What’s it like in Cicero, Indiana?

The History of Hamilton County and Cicero, Indiana

Hamilton County was established in 1823 and named for Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury. Over the last few decades, it has become one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties, blending suburban growth with its originally rural identity.

Cicero was platted in 1834 and initially developed slowly alongside Indiana’s canal and rail systems. It was the home of the first bridge built in Hamilton County over Cicero Creek in 1838, and the bridge was later converted to a covered bridge and painted red in 1870. It stood until being demolished in the 1950s to make way for Morse Reservoir, which transformed Cicero from a quiet farming town into a lively lakeside community.

As of the 2024 census, Cicero’s population is 5,607, making it the fifth-largest of eight incorporated towns/cities in Hamilton County behind Fishers (103,986), Carmel (103,606), Noblesville (75,239) and Westfield (62,994). It is the 124th-largest city in Indiana.

Things to Do In or Near Cicero, Indiana

When you think of Cicero, Morse Reservoir is the first thing that comes to mind. It opened in 1956 and is a 1,500-acre body of water that’s become a summer playground for boating, fishing, kayaking, and lakeside activities. During the summer months, it’s hard to find a dock or beach that doesn’t have locals or visitors soaking up sunshine. I was out on Morse Reservoir earlier this summer in my kayak with my dog Bam Bam.

Cicero’s biggest annual celebration is the Lights Over Morse Lake Festival, held every Fourth of July weekend. The event features a parade, live music, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and a massive fireworks show over the lake that draws thousands of spectators each year. Community Park off Stringtown Pike is the site of the food trucks and vendors. I can speak to the massive fireworks show, too… This is where I spent my Fourth of July in 2025!

Speaking of parks, Red Bridge Park and Marina is on the northwest side of town along Morse Reservoir, and it includes walking trails, a playground, picnic spots, fishing pier, kayak launch and access to the water. The park’s namesake is a local landmark and one of the most Instagrammable spots in town.

If you want to get out and play 18 holes, Bear Slide Golf Course is a gem just west of town. Bear Slide has a 4.5 star rating according to Golf Digest, and it’s been rated as one of the top 75 most affordable courses in the country. It’s a tale of two nines as well – the front nine is Scottish links style, the back nine is traditional, and there are elevation changes throughout the round. It’s a top five play for me out of the 35-40 courses I’ve played in Indiana.

Lastly, downtown Cicero features stores like Betsey’s Boutique Shop and Nolan James Boutique, plus a few eateries noted in the section below.

Places to Eat or Drink in Cicero, Indiana

Start your day on Jackson Street at Dark Side Coffee House, which has earned a loyal following for its morning beverages, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. They’ve got 4.7 stars among 175 Google reviews.

If you’re looking for a great dinner or catering option, Bronko’s of Cicero serves the best Chicago-style pizza and sandwiches in town, plus breadsticks and stuffed mushrooms guests can’t get enough of. They’ve got 4.6 stars among nearly 400 Google reviews.

For lakeside dining, head to Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive, located right on Morse Reservoir off Jackson Street. It’s the go-to spot for live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, good eats and drinks at sunset. The pet-friendly outdoor deck is bustling in the summer, and the menu includes everything from burgers and fish tacos to crab-stuffed mushrooms and specialty cocktails. I was recommended the ribs by a couple sitting nearby on the outdoor deck, and they did not disappoint.

Just across the street from the Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive is Alexander’s on the Water, the No. 1 option in Cicero for sweet treats. This is one of two Alexander’s locations, with the other being on the square in Noblesville. The Cicero location has 16 hand dipped ice cream flavors, 24 soft serve flavors, and a menu that includes sandwiches and a jumbo breaded tenderloin.

Located off Jackson Street in the heart of downtown is 10 West Restaurant & Bar, known for its peppercorn steak, bacon wrapped pork medallions, walleye filet and craft beer selection. Plus, it’s one of the best places around for a date night or celebration dinner, with cozy spots to dine and sip on adult beverages in The Cellar and The Hideout.

Hamilton Heights High School

Cicero’s high school comes with an Arcadia address – Hamilton Heights, home of the Huskies. The Huskies do not yet have a state championship, but they were 2012 3A runner-ups in football to Bishop Chatard. They also have two runner-up finishes in girls wrestling, led by recent Women’s Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame inductee Gary “Iron Bear” Myers, who has coached 28 female wrestlers that have qualified or medaled at the IHSGW/IHSAA state tournament. Where did he get the “Iron Bear” nickname? Myers was a heavyweight hammer in MMA fighting during the 1990s and 2000s.

That’s it for small town breakdown No. 36 of 2025. Where should we head next?