I have driven past Corydon more times than I can count, always wondering what the fuss was about. Then one Saturday afternoon, I finally stopped in this charming southern Indiana town and discovered why people make special trips here.
The streets are lined with history, the locals are genuinely welcoming, and yes, there is a sweet spot that has folks traveling for hours just to taste what they make. Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital, a fact that still echoes through its well-preserved historic downtown.
But this town is more than just old buildings and monuments. It has a living, breathing personality that mixes pioneer heritage with modern-day charm.
From famous pie to underground caverns and Civil War battlefields, Corydon offers experiences you will not find anywhere else in the state. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for a great day trip, this little town has something that will make you glad you came.
The Sweet Spot: A Legacy Reborn at 1819 General Store
While the legendary Butt Drugs storefront has closed its doors, the “sweet spot” that brings travelers to the area lives on at the 1819 General Store in nearby Elizabeth. Located at 8249 Beech St SE, Elizabeth, IN 47117, this charming destination saved the iconic, old-fashioned soda fountain that served Corydon since 1952, moving the vintage stools and wooden counter to a new home just minutes away.
People still drive for hours to enjoy a “Black Forest” soda, a hand-dipped malt, or a scoop of famous ice cream served from the original equipment that made the region famous.
The atmosphere remains pure nostalgia, blending a modern artisan market with the quirky spirit of the past. Most importantly, they still serve the internationally known “Butt Shake”; the signature treat that became a viral sensation on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
By preserving this piece of Indiana history, the store ensures that the cheeky marketing and small-town flavors continue to be a bucket-list destination for travelers. Whether you are stopping for a classic 35-cent cup of coffee or looking for a souvenir, the experience honors a third-generation legacy while offering a fresh way to taste Indiana’s most famous tradition.
Exploring Marengo Cave National Landmark
Just a short drive from downtown Corydon, Marengo Cave National Landmark, located at 400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140, offers an underground adventure that feels like stepping into another world. Discovered in 1883 by a young girl and her brother, this living cave system has been captivating visitors for over a century.
The cave stays a cool 52 degrees year-round, making it a perfect escape on hot summer days or a fascinating winter outing.
Two main tours take you through different parts of the cave. The Crystal Palace tour is the shorter of the two, showcasing stunning formations like stalactites and stalagmites in high-ceilinged rooms.
The Dripstone Trail tour is longer and more immersive, taking adventurers through winding passages to see delicate flowstone curtains that look like frozen waterfalls.
The cave is also home to unique wildlife, including several species of bats that play an important role in the ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the cave’s geology, history, and the people who explored it long before electric lights were installed.
Above ground, there is a gift shop, picnic area, and gemstone mining activity that kids absolutely love. As a U.S.
National Natural Landmark, it is one of those rare places where you can truly appreciate the hidden wonders beneath Indiana’s surface.
Walking Through the Historic Capitol Square
Corydon’s Capitol Square is where Indiana’s state government was born, and walking through it feels like flipping through a living history book. The Old State Capitol building, completed in 1816, is a beautiful limestone structure that served as Indiana’s first statehouse.
Today, it operates as a museum where you can see the actual rooms where early legislators debated and shaped the young state’s future.
Across the square stands the Governor’s Headquarters, a modest two-story home where Indiana’s early governors lived and worked. The simplicity of these buildings reminds you that Indiana’s beginnings were humble and hardworking.
Costumed interpreters often give tours, sharing stories about daily life in the early 1800s and the challenges faced by Indiana’s pioneers.
The square itself is beautifully maintained with period-appropriate landscaping and benches where you can sit and imagine what life was like two hundred years ago. Several historical markers explain significant events, including the drafting of Indiana’s first constitution under a giant elm tree that once stood nearby.
Visiting the Capitol Square is free, making it an accessible and educational experience for families. The buildings are well-preserved and offer a tangible connection to Indiana’s past.
You will leave with a deeper appreciation for the people who built this state from the ground up.
Discovering the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park
Most people do not realize that the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil happened right here in Corydon. The Battle of Corydon Memorial Park preserves the site where local Home Guard militia faced off against Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s raiders on July 9, 1863.
Though the battle lasted only about an hour, it represents a significant moment in Indiana history.
The park features walking trails that take you across the actual battlefield, with interpretive signs explaining troop movements and key moments of the skirmish. A large monument honors the brave defenders who, though outnumbered and outgunned, stood their ground to protect their town.
The peaceful setting today contrasts sharply with the chaos and fear that gripped Corydon that summer day.
Every year, the park hosts a battle reenactment that draws history enthusiasts from across the region. Participants in authentic uniforms recreate the conflict with period-accurate weapons and tactics, offering spectators a vivid glimpse into Civil War combat.
Even if you cannot attend the reenactment, the park itself is worth visiting for its historical significance and natural beauty.
The Battle of Corydon Memorial Park is located at 917 Old Highway 135 NW, easily accessible from downtown. It is a quiet place for reflection and a powerful reminder that the Civil War touched even small Indiana communities far from the major battlefields of the South.
Watching Magic Happen at Zimmerman Art Glass
Watching molten glass transform into beautiful art is mesmerizing, and the Zimmerman Art Glass Company gives you a front-row seat to this ancient craft. Now located in their stunning new studio at 300 E Chestnut St, right in the heart of downtown, this family legacy continues to flourish in a beautifully repurposed space.
The artists here specialize in paperweights, ornaments, and vases that showcase incredible skill and a fourth-generation heritage that dates back to the family’s arrival in Corydon in the 1940s.
Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations where master craftsmen gather glowing, 2,000-degree molten glass on the end of a blowpipe and shape it using only hand tools and their own breath. The intense heat from the furnace, the rhythmic movements of the blowers, and the artist’s focused concentration create an almost hypnotic experience for spectators of all ages.
After watching a glowing blob become a delicate flower or a colorful swirl in just minutes, you can browse the expansive gallery for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. The new location offers even more space to appreciate the vibrant colors and timeless craftsmanship that make Zimmerman’s a cornerstone of the Corydon community.
It is one of the few places left in the country where you can talk directly to the artists and purchase a piece of history that was literally made right before your eyes.
Relaxing at Hayswood Nature Reserve
Sometimes you need to step away from history and pie and just breathe in some fresh air. Hayswood Nature Reserve, located at 2995 Hayswood Road SE, offers over 200 acres of forests, meadows, and trails perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature.
The reserve is managed by the Harrison County Parks Department and provides a peaceful escape from everyday stress.
The trail system winds through diverse habitats, from dense hardwood forests to open grasslands dotted with wildflowers. Spring brings blooming redbuds and dogwoods, while fall paints the landscape in brilliant oranges and reds.
The trails are well-maintained but not overly manicured, preserving the natural character of the land.
Birdwatchers will find plenty to see here, including woodpeckers, warblers, hawks, and seasonal migratory species. Deer are common, and if you are quiet and patient, you might spot other wildlife like foxes or wild turkeys.
The reserve also features a small pond that attracts frogs, turtles, and dragonflies.
Hayswood is ideal for families looking for an easy outdoor activity or anyone wanting a quiet place to walk and think. There are picnic areas near the parking lot, making it easy to pack a lunch and spend a few hours surrounded by nature.
It is a reminder that Corydon offers more than historical attractions and great food.
Shopping and Dining on Capitol Avenue
Capitol Avenue is the heart of downtown Corydon, a charming street lined with locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants that give the town its character. Unlike generic strip malls, these businesses are run by people who live in the community and genuinely care about offering quality products and friendly service.
Strolling down Capitol Avenue feels like stepping back to a time when downtowns were vibrant gathering places.
Antique stores offer treasures ranging from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles, perfect for anyone who loves hunting for unique finds. Boutiques sell handmade jewelry, local crafts, and clothing you will not find at big box retailers.
Several shops feature Indiana-made products, supporting artisans and small businesses throughout the state.
When hunger strikes, you have plenty of options beyond Magdalena’s famous pie. Cozy cafes serve excellent coffee and pastries, while restaurants offer everything from classic American fare to Mexican cuisine.
Many establishments occupy historic buildings, adding to the overall charm and sense of place.
Capitol Avenue also hosts community events throughout the year, including farmers markets, art fairs, and holiday celebrations. These gatherings bring residents and visitors together, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the community even if you are just passing through.
Shopping and dining here supports local families and keeps Corydon’s downtown thriving for future generations.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
