In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our second small town breakdown of the year, we’re headed from the county seat of Jasper in Dubois County to the county seat of Greenfield in Hancock County, located just 20 miles east of Indianapolis.
The Formation of Hancock County
Hancock County was created on March 1, 1828, and named for John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. Six weeks later, Greenfield was chosen as the county seat, but it wasn’t incorporated as a city until 1876. Early settlers built along Brandywine Creek and Nameless Creek, constructing small grist mills to grind corn and wheat. Greenfield’s population slowly grew thanks to the construction of U.S. Hwy 40 and local businesses forming off Main Street, but its most rapid growth occurred when natural gas was discovered in the area in the 1880s, allowing manufacturing and other industries the chance to boom. Fast forward 140 years, and Greenfield’s population was 25,920 as of the 2023 census.
Things to Do in Greenfield Indiana
I’ll start with The Depot Restaurant, a 1906 grain elevator converted to family restaurant that preserves a piece of Greenfield history. The grain elevator was owned and operated by Hancock County Farm Bureau Co-Op from 1931 into the mid-1990s and underwent numerous renovations over the years to accommodate the Pennsylvania Railroad, installment of a 50-ton scale and erection of multiple 112-foot towers to add storage capacity. In 2020, Depot Street Investments purchased the grain elevator to avoid demolition by the City of Greenfield. Today, The Depot Restaurant welcomes thousands of visitors annually and offers Tater Kegs (loaded tater tots) and Meatball Lollipops (Grandma’s famous hand-rolled meatballs) as appetizers, among many other savory options. Say less.
Another great option where you can put away your hunger is The Mug, which reopened 10 years ago as a modern, farm-to-curb concept. It’s “slow food” served fast. You’ll find smash burgers, tenderloins, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and more on the menu. Personally, I’m eyeing the jalapeño cream cheese bacon burger.
Dave’s Express Care Carwash and Grill also caught my attention. If your car needs service or a cleaning, you can enjoy burgers, breaded zoopers (tenderloins), hand-dipped ice cream and milkshakes. Now that’s what I call service and satisfaction, guaranteed.
Wooden Bear Brewing Co. stakes claim as the first local brewery in Greenfield. Located in the former Gant Opera House, which opened in 1895 next to Greenfield’s first firehouse, Wooden Bear has over a dozen hand-crafted beers and seasonal varieties on the menu. Greek’s Pizza also operates out of the Wooden Bear, so you need not walk far to grab a bite before you call it a night.
Festivals in Greenfield Indiana
Depending on time of year, you could find yourself enjoying the Greenfield Bike Festival in July, annual Chocolate Walk in August or Riley Festival on the first Thursday in October. The Riley Festival is one of the largest craft festivals in Indiana with food, flea market booths and more on hand. The festival follows years of tradition in which the town celebrates the birthdate of James Whitcomb Riley, the famed “Hoosier Poet.” A statue of Riley was built in 1918 and today it stands in front of the Hancock County Courthouse. You can also visit the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum. No wonder they have a festival in his honor! A visit to historic Tuttle Orchards should be on your radar as well, especially in the fall. The first fruit trees were planted at Tuttle Orchards in 1928, and over 700 bushels of apples were sold to market in Indianapolis annually in the 1930s. The family-owned business is now run by the fourth generation and offers special activities, produce and more for family fun.
Famous Residents of Greenfield Indiana
On the sports scene, Greenfield has produced a fair share of notable athletes including major league pitcher Kyle Gibson, former Indiana University basketball star Yogi Ferrell, Indy 500 driver Mark Dismore and gymnast Jaycie Phelps, who was on the U.S. Women’s gold medalist Olympic team in 1996. Greenfield-Central High School has one state championship to its ledger in football (1973, 2A).
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 2 of 2025. Where should we head next?
