Muncie Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Muncie with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the city's best attractions, outdoor adventures, dining options, and more.


Introduction to Muncie

Muncie is a charming city situated in Central Indiana, in the Midwest region of the United States. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and thriving arts scene. Muncie is home to Ball State University and boasts a lively student community, vibrant downtown area, and a plethora of recreational opportunities.

This travel guide will take you on a journey through the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Muncie. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

List of Places to Visit in Muncie

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Muncie has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors will find plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. These include:

  • Minnetrista: A cultural center that celebrates the heritage of East Central Indiana. Here, you can explore beautiful gardens, visit the historic homes of influential Muncie families, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.

  • David Owsley Museum of Art: A world-class museum located on the Ball State University campus. It houses more than 11,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary.

  • The Delaware County Historical Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Delaware County. Here, you can learn about the area’s Native American heritage, the Underground Railroad, and the Ball family, who played a significant role in Muncie’s development.

  • The Old West End: A historic neighborhood that features stunning architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to admire the beautiful homes and learn about their rich history.

Natural Attractions of Muncie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Muncie is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views to be enjoyed. Some of the top natural attractions in the area include:

  • Prairie Creek Reservoir: A scenic lake that covers over 1,200 acres and is perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

  • Mounds State Park: A gorgeous nature reserve that offers hiking trails, an aquatic center, and one of the largest Native American earthwork structures in the state.

  • Cardinal Greenway: A 62-mile trail that winds through Muncie and other towns, offering plenty of scenic views and opportunities for biking and hiking.

  • Minnetrista Nature Area: A lovely nature reserve with serene walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a variety of wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Muncie

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Muncie has plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the most popular trails in the area include:

  • White River Greenway Trail: A scenic trail that winds through Muncie, offering views of the White River and downtown.

  • Prairie Creek Reservoir Trail: A scenic 6-mile hike that takes you around the reservoir, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscape.

  • McColloch Park Trail: A lovely 2.5-mile trail that takes you through a peaceful park and offers views of several sculptures and historical landmarks.

  • Cardinal Greenway: As mentioned earlier, this 62-mile trail offers plenty of scenic views and opportunities for biking and hiking.

Best Things to Do in Muncie: Activities and Tours

In addition to the attractions listed above, there are plenty of other fun and exciting things to see and do in Muncie. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend a Ball State University event: From football games to art exhibitions, Ball State University offers a wide variety of events throughout the year.

  • Visit Muncie Children’s Museum: A fun and interactive museum that offers hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.

  • Tour local breweries and wineries: Muncie has a growing craft beer and wine scene, with several breweries and wineries offering tours and tastings.

  • Explore downtown Muncie: Downtown Muncie is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Take a walk through the area to discover its unique charm.

Week-Long Itinerary for Muncie

If you have a week to spend in Muncie, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Explore downtown Muncie and visit the Delaware County Historical Museum.

Day 2: Spend the day at Mounds State Park, hiking its beautiful trails and learning about its Native American history.

Day 3: Visit Minnetrista, exploring its beautiful gardens and historic homes.

Day 4: Take a bike ride on Cardinal Greenway, enjoying its scenic views and stopping at local breweries and wineries along the way.

Day 5: Spend the day at Prairie Creek Reservoir, enjoying fishing, boating, and hiking.

Day 6: Visit the David Owsley Museum of Art and the Ball State University campus.

Day 7: Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic homes in the Old West End neighborhood.

Food and Drink Scene of Muncie

Must-Try Dishes

Muncie has a diverse food scene, with plenty of local dishes to sample. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Pork tenderloin sandwich: This Indiana classic is a must-try when visiting Muncie. It features a tender pork cutlet breaded and fried to perfection, served on a soft bun with traditional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

  • Persian donuts: A unique Muncie treat, these baked sweet treats are coated in cinnamon sugar, making for a delightful dessert or snack.

  • Hoosier pie: A delicious pie made with sweet custard and pecans, and topped with mounds of whipped cream.

Local Beverages

Muncie has a growing craft beer and wine scene, and there are several local breweries and wineries worth visiting. Some of the best local beverages to try include:

  • Two-EE’s Winery: This award-winning winery produces a variety of delicious wines, including reds, whites, and fruit blends.

  • The Guardian Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from light and refreshing to dark and complex.

  • The Heorot Pub and Draught House: This popular pub offers a huge selection of craft beers from around the world, as well as tasty snacks and live music.

Where to Stay in Muncie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Muncie has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best options include:

  • Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center: A modern and comfortable hotel located in downtown Muncie, offering spacious rooms and convenient amenities.

  • Herdt’s Pleasure Resort: A relaxing guesthouse set on a scenic lake, offering cozy cabins and a range of outdoor activities.

  • Ball State University Hotel and Dining: A comfortable and affordable hotel located on the Ball State University campus, offering easy access to all the university’s amenities and events.

What to Buy in Muncie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a unique souvenir or gift to bring home from Muncie? Here are a few ideas:

  • Persian donuts: A delicious and unique Muncie treat, these baked sweet treats make for a perfect gift or snack.

  • Local crafts and artworks: Muncie has a thriving arts scene, and there are plenty of local artists and crafters selling their wares in shops and galleries throughout the city.

  • Ball State University merchandise: From T-shirts to coffee mugs, there’s no shortage of Ball State University gear to be found in Muncie.

Local Culture and Customs of Muncie

Muncie is a welcoming and friendly city, with a rich cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for the arts. Visitors can expect to encounter locals who are proud of their community and eager to share its unique history and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Muncie

The best time to visit Muncie is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. Fall is also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Muncie

Do:

  • Explore local museums and historical sites: Muncie has a rich cultural heritage, and there’s plenty to explore and discover.

  • Try local cuisine and beverages: Muncie has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of local dishes and beverages to sample.

  • Take advantage of outdoor activities: With its beautiful natural landscapes, Muncie offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and more.

Don’t:

  • Ignore local traffic laws: Observe speed limits, stop signs, and other traffic laws to avoid accidents and fines.

  • Litter or damage natural areas: Always respect the environment and clean up after yourself.

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions: Be polite and respectful to locals, and avoid any actions that could be considered rude or offensive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Muncie

Muncie is generally a safe and friendly city. However, visitors should exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Muncie

Muncie has several medical facilities offering quality healthcare services. Visitors who need medical attention can seek assistance at Ball Memorial Hospital, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, or the Meridian Health Services clinic.

Getting to Muncie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Muncie

The closest airport to Muncie is Fort Wayne International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. Indianapolis International Airport is also within easy reach, located about 90 minutes from Muncie.

Bus Stations Near Muncie

The Muncie Indiana Transit Service (MITS) operates a bus route throughout the city and surrounding areas. Greyhound also operates a bus route to Muncie, with a stop at the Ball State University Student Center.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Muncie from nearby cities and towns, or rent a car at one of the nearby airports.

How to Get Around in Muncie

Muncie is a walkable city, and visitors can easily explore downtown and other nearby attractions on foot. Biking is also a popular option, with several trails and bike lanes throughout the city.

Those who prefer to drive can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Muncie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore the area, there are several nearby destinations and excursions worth considering. Some ideas include:

  • Indianapolis: The state capital and a vibrant cultural hub, located just 90 minutes from Muncie.

  • Fort Wayne: A charming city located about an hour from Muncie, known for its beautiful parks, museums, and historical landmarks.

  • Hoosier National Forest: A stunning natural area located about 2 hours from Muncie, offering hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Muncie is a charming and vibrant city that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and everything in between. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’re sure to be enchanted by this welcoming and beautiful Indiana gem.