Richmond, Indiana is a city in the eastern part of the state that sits near the Ohio border. It makes a great stop on your Indiana road trip, and it’s easily accessible from many midwestern cities. Plus, t’s a must if you’re visiting Indiana with kids.

Before you go, check out these 6 fun things to do in Richmond, Indiana with kids plus I’ll share some restaurant and hotel recommendations too.

Legal Stuff (aka if I don’t write this the internet gods will not take kindly to me): This post was written in partnership with the Richmond Wayne County Indiana Visitor’s Bureau. This post may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I’m just a simple girl, trying to make a living off the internet…thanks for your support!!

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Richmond, Indiana At A Glance [Wayne County]

Location: Richmond is located in east-central Indiana near the Ohio border. It’s the main city in Wayne County.

Driving Distance to Richmond from Nearby Cities:

• Indianapolis, Indiana: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Fort Wayne, Indiana: 2 hours
• Dayton, Ohio: 50 minutes
• Cincinnati, Ohio: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Columbus, Ohio: 1 hour 40 minutes

6 Fun Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana with Kids

The first thing you’ll want to do when visiting Richmond, Indiana is to stop by the Old National Road Welcome Center (5701 National Road East, Richmond, Indiana 47374). There you can pick up your Chocolate Trail Passport, Critter Friends Scavenger Hunt information, and Fossil Hunt Passport.

They’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have or offer additional suggestions about things to do while you’re in Richmond.

1. Hayes Arboretum – Critter Friends Scavenger Hunt

Location: 801 Elks Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Notes: The Nature Center is currently closed due to Covid-19.)

Contact: 765-962-3745 | Hayes Arboretum 

Hayes Arboretum is an outside wonderland. It consists of 466 acres of land and offers walking and mountain biking trails, The Nature Playscape, butterfly and herb gardens, and more!

If you’re visiting Richmond with kids, be sure to check out the Critter Friends Scavenger Hunt. Follow the .75 mile blue trail which starts behind the Nature Center to see how many Critter Friends you can find.

2. The Cardinal Greenway

Trailhead Location: D Street Trail Head | 330 North 3rd Street, Richmond, Indiana

Cycling & Fitness Warehouse Location: 213 North 3rd Street, Richmond, Indiana

The Cardinal Greenway is a 62-mile long bike trail that runs from Marion through Muncie to Richmond. You can rent bicycles for free from Cycling & Fitness Warehouse which is about a block away from the Greenway entrance.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to bring their bikes along because kids’ bikes aren’t available for rent at this time.

The D Street trailhead which is down the block from Cycling & Fitness Warehouse is the southernmost trailhead on the Cardinal Greenway. There is parking available. You can find the locations of the other trailheads here.

3. Thistlewaite Falls

Location: 65 Waterfall Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374

If you’ll be visiting Richmond with kids, Thistlewaite Falls is a must! This man-made waterfall was created in the 1800s by Timothy Thistlewaite to provide more waterpower to his nearby sawmill. Today it’s a fun spot to cool off in the shallow riverbed and hunt for fossils!

You can pick up a Fossil Hunt Passport at the Old National Road Welcome Center for a guide to the types of fossils you can find.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring water shoes for the kids and a towel to dry off afterward. Grown-ups will be fine in pair of sturdy flip flops like these in lieu of water shoes (but don’t forget an extra pair of shoes so you don’t have to wear wet ones the rest of the day)!

4. Richmond-Wayne County, Indiana Chocolate Trail

The Richmond-Wayne County Chocolate Trail is a sweet way to explore the area. Pick up your Chocolate Trail Passport at the Old National Road Welcome Center then set out on the trail. Present your Chocolate Trail Passport at each stop for a chocolate-themed treat.

Richmond-Wayne County Chocolate Trail Locations (as of August 2020; locations are subject to change):

• Abbott’s Candies
• A.R. Winery
• Bismarck Donuts
• Building 125
• Fountain Acres Amish Market
• King’s Cafe and Bakery
• The Village Forager
• Tin Cup Tea & Gift Shop
• Today’s Harvest
• Ullery’s Homemade Ice Cream
• Warm Glow Candles

5. Dougherty Orchard

Location: 1117 Dougherty Road, Cambridge City, Indiana, 47327

Hours: Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: 765-478-5198 | Dougherty Orchard 

Petting Farm Cost: Adults – $4, Kids over 2 – $2, Animal Feed – $1 per cone

Just a short 20-minute drive west of Richmond, you’ll find the town of Cambridge City, Indiana. Dougherty Orchard is a family-owned orchard that’s located a few minutes off of 1-70 so it’s an easy stop if you’re driving by on a road trip. You can pick apples or pumpkins depending on the time of year or check out the petting farm. You’ll be able to get up close with a variety of animals including peacocks, goats, porcupines, a kangaroo, pigs, deer, and more.

There’s also a small market that sells goodies like apple cider donuts, apple dumplings, caramel apples, jams, and more.

6. Warm Glow Candle Outlet

Location: 2131 North Centerville Road, Centerville, Indiana 47330

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Contact: 888-253-9734 | Warm Glow Candle Company

You can’t pass through Richmond, Indiana without stopping by the Warm Glow Candle Outlet! This place is a candle lovers’ dream. The candles are all 100% hand-dipped and are recognizable for their signature bumpy texture. Kids will get a kick out of the huge candle sculpture at the front of the building.

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Where To Eat [Richmond, Indiana Restaurants]

Firehouse BBQ & Blues

Firehouse BBQ & Blues combines BBQ and music in an old firehouse and it’s a perfect pair. The restaurant is located in an old firehouse and decorated with music-themed decor. If you’re an 80’s rock/heavy metal fan, ask to go see the room upstairs — the walls are lined with autographed guitars!

Location: 400 North 8th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Contact: 765-488-0312 | Firehouse BBQ and Blues

Recommendations: Bacon and Brisket Pizza

Ullery’s Home-Made Ice Cream

This family-owned ice cream shop has been in business since 1993, and they still make ice cream the old fashioned way with quality ingredients.

Location: 168 Fort Wayne Avenue, Richmond, Indiana 47374

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 12 p.m.-9 p.m. (walk-up window only)

Contact: Ullery’s Ice Cream

Recommendations: Blackberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

The Cordial Cork

Located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District, The Cordial Cork is a casual wine bar and restaurant with a varied menu.

Location: 911 North E Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m and 4 p.m-11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Contact: 765-962-2675 | The Cordial Cork

Recommendations: Breakin’ Bread and Armadillo Eggs

Where To Stay [Hotels in Richmond, Indiana]

While in Richmond, we stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites. This hotel offers free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.

Hampton Inn & Suites. is part of the Hilton brand of hotels and therefore you can use Hilton Honors points to pay for your stay. However, this hotel is really affordable so it’s not the best use of your points. If you can, pay for this one and save your points for a splurge!

>> Compare prices for Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond: Hotels.com | Orbitz

Other B&Bs and Hotels in Richmond, Indiana

Philip W Smith B&B: 2039 E. Main Street, Richmond, Indiana

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Richmond: 9797 US Route 40, New Paris, Ohio

Holiday Inn Richmond: 6000 National Road East, Richmond, Indiana

Best Western Classic Inn: 533 W. Eaton Pike, Richmond, Indiana

Final Thoughts

Richmond, Indiana is a city that lots of people drive through due to its convenient location along route 70. But there’s actually a lot to do there, so the next time you’re in the area, stop and stay for the night. You’ll enjoy exploring all Richmond has to offer.

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