Visit Hendricks County with our 2-day itinerary! Enjoy the perfect day trip from Indianapolis full of outdoor family fun, farm friends, delicious food, and more!

Nestled in the heart of the Indiana, Hendricks County is full of serene country landscapes, charming small towns, and a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. You’ll really enjoy exploring the beautiful rolling countryside, indulging in farm-to-table restaurants, and finding hidden treasures with your family. Hendricks County offers a lot of fun things to do for both young and old. So get ready to pack your bags for another great Midwest travel adventure!

I recently had the opportunity to visit Hendricks County, Indiana with one of my daughters for a quick last-minute getaway to Indiana. It’s always fun when you can take your daughter to work, and we had a great time in the central Indiana towns of Danville, Avon, and Plainfield during our visit to Hendricks County.

Many thanks to Visit Hendricks County for sponsoring my Indiana Getaway. All opinions are mine.

Where is Hendricks, County Indiana?

Hendricks County is centrally located in Indiana off two major interstates, I-70 and I-74. It’s a relatively close and convenient destination from many Midwestern cities including:

• Indianapolis, Indiana – 30 minutes
• Cincinnati, Ohio – 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive
• Louisville, Kentucky – 2 1/2 – 3 hour drive
• Chicago, Illinois – 3 – 3 1/2 hour drive
• St. Louis, Missouri – 3 1/2 – 4 hour drive
• Davenport, Iowa – 4 1/2 – 5 hour drive
• Nashville, Tennessee – 4 1/2 – 5 hour drive

Located just 30 minutes outside Indianapolis, Hendricks County is an easy five hour drive from my home in Eastern Iowa. I appreciated the relative calm of the drive southeast on Interstate 74 to this western suburb of Indianapolis. Compared to the packed Interstate 80, there’s virtually no traffic. We did have to contend with a bit of road construction, but that seems to be par for course no matter where we travel these days.

What is Hendricks County known for?

In addition to its charming small towns and lush, green midwest countryside, Hendricks County hosts many popular events throughout the year. Here are just a few events Hendricks County is known for:

• Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ
• Danville Farmers Market
• Hendricks County Fair
• Sunflower Festival at Beasley’s Orchard
• North Salem Old Fashion Days
• Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway

What towns are in Hendricks County?

Hendricks County, Indiana, is home to several charming towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. Here are a few of the towns in Hendricks County:

Avon, Indiana

You’ll find lots of fun things to do in Avon from a mix of shopping and dining to outdoor activities too. It’s also home to Avon Gardens, a beautiful botanical oasis.

Brownsburg, Indiana

Things to do in Brownsburg include parks, trails, racing, and more. Home to the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway, the World’s Biggest Drag Race™ takes place in Brownsburg, Indiana every Labor Day weekend!

Danville, Indiana

There are lots of fun things to do in Danville, the county seat of Hendricks County. You’ll enjoy the lovely, well-preserved downtown area and iconic courthouse. Danville is home to the Mayberry Cafe and several other delicious places to eat. We also love that it’s centrally located in Hendricks County, about 15 minutes from most of the other towns around it.

Plainfield, Indiana

Plainfield is the largest town in Hendricks County. Located off Interstate 70, it’s also close to the Indianapolis International Airport. We really enjoyed Historic Downtown Plainfield full of local boutiques, antique shops, and fun eateries like the Prewitt Restaurant and Lounge.

North Salem, Indiana

Nestled in the northern part of the county, North Salem is known for its quiet streets, historic buildings, and friendly community. You’ll find McCloud Nature Park and Perillo’s Pizzeria here.

What’s the best time of year to visit Hendricks County?

Hendricks County offers fun things to do in every season, but we think summer and fall are probably the best times to visit. In the summer you’ll have hot weather for swimming, hiking, picnics, and family outings. There are lots of summer events, festivals, and farmers markets to explore in the summer months.

In the fall when the weather starts to change, Hendricks County is a great place to find beautiful fall foliage, apples, and pumpkins. Cooler weather might also make hiking and other outdoor fun a little more enjoyable depending on your favorite outdoor temperatures.

What makes Hendricks County a great day trip from Indianapolis?

Anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city of Indianapolis is in for a treat! Without venturing far from Indy’s urban energy you’ll find small towns and picturesque, rural countryside when you visit Hendricks County. With no shortage of fun things to do and more delicious food than you’ll be able to eat, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind, connect with loved ones, and create lasting memories.

If you’re interested in a last-minute Midwest family vacation, take a look at this lovely getaway in Indiana. Here are a few things your whole family will enjoy including where to eat and where to stay when you visit Hendricks County.

Use Our 2 Day Itinerary When You Visit Hendricks County

Day 1 in Hendricks County

• Explore McCloud Nature Park
• Lunch at Perillo’s Pizzeria in North Salem
• Trail Ride at Natural Valley Ranch
• Check-in to Hotel
• Dinner at the Prewitt Restaurant & Lounge

Day 2 in Hendricks County

• Breakfast at Bread Basket Cafe
• Explore Downtown Danville
• Pet piggies at Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary
• Lunch at Rusted Silo Southern BBQ
• Explore Avon
• Dinner at Opa! Greek Restaurant
• Family Friendly Improv at Red Curb Comedy

What to do in Hendricks County Indiana

Here’s how to spend two fun, active days in Hendricks County!

Day 1 – McCloud Nature Park

Start your weekend getaway in Hendricks County at McCloud Nature Park. Located just outside North Salem, McCloud Nature Center offers a 232-acre serene outdoor oasis. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to take photos, this is it! McCloud Nature Park also has native prairie, a playground, hiking trails, a Bee House where you can watch honey bees at work, and a Nature Center to explore.

Located away from city light pollution, McCloud Nature Center is the place to enjoy the dark night sky during one of their nighttime astronomy programs. If you go in the fall, it’s also the place to view fall foliage according to Visit Indiana.

We enjoyed the short hike out to the 120-foot-long truss bridge at McCloud that allows visitors to cross over Big Walnut Creek. This bridge originally crossed Monon Creek in Pulaski County, Indiana but was taken apart and moved to McCloud Nature Center in 2006. It’s a beautiful spot near the Bee House and the native prairie lands so make sure you find it!

Where – 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, In

Lunch at Perillo’s Pizzeria

After working up an appetite at McCloud Nature Center, head out to Perillo’s Pizzeria in North Salem for authentic Italian, from scratch, wood-fired pizza! We have it on the best authority that this is a fantastic hidden gem in Hendricks County. And, it’s under 10 minutes away from McCloud Nature Center!

Where – 5 South Broadway Street, North Salem, In

Natural Valley Ranch

After lunch, work off some of those pizza calories with a trail ride at Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg. It’ll take about 20 minutes to get out to Natural Valley Ranch after lunch. Be ready to lend a helping hand! Owner Marie Damler might let you help brush and saddle your horse if you want!

And the one-hour trail ride through her ranch is so much fun! She’ll go at your comfort level. If you’re a little nervous, Marie will take it easy. But if you’re game, she’ll let the horses take it up a wee little notch. Highly recommend a trail ride with Marie!

After your trail ride, make sure to say hi to other animals Marie and her crew take care of Natural Valley Ranch in the animal interaction area. Here you will find ducks, goats, chickens, potbelly pigs, and more, all ready for attention and love!

Where – 6310 E County Road 350 N, Brownsburg, In

What – Learn more about trail rides and make a reservation for your trail ride here.

Check in to your Hotel

After your trail ride, check in to your hotel, take a shower, and rest up for dinner! We stayed in Plainfield, just a few minutes away from our dinner destination.

Dinner at Prewitt Restaurant and Lounge or the Oasis Diner

Your evening activity is to stroll through historic downtown Plainfield. Filled with shops, parks, and historic buildings, we know you will enjoy looking for murals too! For dinner, we recommend checking out the Prewitt Restaurant and Lounge if you want a more upscale dining experience, or the Oasis Diner if you want something more kid-friendly. Both are locally owned and have amazing stories.

The Prewitt is locally owned and located inside a renovated 1920s theater! It serves craft dishes, trendy cocktails, features a movie screen, rooftop dining with live music, and a couple of neat bars. Definitely save room for dessert! We really enjoyed our meal at The Prewitt!

Where – Make reservations here and find the Prewitt at 121 West Main Street, Plainfield, In

The Oasis Diner has been a Plainfield staple since 1954. It was moved four miles west to its current location and completely restored in 2014. The Oasis Diner is the only diner on the National Road in Indiana and is one of only five historical diners remaining on US 40 from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois! We hear their tenderloin sandwich and homemade milkshakes are the best!

Where – 405 West Main Street, Plainfield, In

Where to Stay in Hendricks County

We stayed at the Staybridge Suites in Plainfield. This pet-friendly hotel has a great outdoor area with a heated, outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, complementary breakfast buffet, and they’re close to the airport too.

Other family-friendly accommodations in Hendricks County include two vacation rental houses at Natural Valley Ranch – The Cabin and the Cottage. These multi-bedroom houses are perfect for large families or groups seeking a country adventure.

Day 2 – Explore Downtown Danville

Start your second day visiting Hendricks County in the town of Danville with breakfast at the Bread Basket Cafe and Bakery, voted Indiana’s best breakfast by Yelp. This family-owned restaurant has been around for 18 years and specializes in delicious baked goods, a hearty breakfast fare, and a very popular homemade chicken salad.

I love that it’s woman-owned and operated – a true labor of love that started after child number four, Jinayla, went away to college. Jinayla Bollman is now co-owner with her mother Judy Sexton, and together they run a phenomenal business with 40 employees.

Not only is their food fantastic, but I love that they buy leftover produce from the Danville Farmers Market to use in their recipes. Stop in each Saturday for a new flavor of quiche or go with the customer-favorite cinnamon roll french toast, made from homemade cinnamon rolls.

Where – 46 S Tennessee St, Danville

Learn more – find their menu here or check their Facebook page for current specials and hours.

After breakfast, walk around the block and explore downtown Danville. There are lots of things to do in Danville’s historic square, including:

• The weekend Farmer’s Market for locally grown food, flower, and hand made souvenirs
• The Mayberry Cafe where you can peek at memorabilia from the Andy Griffith show, take pictures with Andy’s squad car, and maybe watch an episode of Mayberry.
• Get ice cream at Danville Dips
• Try a donut from Red Donuts

Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

Founded in 2017 by a 14 year old girl named Olivia, the experience at Oinking Acres is like no other. It’s a 501(c3) nonprofit farm that not only rescues and cares for potbelly pigs, but also educates and spreads awareness about responsible animal stewardship. This is your chance to interact with more than 100 rescued potbelly pigs and other rescued farm animals including turkeys, donkeys, goats, and cats and to witness the impact of compassion and dedication.

If Olivia, the owner, is on-site, make sure to talk with her to learn the animals’ stories and struggles. You will leave Oinking Acres a changed person, hopefully, a bit more compassionate to the plight many animals face.

Things to do at Oinking Acres –

• Pet & feed the animals, respectfully
• Pig yoga
• Valenswine
• Buy some lovely merch to support these critters
• Adopt an animal

Where – 8420 N County Road 650 E Brownsburg, IN.

When – Currently open Fridays and Saturdays 11 am – 4 pm, but check Facebook or Instagram for changes.

Lunch at Rusted Silo Southern BBQ

You have to try Rustes Silo, voted Indy’s best BBQ for each of the last five years! It’s locally sourced and expertly cooked by classically trained former Euro Disney chef, Rob Ecker. Bring your appetite! Everything on the Ferris Wheel of Meat is delicious and the sides – collared greens and zucchini & tomatoes – everything was fantastic! Save room for dessert – from scratch Mama Junes Nanner Puddin was my fave!

Where – See the menu here and find the restaurant at 411 North State Street, Lizton, In

Explore Avon

After getting your fill of BBQ, head out to Avon for more exploration. Things to do in Avon include exploring the beautiful Avon Gardens, shopping in town, or making your own Tie-Dye Shirt at the Tie-Dye Lab. We also enjoyed our Churro Sundae from Danny’s Mexican Ice Cream and buying candy souvenirs at the Fudge Kettle.

Dinner at Opa! Greek Restaurant

I would go back to Hendricks County just to eat. There were so many delicious options and we just couldn’t fit them all in our bellies. One restaurant we would like to try is Opa! We drove by and it was packed, but we just weren’t hungry after such a big breakfast and lunch.

If you’re still hungry, grab dinner at Opa! This locally owned and operated restaurant in Avon has lovely outdoor patio seating and authentic Greek and Mediterranean food.

Where – 7900 East US Highway 36, Avon, Indiana

Red Curb Comedy Club Improv Show

For a fun evening of improv and laughs, we recommend going to the family-friendly Red Curb Comedy Club. We really enjoyed this interactive comedy show! Their Improv Comedy Show for all ages happens Saturdays at 7 pm, and the Adults Only R Rated show starts at 9:30. Find the schedule and link for purchasing tickets here.

Where – 8403 East US Highway 36, Avon, IN

We had such a great time during our visit to Hendricks County. If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what you loved most! Many thanks to Visit Hendricks County for a great visit! Head over here to get your free Visitors Guide.

For More Midwest Travel Adventures

A Weekend Getaway for Art, Culture, and Adventure in Hamilton County, Indiana

Eastern Iowa Summer Bucket List Inspiration

Art, History, Culture, Adventure, and Food Await in Dubuque, Iowa

Active, Outdoor Adventure Awaits in Fort Dodge, Iowa