Boone County, Indiana is located in central Indiana, with a population estimate north of 80,000. Its largest city is Zionsville, Lebanon is the county seat, and Whitestown is booming, but even its small towns like Thorntown, Jamestown, Advance, and Ulen have history, trails, restaurants, and more to explore. We’ve created a guide for your next visit to Boone County, whether it’s for a day or a full weekend.
Outdoor Exploration
If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors in Boone County, hop on the Big-4 Rail Trail for a bike ride, walk, or jog. You can refuel along the way in Whitestown at Moontown Brewing Company, housed in a restored school gymnasium, or L.A. Cafe.
Boone County has over 35 public parks, ranging from trails and playgrounds to splash pads, green space, kayaking, and outdoor adventure. The cream of the crop is the newly opened Carpenter Nature Preserve that spans 215 acres and has trails, an outdoor classroom, amphitheater, nature playground, views over Eagle Creek, and more.
Farmers Markets
For those who like to shop local at farmers markets, there are plenty of options in Boone County.
Zionsville’s farmers market is held every Saturday morning, Jamestown holds its farmers market the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, Lebanon has a farmers market and winter market on Tuesdays, and Whitestown has a farmers market and winter market on Thursdays.
Shopping
While we’re thinking about shopping, Boone County is home to boutiques, antique stores, and vintage shops in Zionsville, Lebanon and surrounding towns. Take note, thrifters.
Live Music
During the summer months, Boone County turns it up a notch with live music throughout the county. Enjoy the Zionsville Cultural District Concert Series on Wednesdays from June through August, Whitestown Summer Concert Series on Fridays from May through July, Zionsville Lions Club Summer Concert Series on Sundays in July and August, and Music on the Plaza & the Courthouse Car Cruise-In on the second Friday of May, June, July, August and September.
What’s Happening in Whitestown
In addition to the aforementioned Big-4 Rail Trail, Moontown Brewing Company and L.A. Cafe, Whitestown is home to a few newer destinations.
Paws on Tap is a 21+ self-pour taproom, restaurant and beer garden that is the county’s newest dog-friendly social destination.
Wally’s is a family-friendly travel center that opened at the end of June 2026 and is located right off I-65. It’s one of three Wally’s locations, with the others being in Pontiac, Ill. and Fenton, Mo. The Whitestown Wally’s spans 53,000 square feet and has 84 pumps.
Coffee lovers, add Hattie’s Coffee House to your must-visit list. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Live It Up In Lebanon
Head to the Alley-Oop, a public gathering space in an alley with a nod to Boone County’s rich basketball history. Locals often gather there for coffee or lunch. You can also see Memorial Hall from the alley, which is where part of the movie “Hoosiers” was filmed.
Downtown Lebanon is also home to Lebanon Fire Station 11 and a 9/11 Memorial. In May 2011, Lebanon Fire received a steel beam from the World Trade Center Tower 2 from the New York Port Authority, and the beam has been incorporated into a memorial at the main entrance of Station 11.
No visit to Boone County is complete until you’ve been there for the Boone County 4-H Fair. It runs annually at the end of July into August.
Grab coffee from Just Love Coffee or venture to the award-winning Titus Bakery for a morning beverage, pastries, and delicious pershing donuts.
For unique dining experiences, have dinner inside a restored Boone County jail cell at Chabellas Social Block, or check out Americana The Lebanon Grill and 1830 Chophouse.
For a nightcap, Klooz Brewz is a craft brewery located on the historic courthouse square, and Four Finger Distillery is another popular spot. Enjoy craft spirits, games, trivia nights, open mic nights, and other special events.
Find coffee and desserts at Boone County Cake Co., or if you’re looking for chocolate, Donaldson’s Chocolates has been around since 1966. Ice Cream Paradise makes homemade small-batch ice cream and has been a staple in town since 1984.
Don’t miss our small-town breakdown on Lebanon.
Restaurants in Zionsville
There is no shortage of coffee shops in Zionsville, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Find your way to Rosie’s Place, Roasted in the Village, Gables Bagels, and RIVET Coffee Bar.
Looking for an evening drink, dinner, and good vibes? Rush on Main has trivia nights, live music, Upstairs, and other community events, and Zionsville Public House has trivia nights and music on the patio. There’s also the Salty Cowboy Tequileria, noah grant’s, Tipsy Mermaid, Convivio, Cobblestone, and The Friendly Tavern.
For sweet treats, My Sugar Pie takes center stage with homemade pies. Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets also makes cupcakes, French macarons, and popular cookie dough shooters. Chocolate lovers should check out Truffles & Creams for handcrafted artisan chocolates and confections or Schakolad Chocolate Factory for fresh, handcrafted European-style chocolates.
For a full history lesson, restaurants, and attractions, check out our small-town breakdown of Zionsville.
Take Your Time in Thorntown
If you need a morning pour, Robinz Nest is the newest coffee shop in Thorntown. It’s cozy, inviting, and just the right place to start your day.
Stookey’s Restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the place to order a steak or catfish. JC Cocina Catering gets it done with authentic American cuisine.
Advance Into Advance
While Advance is one of the smallest towns in Boone County, it is home to a couple restaurants worth trying.
Jawbone is worth the drive alone and serves BBQ Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rolling Dough Pizza Co. has nearly 100 Google reviews and a 5.0 star rating.
Visit Boone County
Whether it’s for newer destinations like Carpenter Nature Preserve, Alley-Oop, and Wally’s or established spots like Tipsy Mermaid and Donaldson’s Chocolates, Boone County is sure to leave a lasting impression.
