• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
sand and snow logo 2023

Sand and Snow

Travel | Food | Beauty | Disney

  • About Sand and Snow
  • Travel
  • Food & Drinks
  • Disney
  • Talk & Tech
  • Beauty
  • Privacy

The 11 Coolest Things to Do in Anderson Indiana and Vicinity

September 21, 2022 by Karyn Locke

3 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Anderson, Indiana is one of those fun, quintessential Midwest cities that you may not have heard about but will be delighted once you have. Its Indiana charm resonates throughout the city and its residents and there’s plenty to offer visitors including shopping, dining, and unique activities. Here are the hotspots and the best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County!

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County - Conner prairie shops
Learning about pelt trading at Conner Prairie

The Best Things to Do in Anderson Indiana and Vicinity

Page Contents

Toggle
  • The Best Things to Do in Anderson Indiana and Vicinity
  • Catch a Show at Paramount Theater
  • Make Time for Simple Goodness
  • Visit a Shop Filled with Crystal Light
  • Watch a City Grand Prix
  • Taste Test the Best Fudge in Uranus
  • Learn about Midwest Life Centuries Ago
  • Tour the Indiana State Fair
  • Where to Eat in Anderson

In the past couple of years, I’ve spent a ton of time in the state of Indiana. And with each additional visit, the more I fall in love with it. Living in Ohio (but right on the Pennsylvania border, so Pittsburgh is my big city), it feels like the Buckeye state but even more homier. 

I’m honored that Molly and I had the chance to visit Anderson and Madison County this summer and are able to share with you fun things to do in the area. Here are my top picks. 

Catch a Show at Paramount Theater

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County - paramount theater
Paramount Theater in Anderson

The first word that comes to mind when I think of the Paramount Theater in Anderson is, “Wow!” If you love historical theaters, this one will definitely be up your street. The interior is one of only a few “atmospheric theaters” in the country. Its ceiling looks like the night sky and was created to give a feeling of being outdoors. 

And whether you’re catching a Broadway-style show or play or a live concert (we saw Little River Band), the prices are affordable and there’s not a bad seat in the house. 

Make Time for Simple Goodness

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County - simple goodness soapsJPG
Simple Goodness Soaps

The more research on chemicals I do, the more I’ve been swaying toward natural cleaning products, both for home and myself. And when it comes to using all natural beauty products, I’m all about “clean” cleaning. 

Simple Goodness Soaps offers everything from laundry & body soaps that smell amazing, moisturizers & lotions, and even bath bombs. The company is literally on a goat farm in the middle of nowhere (and I write that in the kindest way) and was started 10 years ago when the owner wondered if she could make natural laundry soap. 

Visit a Shop Filled with Crystal Light

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -Carol's Crystal
Paper weights at Carol’s Legacy Crystal

If you dig handmade glass shops, make sure you make a pit stop at Carol’s Legacy Crystal. Created by owners Jeff and Carol, the shop comes from generations of glass makers. What you’ll find when you enter the quaint shop is everything from paper weights that sparkle in the light to pumpkins and larger pieces worthy of the spotlight. 

Watch a City Grand Prix

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -Alexandria grand prix
The cars we got to drive in Alexandria Grand Prix

Molly and I had the absolute pleasure of actually driving in the Alexandria Grand Prix as guest drivers and it was a hoot! The city blocks off its streets for both amateurs and pro racers and the path swerves and weaves around its buildings. 

The cars are souped-up carts, but it doesn’t lower the level of fun. If anything, it makes it more enjoyable for families to attend. 

Taste Test the Best Fudge in Uranus

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -Uranus Fudge Factory
All the best fudge comes from Uranus!

Never one to not tell a good dad joke or pun, so a visit to Uranus Fudge Factory was a must! Not only does it have really delicious fudge, head onto social media and you’ll find out why the shop is so popular. 

Part general store, part chocolate lover’s paradise, you can buy everything from pint glasses to sweatshirts to stickers and silly gifts. 

Learn about Midwest Life Centuries Ago

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County - conner prairie
Learning about Native American beading at Conner Prairie

I love learning about American history, so making a trip to Conner Prairie to find out what life was like centuries ago through live storytellers and actual, historical buildings was a dream. The Prairie has tethered hot air balloon rides on fine weather days, an adorable barn with farm animals, dining options, and tons of hands-on activities. 

If I had to name a favorite part during our visit, it was simply walking the grounds and going through the buildings, all while talking to the “inhabitants”. Called a living history museum, it’s so much more than that. This year, new exhibits have been opened including a Smithsonian Spark Lab and Habitat with larger-than-life insect displays. 

Tour the Indiana State Fair

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County - Indiana State Farm
Seriously, when you think of a rooster, isn’t this the picture that comes to mind?

Not in Madison County, but only a few-minutes’ drive away, if you’re in town during the Indiana State Fair, put it on your short list. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Ohio State Fair and thought it was huge at the time, but Indiana’s is absolutely massive. 

When you visit, make a beeline for the animal barns (especially if you have kiddos), try some food at the countless food trucks and booths, and take a ride on the tram – not only is it an easy way to get from one part to the other, it’s a fun way to people watch. 

Where to Eat in Anderson

Anderson has plenty of Midwestern-style big food, but these restaurants made our short list:

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -Alexandria donuts
Donuts for days at Alexandria Bakery

Alexandria Bakery – In the former home of the Gaithers Museum, Alexandria is a must stop for great coffee and homemade donuts. If you’re on the fence, get the chocolate glazed and cream filled with powdered sugar. 

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -1925 pubhouse
Potato skins at 1925 PubHouse

1925 PubHouse – Located on the grounds of the Grandview Public Golf Course, the restaurant is an ideal place for cleaning up and going to dinner with friends, relatives, or even for a girl’s night out. My pick for a great appetizer are the loaded Potato Skins, hands down. And never one to resist fried chicken, its tenders with a side of rice certainly hit the spot. 

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -oakley brothers distillery
Testing a cocktail at Oakley Brothers Distillery

Oakley Brothers Distillery – If you want a cool spot to grab a brew and have a really good meal, head to Oakley Brothers distillery in downtown Anderson. Creating rye, whiskey, rum, and other fun blends, the property is perfect for pretty summer nights thanks to its pub-style menu (try the tacos – delish!)

best things to do in Anderson, Indiana and Madison County -Taylor's Dairy
This is the single scoop at Taylor’s. Just sayin’.

Taylor’s Dairy – An Elwood staple, Taylor’s is a no frill restaurant serving huge servings of scooped ice cream and light bites like hot dogs, nachos, and chips. 

Filed Under: On the Go, Travel Tagged With: anderson indiana, madison county

Primary Sidebar

Thanks for popping by the site! Sand and Snow is dedicated to provided travel tips, fun recipes, reviews, and plenty of theme park planning tools. Email klocke@sandandorsnow.com with questions and comments.

Connect with Us

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disney Park Planning

things you can only do on a disney cruise - Disney Treasure Arrival

Magical Experiences You Can Only Do on a Disney Cruise

February 5, 2025 By Karyn Locke

Request a Disney World Room or Resort Area - Exterior of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

How to Request a Disney World Room or Resort Area: Easy Tips and Tricks to Get the Ideal View

November 25, 2024 By Karyn Locke

Things We Wish Disney World Never Got Rid of - Wishes fireworks

12 Things We Wish Disney World Never Got Rid of — and One We’re Happy They Did

October 15, 2024 By Karyn Locke

Looking for places to get alcohol in Walt Disney World - Oga's Cantina

A Guide to Liquor in the Most Magical Place on Earth: Places to Get Alcohol in Walt Disney World

October 6, 2024 By Karyn Locke

Footer

About Our Affiliate Links

Sand and Snow uses affiliate links in its posts and articles and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Program that provides earned advertising fees at no additional cost to the reader.

Recent

  • 5 Great Side Hustles for Travelers
  • 3 Easy Tips to Make Your Vacation Less Stressful & More Enjoyable
  • 6 Big Benefits of Buying a Newly Built Home
  • How Gaming Can Help You in the Workplace: 8 Ways
  • How to Take Your Time as a Culinary Tourist

Search

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We Value your Privacy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT