The History of Harrison County and Corydon, Indiana
Harrison County was organized in 1808 from parts of Knox and Clark counties. It was named in honor of William Henry Harrison who owned land within the county and was Territorial Governor of Indiana from 1800-12 before later becoming the ninth President of the United States.
Corydon is located in the center of Harrison County. Founded in 1808, Corydon served as the capital of the Indiana Territory from 1813-16. It was home to Indiana’s very first constitutional convention in 1816, when 43 elected delegates gathered to draft the state’s first constitution. This was a critical step that led to Indiana’s admission into statehood on Dec. 11, 1816.
Corydon remained the capital of Indiana until 1825, when the state government's seat was moved to Indianapolis. Since then, the city's historical sites and proximity to the Ohio River have helped it become a unique tourist destination.
As of the 2024 census, Corydon’s population is 3,153, making it the largest incorporated town/city in Harrison County. It is the 174th-largest city in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Corydon, Indiana
Corydon is a small town with big fun and has a ton of hidden gems that people of all ages will love.
Start your adventure at O’Bannon Woods State Park. This park spans 2,300 acres and has miles and miles of hiking trails. If you’re a seasoned hiker, try out the 25.5-mile Adventure Trail, a three-day hike with several overnight shelters along the way. These trails also lead to additional activities, such as mountain biking and horseback riding. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, beat the heat at the Aquatic Center with their water slides and splash pads. O’Bannon Woods also has 234 reservable sites at its electric campground!
For families, Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park is a must-visit. In addition to an other-worldly underground cave tour that includes a boat ride, there’s a zip coaster (one of two in the United States), gemstone mining, a 50-foot drop plunge experience, and more.
The Corydon Cinemas is the perfect place for families, date nights, or a night out with friends to enjoy a movie. Hayswood Theatre is a community theatre featuring live shows, musicals, dramas, comedies, and kid-friendly workshops.
If you like shopping, Corydon is home to several local antique malls and shops. Housed in a historic barn built in 1880, the Red Barn Antique Mall has been around since 1985 and features three floors of antique glassware and china, furniture, and other collectibles. Vintage Treasures Antique Mall & Flea Emporium is another great shop to check out. This mall features over 7,500 square feet of shopping space, accommodating more than 80 vendors.
For history buffs, check out the Harrison County Discovery Center and the Corydon State Historic Site. During the summer months, visit the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park, which is the site of the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil, taking place on July 9, 1863.
Mark your calendar for the Harrison County Popcorn Festival, held annually over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. This festival celebrates one of the county’s most cherished agricultural products with live music, vendors, games, a beer garden, and a parade that features an epic popcorn blower.
Places to Eat or Drink in Corydon, Indiana
Start your morning at Frederick’s Cafe, a cozy downtown diner. They serve breakfast and lunch with dishes like pancakes, eggs cooked your way, sandwiches, and salads. All of their dishes are handmade with fresh ingredients, made to remind you of “grandma’s cooking.”
While you’re downtown, stop by Karv Meats Restaurant & Butcher Shop. This butcher/restaurant/tavern has something for everyone. Karv prides itself in being a gathering place where families can connect over quality food and community. You can expect fresh meats, scratch-made sauces, and weekly specials. In the evening, unwind with a specialty cocktail or one of their rotating local drafts.
For another lunch option, check out one of Corydon’s top burger spots, Flipdaddy’s. With 27 handcrafted burger options and never-frozen patties, you'll be craving more after every bite.
There are several dinner options within the city as well. 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks combines Southern staples with Asian flavors. The head chef Scott Dickenson has over 20 years of culinary experience using fresh farm-to-table ingredients. The menu shows his creativity with new and innovative dishes. Whether you’re grabbing their famous fried green tomatoes for a starter or diving into their General Tso platter as your main dish, you won’t be disappointed. With 4.7 stars on Google, you don’t want to miss out on this spot.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, try Lazy Cow Creamery & Sweets for ice cream, candy, refreshers, boba, and other sweets, including dairy-free options. This shop has a 4.5 star rating on Google with over 100 reviews raving about their expansive menu and friendly staff.
Corydon Central High School
Corydon Central High School is the largest school in Harrison County, serving high school students of Harrison Township, Washington Township, Heth Township, and Webster Township. They are known as the Panthers.
While the school has never won a state championship, its girls basketball team did earn 3A runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2023, falling to South Bend St. Joseph’s and Fairfield.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 48 of 2025. Where should we head next?
