Small Town Breakdown No. 75: Odon, Indiana
For this week's small town breakdown we're going from the small town of Lagro in Wabash County to Odon in Daviess County. Odon is one hour and 30 minutes southwest of downtown Indianapolis, 45 minutes southwest of Bloomington, and one hour and 25 minutes southeast of Terre Haute.
What's it like in Odon, Indiana?
Odon, Indiana is a historic small town nestled in southern Indiana's Amish country of Daviess County. It's home to one of Indiana's oldest festivals, a prominent statue of Abraham Lincoln made by one of Odon's own, and a host of restaurants worth visiting.
The History of Daviess County and Odon, Indiana
Daviess County was founded in February 1818 from part of Knox County. It was named in honor of Major Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, who died while commanding the Dragoons of the Kentucky Militia at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811.
John Hastings platted the area where Odon sits in 1846, but the town was originally named Clarksburg after George Rogers Clark, an American military officer who was the highest-ranking Patriot officer on the northwestern frontier during the Revolutionary War. In addition, the post office was named Clark's Prairie from 1858 until 1881, when both the town and post office names were changed to Odon. The name Odon combined the names of two prominent citizens, Caleb Odell and Joseph Dunn Laughlin. Odon became incorporated in 1885, and four years later, the Chicago, Terre Haute, and Southeastern Railroad arrived.
As of 2024, Odon's population was 1,386, making it the 285th-largest incorporated city/town in Indiana and the second-largest incorporated city/town in Daviess County behind the seat of Washington (12,881).
Things to Do In or Near Odon, Indiana
Odon's Old Settlers Festival started in 1885 and is one of Indiana's oldest, continuous celebrations. The 141st edition is July 30 through August 1 and includes a parade on July 30, car show and baby show on August 1, and kids activities, food vendors, and live entertainment all three days.
Odon Park sits in the center of town and has a playground, ball diamonds, basketball court, skatepark, and shelters. It is also home to a limestone statue of Abraham Lincoln, gifted to the town of Odon in 1922 by sculptor and Odon native Ira A. Correll. The town applied for a historical marker for the century-old statue in 2022 during its 100th anniversary and is still seeking that designation today, with hopes of earning it before the Old Settlers Festival. Correll was an astounding sculptor, and his work can be seen all over the country.
If you're looking for some Amish fare, gifts, and home décor, stop by the Dutch Pantry. They have deli meats and cheeses, a bakery, and serve delicious sandwiches on homemade bread.
For those who are looking to spend multiple days exploring southern Indiana's Amish country, consider staying at the Heritage Homestead Inn. The countryside stay spans 13 acres and has four suites to accompany your needs. There is a pond, fire pit, and porch providing views of Amish buggies passing by.
Places to Eat or Drink in Odon, Indiana
Speaking of food, you've got to head south of town to Dutchman's Diner, where the all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffet and salad bar brings visitors from all over southern Indiana. Fried chicken, meatloaf, stuffing, the whole nine yards. Their breakfast buffet is elite, too, featuring biscuits and sausage gravy, homemade french toast, cornmeal mush, and more. They're open Tuesday through Saturday.
A breakfast-and-brunch-only place to visit is Homestead Restaurant and Bakery on Main Street. Their menu features strawberry cheesecake stuffed french toast, classic breakfast sandwiches, and omelets. The Gathering Table Coffeehouse is another popular morning destination for coffee, lattes, tea, and pastries. Order a tasting flight if you want to sip on a little bit of everything!
While you aren't there to dine, you are sure to leave with the best meat in Daviess County. The Odon Locker is a must visit with savory sausages, smoked meats, jerky, marinated chicken, marinated turkey, and house-made specialities that give visitors a true taste of local flavor.
Let It Snow Creamery is the go-to spot for a sweet treat. They have 4.9 stars on Google and over 4,000 followers on Facebook, nearly three times the town of Odon's population!
For a nightcap, pop into Odon Tavern. Locals rave about their fish sandwiches, buffalo wings, and selection of craft beers. Karaoke nights and live music on weekends keep guests entertained.
High School History
Odon High School is no more, but it was once home to the Bulldogs. In 1959 boys basketball won sectional and regional titles before losing at semi-state in the last sudden-death overtime ever played in Indiana, falling 70-68 to New Albany. That team was led by Larry "Buddy" Graham, who set a school record with 1,387 career points, went on to play at Vincennes University and Texas Wesleyan University, won 806 career games in high school and college as a coach, and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
In the fall of 1968, Odon, the Elnora Owls, Raglesville Rockets, Plainville Midgets, and Epsom Salts consolidated into North Daviess Jr/Sr High School. Since the consolidation, the Cougars have won one IHSAA state championship in school history, courtesy of boys basketball in 2022. They defeated Lafayette Central Catholic 48-46 in double overtime for the 1A title.
That's it for small town breakdown No. 75. Where should we head next?
