Corydon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Corydon with our helpful travel guide. Discover the best attractions, food, and accommodations in Southern Indiana.


Introduction to Corydon

Located in Southern Indiana, Corydon is a small town with a lot to offer. As the first state capitol of Indiana, the town is rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore numerous museums and historical sites, as well as enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking along scenic routes.

List of Places to Visit in Corydon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site: This historic site is where Indiana’s first constitution was written. Visitors can tour the furnished Legislative Hall, Governor’s Room, and Supreme Court Chambers.
  • The Indiana Cave Trail: This trail links 17 beautiful caves across Southern Indiana. Visitors can take tours of these caves and learn about the geological formations and history of the area.
  • The Battle of Corydon Memorial Park: This park commemorates the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. Visitors can explore the various monuments and hiking trails.

Natural Attractions of Corydon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Indian Creek Trail: This scenic trail offers a 5-mile hike through the woods, with beautiful views of Indian Creek. It’s perfect for hiking, running, and picnicking.
  • O’Bannon Woods State Park: Visitors can hike, bike, and camp at this state park, which covers over 2,000 acres of wooded hills and valleys.
  • Harrison-Crawford State Forest: This forest has over 24,000 acres of land for visitors to explore. The forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting opportunities for visitors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Corydon

  • The Adventure Hiking Trail: This 26-mile trail offers hikers a challenging adventure through the wilderness that takes about 2-3 days to complete.
  • The Ohio River Greenway Trail: This trail spans across three different counties in Indiana, covering over 7 miles of paved pathway for hikers, walkers, and bikers.
  • The Harrison County Discovery Trail: This 7.7-mile trail offers scenic views of the Blue River Valley, and includes sites such as the Frederick’s Covered Bridge and Sycamore Springs Park.

Best Things to Do in Corydon: Activities and Tours

  • Corydon Ghost Walks: These walks guide visitors through the town, sharing tales of haunted houses and historic murders.
  • Big Splash Adventure Water Park: This indoor water park is perfect for family fun, with water slides and lazy rivers for every age group.
  • Speedway Indoor Karting: Visitors can test their driving skills on the high-speed indoor track.

Week-Long Itinerary for Corydon

Day Activity
1 Explore Corydon’s historic sites such as the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site and the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park.
2 Take a hike on the Adventure Hiking Trail or the Indian Creek Trail.
3 Visit the Indiana Cave Trail and explore one of the 17 beautiful caves in the area.
4 Spend the day at the Big Splash Adventure Water Park with the family.
5 Take a scenic drive through Harrison-Crawford State Forest and enjoy a picnic.
6 Check out the local art galleries and antique shops in town.
7 Try the delicious local cuisine and the local beers at the town’s bars and breweries.

Food and Drink Scene of Corydon

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried chicken: Corydon is known for its delicious fried chicken, which is available at many local restaurants. The fried chicken at Butt Drugs is particularly famous.
  • Hoosier tenderloin: A classic Indiana sandwich consisting of a breaded and fried pork tenderloin, served with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
  • Sugar cream pie: A classic Indiana dessert, this pie is made with a creamy custard-like filling and a flaky crust.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Corydon is surrounded by wineries, including Indian Creek Winery, Winzerwald Winery, and Turtle Run Winery.
  • Beer: Visitors can enjoy local beer and spirits at the Harrison County’s Old Capitol Brew Works, or at the nearby New Albanian Brewing Company.

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

  • Kintner House Inn: This historic bed and breakfast is located in the center of town and features luxurious rooms and locally-sourced breakfast options.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Corydon: This affordable hotel is perfect for budget travelers, and includes free breakfast and WiFi.
  • Corydon Lodge: Guests can enjoy a cozy stay in this family-owned lodge, which features individual cabins and a communal hot tub.

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

  • Handmade pottery and art: Several art studios and galleries in town feature handmade pottery, jewelry, and other artisanal products.
  • Antique treasures: The town is known for its antique shops and flea markets, with plenty of opportunities for unique finds.
  • Indiana souvenirs: Local shops sell t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs featuring Indiana state symbols and local landmarks.

Local Culture and Customs of Corydon

Corydon is a small town with friendly locals who take pride in their history and heritage. Visitors should be respectful of the town’s historic sites and take time to learn about the area’s rich culture and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Corydon

The best time to visit Corydon is during the fall and spring, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy the colorful fall foliage in the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Corydon

Do:

  • Take time to explore the historic sites and museums in the area.
  • Try the local cuisine and beer at the town’s restaurants and breweries.
  • Take advantage of the many hiking and outdoor activities available.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the parks and hiking trails.
  • Disrespect the town’s historic sites and local customs.
  • Drink and drive or use drugs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Corydon

Corydon is generally a safe town, but visitors should use common sense and avoid leaving valuables in their cars or unattended. They should also be aware of their surroundings when hiking or exploring rural areas.

Health in Corydon

Visitors should carry insect repellent and take precautions against ticks and other outdoor pests. They should also be aware of the seasonal allergies, especially during the summer months.

Getting to Corydon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Corydon

The nearest airports to Corydon are the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Kentucky, which is about an hour’s drive away, and the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is about two hours’ drive away.

Bus Stations Near Corydon

The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Louisville, which is about an hour’s drive from Corydon.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car to drive to Corydon, or take a taxi or Uber from the nearby airports.

How to Get Around in Corydon

Corydon is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also rent a car or take a taxi to explore the surrounding areas outside of downtown.

Where to Go Next from Corydon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Louisville, Kentucky: Visitors can enjoy a day trip to Louisville, which is about an hour’s drive away and offers a thriving food and cultural scene.
  • French Lick: This picturesque town is about an hour’s drive away and offers a range of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and gambling.
  • Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari: This amusement park is located about 45 minutes away and features thrilling rides and water slides.

Conclusion

Corydon is a hidden gem in Southern Indiana, with a rich history and culture, beautiful natural attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors should take time to explore the town’s museums and historical sites, as well as enjoy the local cuisine, beer, and antique shops. Plan your trip today and discover all that Corydon has to offer.

Indiana's first statehouse in Corydon, pictured 2022 Indiana's first statehouse in Corydon, pictured 2022 Western Kentucky Parkway Western Kentucky Parkway Kentucky Route 79 Kentucky Route 79 Interstate 64 Interstate 64