The Northern Towns of Hamilton County, IN

If Hamilton County’s four southernmost cities are crown jewels, then its four northernmost towns are hidden gems. Even with big city neighbors, Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan have held tight to small town charm.

Enjoy a ride on northern Hamilton County’s newest attraction, the Nickel Plate Express. Passengers board the historic 1950s railcars in downtown Atlanta and ride south to Cicero.

Places to Explore

• Family Fun
• Strawtown Koteewi Park
• Where to Eat and Drink

Family Fun

In the fall, take the family to Stuckey Farm Market for apple picking, pumpkin patches and apple donuts. If your kids love trains, they’ll marvel at Mr. Muffin’s Trains in Atlanta – a shop filled with model trains that run on Saturdays.

Strawtown Koteewi Park

Find the ultimate outdoor experience at this 750-acre park, featuring three main attractions: K-Trails Equestrian Adventures, Koteewi Range: Sport & Target Archery Center and Koteewi Aerial Adventure Treetop Trails. Make a day of it by packing a picnic and learning about Native American history at the Taylor Nature Center.

Where to Eat and Drink

Find farm fresh foods in the northern towns. Take U.S. 31 north to Wilson Farm Market, a local store that sells jams, jellies, bread, produce, sweets and more. Two local favorites are the pretzel bread and Amish fry pies. A stone’s throw up the road is Lisa’s Pie Shop, home of award-winning pies like sugar cream and strawberry rhubarb. Bring cash to pick up a pie or a pie-in-a-jar – crust and all, perfect for a picnic. Sample local wines at nearby Blackhawk Winery & Vineyard in Sheridan and take a bottle to enjoy at home. Dine waterside and watch the sunset over Morse Reservoir in Cicero. You can even walk across the causeway bridge for the best views.