moments of a past era of Monon history into a reality to be remembered and enjoyed by countless visitors — those who remember they were once kids, and those who have the spark of adventure and intrigue that says they still are.
New Pekin
When arriving into the Town of New Pekin you won’t have to venture to far off the trail to sample a wide variety of the best the town has to offer mixed with a little small town flair. Whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it here. Off to the right as you come into town is Main Street Meats. This locally owned establishment offers a varsity of homemade goodies and deli-style foods. Just a little further down Main Street is one the town favorites, Teena’s Pizza. If you want to hit the road early, stop in for breakfast, or if you want the traditional Italian favorites, Teena’s offers a little of everything. Across the street you will find the Silver Fox Cafe. The atmosphere inside is as good as all the menu items. Whether you want to get a burst of energy from your favorite caffine drink, or want a sit down meal, Silver Fox will meet every craving. There is also a wife-range of shopping for those looking to purchase something from a local artisan. Finally, the town’s oldest established eatery, The Pop-A-Top. Whether you want to have a meal, or an adult beverage, like Silver Fox, the Pop-A-Top has atmosphere. Some of the musicians from the area have played at the establishment for the past 40-plus years. If you’re coming through during the summer, plan your trip around the 4th of July. New Pekin has the Oldest Consecutive Fourth of July Celebration in the country featuring a parade and festival in the park. Through two world wars, several pandemics and the great depression the town has continued to celebrate our nation’s independence. Make sure you stop in and see us! We are sure you will come again the next time through!
Borden
As you cross into Clark County on the trail, you'll be greeted by Borden. The town is home to to under 1,000 people and beautiful views in the hills in southern Indiana. Borden is served by the CSX (formally Monon) rail system and was once one of the main loading points for carloads of strawberries shipped by The Borden-Pekin Berry Growers Association north along the Monon Rail. Strawberries continue to be farmed in the Borden area, especially in nearby Starlight, Indiana where the Starlight Strawberry Festival is held each Memorial Day weekend.
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