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It’s road trip time! I haven’t been doing much traveling this summer, but I have been enjoying some small weekend road trips close to home. I was super excited when Visit Hamilton County invited me out for a visit …and I was even more excited when I found out that the county was named after Alexander Hamilton (because I’m obsessed with Hamilton). And yes, we listened to the soundtrack the entire way there!
Hamilton County in Indiana is located just north of Indianapolis and includes the cities of Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Westfield.
In this post, I’ll share some great family-friendly activities to check out while you’re visiting Hamilton County. This location makes a great day trip or an easy weekend trip from lots of nearby cities. We made the drive from Columbus, Ohio to stay for a weekend.
So, let’s set out on a good ol’ family road trip to explore Hamilton County, Indiana!
Legal Stuff (aka if I don’t write this the internet gods will not take kindly to me): This post was written in partnership with Visit Hamilton County. This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I’m just a simple girl, trying to make a living off the internet…thanks for your support!!
Hamilton County, Indiana At A Glance
Location: Hamilton County, Indiana is located about 30 minutes north of Indianapolis and is easily accessible from other major cities.
Main Cities in Hamilton County, Indiana: Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Westfield
Distance from Indianapolis (IND) Airport: 45 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance to Hamilton County from Other Cities:
- Indianapolis, Indiana: 30 minutes
- Fort Wayne, Indiana: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Columbus, Ohio: 3 hours
- Cincinnati, Ohio: 2 hours
- Chicago, Illinois: 3 hours
- Detroit, Michigan: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Louisville, Kentucky: 2 hours 10 minutes
- St. Louis, Missouri: 4 hours 5 minutes
Traveling during COVID-19: While travel hasn’t been at the top of everyone’s to-do list this year, there are still plenty of ways to get out and explore safely. Road trips are great since you can easily keep your distance while traveling from place to place. When you’re visiting attractions, remember to try to keep a social distance if you can and always wear a mask while you’re inside or around other people. Stay safe and have fun exploring Hamilton County, Indiana.
Things To Do In Carmel, Indiana
Carmel, Indiana is a northern suburb of Indianapolis. The city is often cited as a “best place to live” (link) and has even earned the nickname of “roundabout capital of the U.S.” because of the 128 roundabouts that have been constructed in the last 20 years. It reminds me a lot of Dublin, Ohio.
There are lots of things to do in Carmel, Indiana whether you’re traveling with kids or are looking for an adults-only trip. Here are some of the highlights.
Carmel Arts & Design District
The Carmel Arts & Design District is a fun area to explore without a specific itinerary. It’s easy to spend the afternoon walking up and down the streets checking out unique shops, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and street art.
If you enjoy locally made jewelry, gifts, and home decor, check out Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery. This store features gorgeous items all hand-made by Indiana artisans.
And if you get a kick out of quirky public art like me, you’ll love checking out the life-sized statues scattered throughout the Carmel Arts and Design District.
Sun King Brewery
Location: 351 Monon Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032
Contact: 317-843-6250 | Sun King
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
The Sun King Brewery in Carmel is a great place to stop to grab a drink after exploring Carmel. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s not a problem to bring them in. There are even a few non-alcoholic options on the drink menu.
Monon Trail
The Monon Trail, or Monon Greenway, is a paved path that runs through central Indiana connecting Indianapolis with the towns of Carmel, Westfield, and Sheridan. The trail now spans 27 miles and is perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists. You’ll find an entry point and parking at the 96th Street trailhead in Carmel.
Explore More: If you like the Monon Trail, check out the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile long bike trail that runs from Marion through Muncie to Richmond, Indiana.
Sahm’s Ale House
Location: 12819 East New Market Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032
Contact: 317-853-6278 | Sahm’s Ale House
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 a.m; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sahm’s is a local chain with restaurants in several locations. Sahm’s Ale House is located in the town of WestClay in Carmel. It’s a quiet spot that’s great for a casual family dinner. (Currently, they are only offering outdoor seating.) After dinner, you can take a walk around the nearby pond and neighborhood.
Hotels in Carmel, Indiana
Check out these hotels for your next stay in Carmel, Indiana:
Hyatt Place Carmel: 12045 Illinois Street, Carmel, Indiana
Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection: One Carmichael Square, Carmel, Indiana
Homewood Suites by Hilton Carmel: 11355 North Meridian Street, Carmel, Indiana
Things To Do In Fishers, Indiana
Fishers, Indiana has been named one of the friendliest towns in the United States and is best known for the historical living history museum, Conner Prairie.
You’ll also want to check out the up-and-coming Nickel Plate District which includes an amphitheater, dining, shopping, apartments, a walking trail, and more.
Conner Prairie
Location: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana 46038
Contact: 317-776-6000 | Conner Prairie
Hours: Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $18, Seniors 65+: $17, Kids 2-12: $12, Kids under 2 are free
Conner Prairie is an outdoor living history museum that depicts 19th-century life in Indiana. It’s designed to immerse kids in the past with fun and interactive displays and costumed actors depicting daily life in the 1800s.
One of the highlights of Conner Prairie is the 1859 Balloon Voyage. This giant, helium-filled balloon stands 8 stories tall and ascends up to 370 feet in the air. The gondola (aka the basket) has plenty of space for everyone to space out for social distancing.
Reservations aren’t required for the balloon voyage, but you will need to purchase a separate ticket before riding.
In addition, Conner Prairie is also a working farm that focuses on “heritage breeds” — the kinds that were raised by people in the past. You’ll also find a traditional playground for little ones to work off any excess energy plus unique play structures to inspire creativity.
Conner Prairie is a must if you’re visiting Indiana with kids!
Hotels in Fishers, Indiana
Check out these hotels for your next stay in Fishers, Indiana:
Hyatt House Fishers: 11455 Ikea Way, Fishers, Indiana
Hampton Inn and Suites Indianapolis/Fishers: 11575 Commercial Drive, Fishers, Indiana
Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Northeast/Fishers: 9785 North by Northeast Blvd, Fishers, Indiana
Things To Do In Noblesville, Indiana
Noblesville, Indiana is a city located just north of Indianapolis along the White River. It’s one of the top 20 largest cities in Indiana.
There are a lot of things to do in Noblesville including plenty of family and outdoor activities.
Noblesville Square
Noblesville Square is a cute downtown area in Noblesville, Indiana. As you walk around the square you’ll find antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. If you get hungry, check out Alexander’s on the Square for lunch and ice cream.
Throughout the year, you’ll find different events like farmer’s markets and kid’s days.
Kiln Creations
Location: 60 North 9th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060
Contact: 317-774-8982 | Kiln Creations
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: Varies by project
Kiln Creations is a fun paint-your-own-pottery studio in Noblesville Square. The nice thing about this shop, especially if you’re on a road trip, is that you can make your own candle which can be taken home the day you make it. If you do pottery, you’ll have to pick it up a week later so it’s not great if you’re on a weekend trip.
We loved making candles as a family — choosing colors, scents, and decorations!
Strawtown Koteewi Park
Location: 12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville, Indiana 46060
Contact: 317-774-2574 | Stawtown Koteewi Park
Hours: Daily, from dawn to dusk
Strawtown Koteewi Park is Hamilton County’s largest park, covering 750 acres of land with over 8 miles of trails. This park has something for everyone:
- Canoe launch
- Fishing
- Koteewi Aerial Trail Adventures
- Koteewi Range (archery)
- Koteewi Run (snow tubing)
- Koteewi Trace – A Native American village replica
- K-Trails (equestrian)
- Nature trails
- Wetlands and prairies
Hotels in Noblesville, Indiana
Check out these hotels for your next stay in Noblesville, Indiana:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville: 13700 Conference Center Drive South, Noblesville, Indiana
Cambria Hotel Noblesville: 13500 Tegler Drive, Noblesville, Indiana
Courtyard Indianapolis/Noblesville: 17863 Foundation Drive, Noblesville, Indiana
Things To Do In Westfield, Indiana
Westfield, Indiana is known for sports. There you’ll find the Grand Park Sports Campus, a 400-acre facility featuring baseball, softball, soccer, football, and lacrosse.
Cone + Crumb
Location: 205 Park Street, Westfield, Indiana 46074
Contact: 319-399-7878 | Cone + Crumb
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Recommendation: Fresh Mint and Dark Chocolate
Cone + Crumb is a cute little ice cream shop located next to a cluster of restaurants in Westfield, Indiana (aka “restaurant row”). You need to go and try the Fresh Mint and Dark Chocolate ice cream. If you’ve never had fresh mint ice cream before, you’re in for a treat. It’s different than traditional mint ice cream, reminiscent of a mint plant in the garden. I’ve only ever had it one other time (at Miraval in Tuscon, Arizona) so I get really excited when I find it!
Masks are required inside, but there’s an outside deck with tables and chairs so you can enjoy your ice cream mask free.
Italian House on Park
Location: 219 Park Street #9407, Westfield, Indiana 46074
Contact: 317-804-5619 | Italian House on Park
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Recommendation: Lasagne with 1/2 vodka sauce and 1/2 red sauce, Roasted Beet Salad
Italian House on Park is located on “restaurant row” in Westfield, Indiana. It’s got distanced seating inside plus a large outside patio for dining al fresco. The menu consists of Italian favorites including pasta, steaks, and seafood. Reservations are recommended.
MacGregor Park
Location: 21105 MacGregor Park Road, Westfield, Indiana 46074
MacGregor Park is a small park that has 3 miles of trails. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for a kid-friendly hike or just want to get out in nature for a bit.
Hotels in Westfield, Indiana
During my time in Hamilton County, Indiana I stayed at the Cambria Hotel Westfield. It’s clean, modern, and close to lots of nearby attractions. Grand Park Sports Campus is located directly across the street so it’s extremely convenient if you’re traveling for your child’s sports tournament.
Check out these hotels for your next stay in Noblesville, Indiana:
Cambria Hotel Westfield-Indianapolis: 18592 Carousel Lane, Westfield, Indiana
Hampton Inn Westfield: 17400 Wheeler Road, Westfield, Indiana
Springhill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Westfield: 19317 Westmore Lane, Westfield, Indiana
Final Thoughts
Hamilton County in Indiana is an area that includes the cities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield. It’s conveniently located just north of Indianapolis and is an easy drive from many midwestern cities.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or are looking for an adults-only getaway, Hamilton County is a great destination that makes a perfect road trip stop.
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I love living near Hamilton County!
Hi Jamie,
I bet! It’s a really fun area!
Conner Prairie is so much fun and Carmel is an art lovers dream!
Hi Cindy,
I totally agree. I want to go back to see more of the art in Carmel!
I love Hamilton County and need to revisit ASAP!
Hi Cheryl,
I want to go back again too! Such a fun area!
Looks like a great family weekend! I’m going to pin this for later. Our family needs to do more exploring in Indiana!