Eastern Indiana's Muncie serves as the county seat for Delaware. Muncie is a 55-mile drive from Indianapolis and sits along the White River. In the renowned sociological study "Middletown," written by Robert S. and Helen M. Lynd and published in 1929, the average American town described is Muncie. The city was established in 1827 after trader Goldsmith C. Gilbert donated land for the county seat. Its name was changed from Munsee Town or Munsey Town in 1845. The town was named in honor of the former residents, the Delaware Indians of the Munsee (Wolf) clan.
The construction of the first railroad and the discovery of natural gas helped the city grow around 1852. Despite the failure of gas production in the early 1900s, the city expanded as a hub for regional transportation. It also grew as a manufacturing and agricultural center along with other industries. Muncie is now a bustling commercial and industrial hub, producing a wide range of goods such as wire, paper, plastics, automotive transmissions, parts, and tools.
Since 1918, Ball State University has been based in Muncie. The city is home to the Academy of Model Aeronautics which is a museum and a competition site. Oakhurst Gardens at Minnetrista is also in Muncie. These gardens showcase artistic, historical, and horticultural exhibits. About 10 miles to the south is Summit Lake State Park. Muncie has grown to be proud of its "typical American" nickname. It is now a thriving city with a population of over 67,000 people.
Visit the family-run Acapulco Restaurant, serving Mexican cuisine for over 20 years. Explore Asian Kitchen, where the food is always hot and freshly prepared. The steamed dumplings, chicken on a stick, and cashew chicken are all delicious. There is an option for dining in or takeout. You may enjoy the Prairie Creek Reservoir which is inhabited by various wildlife. Visit Cardinal Woods Park which has routes for biking and hiking.
Campgrounds Near Muncie, Indiana
Anderson / Muncie KOA spans 13 acres. The park's restrooms and showers are clean and functional. You will love the large pond with a designated swimming area and catch-and-release fishing. Enjoy the campground's 95 back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups. Pets are also allowed for a fee.
Big Oak Campground in Muncie has sites with full hookups. It is family-oriented and has two outdoor swimming pools, a basketball court, a mini golf course, and playgrounds. You can enjoy campground amenities including restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and a dog park. You will love its proximity to Indianapolis which is less than an hour away.
Walnut Ridge Campground near Muncie is another good option. It has 160 sites with full hookups. Wi-Fi is available, and the sites have excellent cell reception. You will find laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers for your convenience. Also, enjoy the campground's playground, indoor game room, horseshoe courts, and a nine-hole golf course. The site is pet-friendly, and they have plenty of activities and events for kids.
State Parks Near Muncie, Indiana
Just a 30-minute drive from Muncie lies the beautiful Summit Lake State Park, a 2,680-acre park. It features an 800-acre lake surrounded by forests, meadows, and marshes. Visit the Bald Eagle Observatory where you can spot the majestic birds during the winter season as they nest and fly. This park is excellent for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also explore the various trails and take your pick from over 10 miles of scenic hiking paths.
Mounds State Park is a popular destination for RVers in East Central Indiana and is about 16 miles from Muncie. This classically wooded area has access to several trails for hiking and exploring. It also has a wide array of local wildlife features to observe. Bikers will find plenty of terrains that suit their needs, from flat paths lined with sycamore trees to more challenging winding trails that lead into the heart of the forest. You can explore the seven ancient earthworks constructed by indigenous tribes over 2,000 years ago. These are some of their most important sacred sites.
Visit Hueston Woods State Park, 67 miles from Muncie, where you can go canoeing and kayaking on Acton Lake. Tents, cabins, and RV sites are available year-round and offer both electric and water hookups. You will enjoy exploring its diverse flora and fauna. Marvel at the park's stunning geological features including underground springs and cliff formations. Notable landmarks such as Spores Ferry Covered Bridge, Old Mill House Museum Complex, and Fort Ancient Earthworks provide a fascinating peek into the park's history. Hueston Woods also boasts several amenities, such as Wi-Fi access at select campsites, an onsite game center, a swimming pool complex, a mini golf course, and nature trails.
National Sites Near Muncie, Indiana
Explore the history of aviation and the moment when Wilbur and Oliver Wright first tested their aircraft by visiting the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio. It is 87 miles from Muncie. You can watch the history of flight unfold as you walk through the site. Wright Cycle Company Complex, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and the Dayton Aviation Welcome Center have been preserved to showcase the life of the two brothers and their contributions to aviation. You can also discover the bicycles they used to repair at Wright Brothers Cycle Shop.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Xenia, Ohio is a historic site dedicated to the memory of Colonel Charles Young and his service in the United States Army. Located 104 miles from Muncie, the monument honors the legacy of African American soldiers whose valiant efforts and dedication helped shape the nation's history. Visit the Grand Lodge Visitor Center which includes artifacts, displays, and historical markers that tell the story of Colonel Young's life and his service.
The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is 202 miles from Muncie and covers the story of Abraham Lincoln's life as he grew up in southwestern Indiana. You can follow Lincoln's journey from his childhood home to the White House. Retrace his footsteps through an original pioneer grave site or a replica of his father's 1816 homestead. Take advantage of the interactive displays, living history demonstrations, and museum exhibits housed in the Living Historical Farm.
National Forests Near Muncie, Indiana
Explore Hoosier National Forest, which is 169 miles from Muncie. This forest comprises over 202,000 acres across four counties in Southern Indiana and is home to numerous species of animals and plants. At its core is the 404-acre lake known as Brookville Lake. This lake provides excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, and swimming. You also have access to more than 250 miles of trails. These trails can be used for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and horseback riding.
You will have to drive 198 miles from Muncie to explore the gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest. It is a 708,000-acre forest that stretches across 21 counties in the central and eastern parts of Kentucky. The Cave Run Lake will be a highlight here. It is ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also explore the Red River Gorge Geological Area to experience its awe-inspiring cliffs and sandstone formations. There are plenty of activities to choose from, such as camping, rock climbing, kayaking, and zip-lining. Renters can also experience the beauty of nature by taking a stroll down one of its many hiking trails.
Wayne National Forest is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, just 211 miles from Muncie. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do here from camping and fishing to hiking and picnicking. The park also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding on its many trails. It boasts over 300 miles of trails and six campgrounds with amenities like hookups and restroom facilities. You can hunt and fish at numerous spots in the 13 designated wildlife areas. Explore the forest's diverse ecosystems ranging from plunging gorges to heavily wooded hillsides.
