Learn about Zionsville Indiana.

Zionsville Overview

Nestled in the southeast corner of Boone County is the historic and charming little town of Zionsville, Indiana. This affluent community of approximately 57,000 exudes an old-fashioned charm that’s hard to come by these days, with its brick-paved, Main Street and eclectic mix of boutiques, mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.

Street view of the main street in Zionsville, Indiana
Street view of the main street in Zionsville, Indiana

But while Zionsville is known for its historic downtown “Village” area, there are several other key aspects of this town that make it a very desirable places to live in central Indiana. These include a vibrant real estate market, several fun annual events, a respected business community, and an excellent school system that recently ranked No. 5 in the state according to Indianapolis Monthly, and No. 290 out of 31,242 U.S. public high schools listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools Rankings.”

Articles About Zionsville, Indiana

Homes for sale in Zionsville, Indiana

Zionsville may be small, but it is big on art. The town boasts a number of small galleries, art-related shops and performing arts venues. Here are a just few examples.

A King’s Art Studio and Gallery

A King's Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
A King’s Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 66 East Cedar Street in Zionsville, A King’s Art Studio and Gallery features art in a variety of media, including watercolor, ink, pastel, acrylic and mixed media, plus handcrafted sterling silver jewelry by Ann W. King and other artists.

Art In Hand Gallery

Art In Hand Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
Art In Hand Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

Art In Hand Gallery is located on Zionsville’s famous brick-paved street, at 211 South Main Street. This quaint, little art co-operative is staffed by local artists, who feature their own work, which includes photography, paintings and watercolor pieces, in addition to all kinds of handmade artistry, such as blown glass, pottery and jewelry.

CCA Gallery

CCA Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
CCA Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

CCA Gallery is located on 47 South Main Street in Zionsville. This charming co-cop gallery was formed in 1978 by a group of local artists, and is still going strong, with over 30 resident artists who share the space.

Window view of the CCA Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
Window view of the CCA Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

CCA Gallery offers a variety of affordable art, including turned wood pieces, hand-thrown vases, paintings and other works. Their inventory of art is known to rotate roughly every two months, and their members take turns running the gallery/shop.

The Sanctuary (Art of N.A. Noel)

Sign at The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
Sign at The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 75 North Main Street sits a fully restored, 19th-century Victorian church, which serves as a museum and gallery. “The Sanctuary,” as it is called, showcases the work of world-renowned local artist Nancy A. Noel (N.A. Noel).

Street view of The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
Street view of The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

Her work includes framed and unframed reproductions of lifestyle prints, as well as animal and children-themed prints, plus a variety of original pieces, such as giclée’s on canvas and paper.

Interior view of The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana
Interior view of The Sanctuary Art Gallery in Zionsville, Indiana

The shop sells various prints, books and gift certificates. The venue itself–which is available for private events–boasts a 25-foot fireplace, a grand staircase that leads to a catwalk overlooking the main gallery, a fully-stocked bar, and original stained-glass windows.

Attractions

Zionsville boasts a number of fun and interesting attractions, many of which are located in and around the Main Street Village, in downtown Zionsville. Here are just a few examples of Zionsville attractions.

Brick Street Inn & Café

Brick Street Inn and Café in Zionsville, Indiana
Brick Street Inn and Café in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 175 South Main Street is a bed-and-breakfast called the Brick Street Inn & Café. This charming, little gem of the downtown Village has humble beginnings. What started as simple frame house built in 1865, recently underwent a dramatic renovation to give each room an upscale feel, while other parts of the building retained the historic charm that made this such an enduring establishment. And it is located within walking distance to Lion’s Park and Lincoln Park, not to mention a host of other quaint shops and eateries.

Community Wildlife Habitat

Brick Street Inn and Café in Zionsville, Indiana
Brick Street Inn and Café in Zionsville, Indiana

It’s not an attraction per se, but the community of Zionsville has been officially recognized by the Indiana Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation as a “Community Wildlife Habitat.”

When Zionsville received the certification on September 23, 2000, it became the state’s first, and the country’s second, Community Wildlife Habitat to pass the rigorous certification process–no small feat considering the point grading system requires that 75 homes, 2 common areas, and 2 schools be certified. At last count, there were 195 certified wildlife-friendly areas in Zionsville.

Fanimation Museum

Interior view of the fans at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana
Interior view of the fans at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana

What started as a hobbyist’s fascination in some guy’s garage turned into a thriving international business, not to mention one of coolest the museums you’ll find in central Indiana, let alone the country

More displays of fans at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana
More displays of fans at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 10983 Bennett Parkway in Zionsville, Fanimation is a unique antique fan museum and manufacturer of fans. They don’t actually sell their own fans directly, but instead sell them through dealers.

Old upright piano at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana
Old upright piano at the Fanimation Museum in Zionsville, Indiana

The museum showcases virtually every type of fan that has ever existed, from antique fans to modern and exotic ones, and everything in between. This is definitely worth a visit if you plan to be in Zionsville.

Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library

Interior view of the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library
Interior view of the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library

Ensconced in the charming “Village” area of Zionsville is the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library. Located at 250 North 5th Street, this public library fits perfectly into the neighborhood.

Reading room at the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library
Reading room at the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library

The upstairs sections is where you’ll find the adult and teen sections, in addition to the main reference area and movies on DVD. Downstairs is the kids area, which is overseen by some of the most patient librarians you’ll ever meet!

Different events happen in the Hussey Room at the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library
Different events happen in the Hussey Room at the Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library

In addition, the library offers a variety of classes and other fun activities, such as Pilates, Parent/Child Chess Club nights, Safe Sitter and TEEN: Pokémon.

Traders Point Creamery

Unique dining experience happens at The Loft Restaurant at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana
Unique dining experience happens at The Loft Restaurant at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 9101 Moore Road in Zionsville, and just 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Traders Point Creamery is an artisan creamery and organic dairy farm that offers a unique farm-to-table experience.

Side view of The Loft Restaurant at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana
Side view of The Loft Restaurant at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana

The creamery makes everything from milk, yogurt and artisan cheeses to cottage cheese, ice cream and eggnog.

Food and drink to go at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana
Food and drink to go at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana

The Loft is a rustic, on-site restaurant that offers a fine dining experience, including dishes made with their in-house creamery products.

Old time, wooden directional signpost at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana
Old time, wooden directional signpost at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, Indiana

Traders Point Creamery also offers a Dairy Bar and Farm Store, in addition to some amazing outdoor views of the grazing pastures, complete with a herd of Swiss cows. Guided tours are also available.

Zion Nature Center

Zion Nature Center in Zionsville, Indiana
Zion Nature Center in Zionsville, Indiana

Whether it’s live frogs, turtles lizards or snakes, the Zion Nature Center fits a lot into this former house.

Turtle at the Zion Nature Center in Zionsville, Indiana
Turtle at the Zion Nature Center in Zionsville, Indiana

Located at 90 Beech Street in Zionsville, this enjoyable environmental facility is a fun place to come see, and learn, about animals. And it’s a great place to experience nature as well, with plenty of scenic grounds and trails to explore.

Zionsville Farmers Market

People buying stuff at a booth at the Farmer's Market in Zionsville, Indiana
People buying stuff at a booth at the Farmer’s Market in Zionsville, Indiana

From 8-11 a.m. every Saturday, Mother’s Day through September, you can find the Zionsville Farmers Market in the parking lot on the corner of First and Hawthorne, at south end of the brick-paved Main Street.

Children playing with a dog at the Farmer's Market in Zionsville, Indiana
Children playing with a dog at the Farmer’s Market in Zionsville, Indiana

This vibrant farmer market is abuzz with activity, as visitors and locals alike come in search of fresh produce, baked goods, spices, honey, colorful breads, pastries, artisan cheeses, farm fresh meats and eggs, and a cornucopia of other locally prepared food items, plants and flowers.

Spicy nuts at the Farmer's Market in Zionsville, Indiana
Spicy nuts at the Farmer’s Market in Zionsville, Indiana

The farmers market is also a great place to engage with other members of the community. There’s always live music, and they even hold special theme days, such as Bike-to-Market Day, Strawberry Shortcake Day and National Farmers Market Day.

Events

A number of fun, annual events take place in Zionsville, which draw visitors from all around central Indiana. Here are a few of the more popular Zionsville events.

Brick Street Chili Cook-Off

Yum, Yum! It's the Chili Cookoff in Zionsville, Indiana
Yum, Yum! It’s the Chili Cookoff in Zionsville, Indiana

For 6 years and running, the Brick Street Chili Cook-Off has been a fun public event that challenges Zionsville folks to bring their best chili recipes to see if they have what it takes to win. The event is held in the Village area of Zionsville.

Fall Festival

People on a bench at the Fall Festival in Zionville, Indiana
People on a bench at the Fall Festival in Zionville, Indiana

The 3-day Fall Festival is a long-standing tradition in Zionsville that takes place the first week of is September, and is the largest fundraiser for Lions Park.

Zionsville Trick or Treat & Ghost Walk

Spooky face makeup at the Ghost Walk in Zionsville, Indiana
Spooky face makeup at the Ghost Walk in Zionsville, Indiana

The Zionsville Trick or Treat & Ghost Walk in Boone Village is a seasonal event that takes place in October, in the historic Village area of Zionsville. Guests enjoy a 45-minute guided walking tour, in which they stop at several local merchants who provide free treats to trick-or-treaters.

Other Zionsville events include:

  • The July Fourth fireworks show is hosted by the local Lion’s Club, and is popular among locals.
  • Zionsville Country Market is sponsored by the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, and is held on Main Street the third week of May, on a Saturday.
  • The entertaining Miss Indiana Pageant is the competition that decides which young lady will represent the state of Indiana in the Miss America pageant. The competition is held in June at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center.
  • The Brick Street Gallery Walk is held on an evening in June along Main Street, and features dozens of artists and local businesses, plus live music, food, drink and other fun activities.

Main Street “Village”

Downtown street view of Main Street in Zionsville, Indiana
Downtown street view of Main Street in Zionsville, Indiana

Zionsville’s Main Street “Village” is hands-down the single-most popular attraction the town has to offer. Like something straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, this quaint, brick-paved downtown area offers period architecture, historic charm, and over 160 businesses, from one-of-a-kind specialty shops and boutiques to restaurants and other businesses.

The Friendly Tavern in Zionsville, Indiana
The Friendly Tavern in Zionsville, Indiana

Not only is the Village a great place to shop and dine, but it is a central staging area for several fun, annual events that take place throughout the year, including the EGGnormous Egg Hunt, Market Eve, Brick Street Market, Zionsville Farmer’s Market, Lincoln Park Concert Series, Street Dance, Fall Festival, and Christmas in the Village to name a few

Robert Goodman Jewelers in this street scene in Zionsville, Indiana
Robert Goodman Jewelers in this street scene in Zionsville, Indiana

There are so many different types of establishments in the Village, selling everything from chocolates, wine and gourmet popcorn to art, jewelry, clothes and even antique furniture.

Residential home in the village in Zionsville, Indiana
Residential home in the village in Zionsville, Indiana

Main Street in Zionsville is one of those increasingly rare, but ever-so-refreshing, walkable public spaces where you can park your car (parking is free) and enjoy the pristine pleasure of an old-town village and make a day of it while you’re at it.

Golf Courses in Zionsville

Zionsville is home to a small collection of golf courses, perhaps the most impressive of which, in terms of sheer beauty, is Wolf Run Golf Club. Other golf courses include Hickory Bend Golf Course, Zionsville Golf Course and Zionsville Golf Practice Center.

Hickory Bend Golf Course

Golfer set to swing at the Hickory Bend Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana
Golfer set to swing at the Hickory Bend Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana

Hickory Bend Golf Course is located at 60 South 900 East in Zionsville. This 9-hole course was built in 1996, and features a short layout with 3 sets of tee boxes.

Wolf Run Golf Club

Fairway and sand traps at the Wolfe Run Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana
Fairway and sand traps at the Wolfe Run Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana

Wolf Run Golf Club is located at 601 S 900 E in Zionsville. This private, regulation-length, 18-hole course was designed and built by Steven R. Smyers in 1989. It offers 6,805 yards of golf from the longest tees, scenic views with no houses in sight, bent grass greens, and a driving range

Zionsville Golf Course

Fairway and trees at the Zionsville Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana
Fairway and trees at the Zionsville Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana

Zionsville Golf Course is located at 10799 East 550 South in Zionsville. This 9-hole course features 2,767 yards of golf from the longest tees, beautiful blue grass, and several challenging greens. It’s a good course for anyone on a budget.

Zionsville Golf Practice Center

Driving range and practice at the Zionsville Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana
Driving range and practice at the Zionsville Golf Course in Zionsville, Indiana

The Zionsville Golf Practice Center is located at 2301 U.S. 421 in Zionsville. This 24-acre golf practice facility offers 35 grass tee stations, 15 artificial grass tees and 6 target greens, and a 5,000 square foot grass green.

A Little Zionsville Indiana History

Zionsville history is uneventful, which is quite understandable, considering the fact that it is the quintessential small Midwestern town. However, wandering through its neighborhoods, particularly downtown Zionsville, you can see signs of history. City fathers and the Merchants’ Association of present-day Zionsville, Indiana have ensured that the town retains a certain vintage village flavor, especially in “historic” Main Street, the center of town.
Chartered in 1852, this quaint community is now home to some 9,000 residents. A gentleman named John Miller built a boarding house in Zionsville and became its first resident with an actual household. Within eight years, by the next census, he had about 364 neighbors.

It was William Zion, however, whose name is commemorated in Zionsville.
Director of the local railroad, he collaborated with Elijah and Mary Cross from nearby Eagle Village to have the area formally platted, and it was this threesome who became the original town proprietors.

Over the years, Eagle Village, another diminutive community just northeast of Zionsville, fed their overflow into the new town. Both Zionsville’s Church of Christ and Methodist parishes were transplants from Eagle Village during the 1860s.

But it was the train system that drew new residents during those days. Zionsville was fortunate to be a passenger stop on the rail lines that were just beginning to connect all the dots on the United States map, big and small. In those days, the tracks were located right in the middle of Main Street, but have since been moved.
During the next generations, the little town experienced its ups and downs, as all towns do. Abe Lincoln made a whistle stop in Zionsville in 1861 and spoke a few words to the folks. That site is now known as Lincoln Park.

This Indianapolis suburb has almost always has a cultural bent, and Zionsville history reflects that. Only a few decades after its inception, the town raised a stage for entertainers and speakers. And so was born Clark’s Opera House, where Susan B. Anthony, the famous suffragette, and James Whitcomb Riley, the famous poet, both addressed crowds.

During the 1920’s, Zionsville became a hotbed for dahlia-growers, with professional gardeners producing nationally recognized dahlias. From this time period and fascination, the town received the nickname, “The Dahlia City.”

During the late 1900s, the small bedroom community of Zionsville did not experience the growth rates of its small-town neighbors, Fishers and Carmel, largely fed by “white flight” from nearby metropolis Indianapolis. This was by design, since growth was stringently controlled. Present day Zionsville, however, is in the throes of transition, having to find ways to adapt to new growth which appears to be an inevitability.