In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our 12th small town breakdown of the year, we’re headed from Seymour in Jackson County to Lapel in Madison County. Lapel is located 35 miles northeast of Indianapolis.
The History of Madison County and Lapel, Indiana
Located in central Indiana, Madison County became authorized in 1823 and was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States from 1809-17. Lapel wasn’t founded until 1876 and was created because of the railroads. David Conrad and Samuel Busby laid out the town, and it was Busby who named it ‘Lapel’ because the strip of land between the railroad and turnpike was shaped like a coat lapel. As of the 2023 census, Lapel’s population was 2,390, which makes it the sixth-largest town in Madison County. Anderson, the county seat, is the largest with a population of 55,199.
Places to Eat in Lapel, Indiana
Planning to eat in Lapel? Make your way to Main Street. If you want to start your morning with a hot or iced caffeinated beverage, head to Ultimate Eats. It’s more than just a coffee shop and has popular food items on the menu like donuts, muffins and a delicious chicken salad sandwich. Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop is another popular spot for a cup of Joe or latte and is located just two blocks west of Main.
As you work your way north on Main, you’ll find Smoky’s Concession Stand and Woody’s across the street from each other. Smoky’s is a classic American restaurant with a 4.6 star Google rating among over 300 reviews. Guests typically gravitate toward the BBQ platter, BBQ pulled pork and ribs. Smoky’s is one of four restaurants owned by the FoxGardin Restaurant Group, with two locations in Fortville and another in Carmel. As for Woody’s, it’s a bar and grill known for its atmosphere, drinks, mozzarella sticks and tenderloins.
Pax Verum Brewing Co. is another prime destination on Main Street in Lapel. Pax Verum specializes in lagers, hazy and West Coast hoppy beers with some crazy can designs. Its beer garden is a fun place to hang when the weather warms, and live music on Fridays adds to the atmosphere. If you’re up for round two, go back on Saturday when food trucks are serving.
Located next door to Pax Verum is King Dough. Yes, the same King Dough you can find in Indianapolis and Carmel. If King Dough doesn’t satisfy your pizza hunger, you’ve got a great alternative with Pizza King on the northwest edge of town.
Things to Do in Lapel, Indiana
The splash pad and playground at Woodward Park is a great spot for kids to have fun and beat the heat in the summer, and there’s a paved walking trail. Brookside Park is home to four ball diamonds, a playground and walking trail as well.
The Lapel Village Fair is a tradition that has been running for over 30 years. This year’s edition is set for July 11-12 on Main Street and includes a parade, food, vendors, dancing and crafts.
Local Business in Lapel, Indiana
In the late 1800s, the first gas well was drilled in town which brought a flour mill, planning mill, tile mills and bottle factory to the area.
Owens-Illinois is a leading glass manufacturer located on the west edge of town. The Lapel plant is one of 69 plants spread across 19 countries. In 2022 alone, Owens-Illinois manufactured 41 billion glass containers, many used by leading food and beverage companies. The company was founded by West Virginia native Michael J. Owens in Ohio in 1903, and he went on to invent the automatic bottle-making machine.
You know what’s the worst? Moving. You know who can take that hassle off your hands? Bulldogs Moving Co. Co-owned by Chris Cartwright and Seth Hartzell, this moving company makes your possessions their priority for both local and long-distance moves. They’ve served at least 220 happy customers, too, with a perfect 5.0 star Google rating among 220 reviews.
Lapel High School State Championship History
Lapel High School has claimed two team state championships in school history, both coming in boys basketball. The Bulldogs won the 1A championship in 2005 and brought home the 2A title in 2016. Way back in 1940 when basketball was a single-class sport, the boys team reached the Final Four. On the individual side of things, golfer Macy Beeson was a back-to-back golf champion in 2020 and 2021.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 12 of 2025. Where should we head next?
