In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our third small town breakdown in January, we’re headed from the county seat of Greenfield in Hancock County to the county seat of Lebanon in Boone County, located just 30 minutes northwest of downtown Indianapolis.
The History of Lebanon Indiana
Boone County was founded on April 1, 1830, by Marion and Hendricks Counties. Two years later, Lebanon was selected as the county seat. It was named Lebanon by Adam French, who saw a cluster of hickory trees that reminded him of the Cedars of Lebanon from the Bible. Today, Lebanon serves as the largest city in Boone County with a population of of 17,252 as of the 2023 census.
Whether you’re passing through on I-65 or making a day or weekend trip to Lebanon, there are many places worth visiting.
Things to See in Lebanon Indiana
The most popular attraction in Lebanon is the Boone County Courthouse, located in the town square. It is famous for its single-piece limestone pillars, known to be the largest in the United States, its stained glass dome and eight functioning Hahl clocks. What exactly is a Hahl clock? The Hahl Automatic Clock Company is most notably known for introducing the first pneumatic master clock system in 1877, meaning it used air pressure through pipes to control multiple clocks throughout a building, which eliminated the need for electrical wiring at the time.
Things to Do in Lebanon Indiana
Depending on the season, The Trophy Club is an 18-hole links style course worth playing. Seashore Water Park, complete with a wave pool, lazy river and water slides, is a good way to beat the heat in the summer.
While you’re downtown, shop at Tru Finds Treasures and grab a chocolate or two from Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates, a favorite in Boone County since 1966. If you’re looking to dine in, swing through Kinnard & Drake’s 1830 Chophouse for steaks, pork loins, lobster, short ribs, whiskeys and more. Dive into some wild boar meatballs before the main course arrives. Following dinner, Klooz Brewz and Four Finger Distillery are the hot spots to grab a drink. Need some caffeine? The Refuge Coffee will charge you up before you get back on the road.
Fun Festivals and Events in Lebanon Indiana
Lebanon is home to many cultural events throughout the year, too. Its “Back to the Fifties Festival” features cars, fashion and traditions of the 1950s. The Boone County Master Gardener Gardenfest also inspires green thumbs and those who enjoy gardening with landscaping ideas. Last year’s Gardenfest welcomed a record 800 attendees. The 37th edition of Gardenfest is set for April 5, 2025, at the Farm Bureau Community Building at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Famous People from Lebanon Indiana
A few famous athletes and celebrities have called Lebanon home as well, including Mel Kenyon, who many consider the best midget car racing driver ever. Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2003, Kenyon holds a record seven USAC National Midget titles and finished runner-up eight times. He also participated in the Indianapolis 500 eight times and had four top-five finishes — third in 1968, fourth in 1969 and 1973, and fifth in 1966. Remarkably, most of Kenyon’s successes came after a series of operations following a fiery accident in 1965 that left him missing nearly every finger on his left hand. Mel, along with his brother and father, designed a special glove that allowed him to grab the steering wheel with his right hand and steer with the palm of his left hand. Incredible.
1966 Indiana “Mr. Basketball” award-winner Rick Mount, who became a three-time All-American just up the road in West Lafayette at Purdue University, is from Lebanon. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970 but played five years exclusively in the American Basketball Association, the first two coming with the Indiana Pacers.
A special shoutout also goes to actor Drew Powell, who graduated from Lebanon Senior High School and later DePauw University. He gave the commencement speech at my DePauw graduation ceremony! Powell’s first role came on Malcolm in the Middle and has since appeared on House, Leverage, ER, Cold Case, Without a Trace, Psych and The Ponderosa, among others. Future Get IN Podcast guest? I think so!
Athletic Success for Lebanon High School
Lebanon Senior High School has won four state championships in school history, three coming in boys basketball (1912, 1917, 1918) and one this century in softball (2016, 3A).
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 3 of 2025. Where should we head next?
