In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our 16th small town breakdown of the year, we’re cruising from Ellettsville in Monroe County to Attica in Fountain County. Attica is 1 hour and 20 minutes northwest of downtown Indianapolis and 30 minutes southwest of Lafayette.
The History of Fountain County and Attica, Indiana
Fountain County is located in west-central Indiana on the east side of the Wabash River. It was founded on April 1, 1826, and named after Major James Fontaine of Kentucky, who was killed in 1790 during the Northwest Indian War. Attica was founded in 1825 when George Hollingsworth platted the town and built a few log cabins at the edge of the Wabash River. Attica was eventually incorporated in 1849 and, as of the 2023 census, has a population of 3,352, making it the largest of eight incorporated towns/cities in Fountain County. Despite being the largest in population, the city of Covington, with a population of 2,764, is the county seat.
Things to Do In or Near Attica, Indiana
Badlands Off Road Park features over 1,400 acres with sand dunes, wooded trails and an abundance of rocky terrain the norm. You can rent a two- or four-seater for hours or bring your own ATV, SUV, 4x4 or Side x Side and enjoy a day spraying sand, dirt and mud with family or friends.
Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club is a top 10 public course in Indiana according to GolfWeek Magazine, and it ranks No. 16 on GolfPass in 2025. The course celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and is a fun play for golfers of all levels of experience.
Catch a movie at the single-screen and historic DEVON Theater. Movie-goers can check it out on select Thursdays at 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.
Pinball on Perry is a fun spot for locals to play dozens of pinball machines, arcade games like Pacman, Street Fighter 2, Galaga and Cruisin’ Exotica, super shot basketball, air hockey and more.
Sightseers can enjoy over 20 pieces of art and sculptures throughout all of Attica, highlighted by “The Caddy” at Harrison Hills Golf & Country Club, “Saturday’s Distraction” outside the Attica Public Library and the “Talonted Fisherman” eagle behind the Old Library created by Gary Hovey on New Knoxville, Ohio, who makes his sculptures from stainless steel flatware despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Located a short distance southwest of Attica in Fountain County is the Portland Arch Nature Preserve. The 0.8-mile loop trail is great for hiking and running and is open throughout the year.
City Parks and Fields in Attica, Indiana
Ravine Park is a 90-acre park with a 1/2-mile nature trail and a stream called Brady’s Branch running through it. McDonald Park is in the center of town and has a playground, two tennis courts also marked for pickleball use and basketball hoops. Ben & Mary Bowles Park has a climbing wall, merry-go-round, swings and a slide for families to enjoy. The 18-acre Ouabache Park located near the Wabash River has a paved boat ramp and four tent campsites. Riley Park has plenty of green space and is home to two youth soccer fields, and Happy Walter Field is the site of three public baseball and softball diamonds.
Places to Eat in Attica, Indiana
Start your day at Attica Coffeehouse located in the heart of Attica, where you can grab your morning cup of coffee, sip on a frappe or bite into a bagel sandwich or breakfast burrito. They’ve got a 100% recommendation rating on Facebook and 4.6 star rating on Google.
Visit Budreau’s Steak and Taphouse where you’ll enjoy delicious food and drinks in a fun and inviting atmosphere. The ribeye and tenderloin sandwich are the go-to options, and you can’t go wrong with its all-you-can-eat catfish option available every Tuesday starting at 5 PM. Budreau’s has 10 rotating beers on draft and an outdoor patio to soak up Indiana weather.
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Crossroads Family Restaurant. Among over 1,000 Google reviews and a 4.4 star rating, many guests rave about the breakfast, hearty portions and affordable prices.
One of two Wolf’s Fine Handmade Chocolates locations resides in Attica, the other being in West Lafayette. Wolf’s has a little bit of everything from boxed chocolates to holiday candy, caramel and cheddar corn, fudge and more.
Fun Facts About Attica, Indiana
Attica is the birthplace of George Dewey Hay, who founded the Grand Ole Opry. He became known as “The Solemn Old Judge” and always made two suggestions for people who appeared on the Opry stage — keep it down to earth and make it from the heart.
Attica Junior-Senior High School has one state championship to its ledger, and it came in dramatic fashion. During the 2000-01 school year, the boys basketball team won the IHSAA Class A state title 64-62 over Blue River Valley at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Attica trailed 54-40 with 6:27 left in the fourth quarter, but senior Josh Smith sank a free throw with 7.8 seconds remaining to give Attica a 63-62 advantage. Attica had made one previous trip to the boys basketball state finals, doing so in 1929.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 16 of 2025. Where should we head next?
