What’s it like in Shelbyville, Indiana?

The History of Shelby County and Shelbyville, Indiana

Shelby County was established in 1822, following the division of land from neighboring Bartholomew, Henry, and Jefferson counties. In the early years of settlement, the people of Shelby County took on agriculture. The fertile land made it easy for farming, and harvesting crops such as corn and wheat.

The 1800s also marked the start and end of the American Civil War. During this time, Shelby County’s location served as a supply camp for the Union Army. As industries began to grow after the war, the county continued to grow, particularly in manufacturing. 

By the 20th century, Shelbyville became a hub for the automotive parts industry. Also founded in 1822, Shelbyville was named after Isaac P. Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the former governor of Kentucky. Following the war, small manufacturing operations became a staple of the economy and provided numerous jobs in Shelbyville. This industrial boom helped define the city throughout the early 1900s and beyond. 

As of the 2024 census, Shelbyville’s population is 20,845, making it the largest of three incorporated towns/cities in Shelby County ahead of Morristown (1,197) and Fairland (540). It is the 49th-largest city in Indiana.

Things to Do In or Near Shelbyville, Indiana

While Shelbyville may be a small city, it packs big ambition with its ever-growing community and proximity to Indianapolis. 

Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino is one of the most popular attractions in Shelbyville. It combines horse racing with casino gaming, which they call – a racino. The facility originally opened as Indiana Live! Casino in March 2009, and since then, has completed major upgrades adding even more slot machines, table games, and a 20-table WSOP Poker Room.     

If you’re looking for even more history about Shelbyville, you can visit the Grover Center Museum and Historical Society. This not-for-profit institution offers both permanent and rotating exhibits to experience – all free to the public! One highlight is the “Streets of Old Shelby”, where visitors can step back in time and experience what the town might have looked like in the early 1900s. 

You can’t mention Shelbyville without talking Downtown Shelbyville. The Public Square has all the small-town charm you need with plenty of boutiques, antique shops, and cafes to explore. There are also weekly farmer’s markets and First Friday events held in the warmer months. 

Places to Eat or Drink in Shelbyville, Indiana

Start your day at Linne’s Bakery & Cafe, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. They’ve got the best cake donuts in town and have over 8,200 followers on Facebook.

You can also enjoy a classic breakfast at Grandma’s Pancake House. They open bright and early at 6 a.m. and serve all the breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, omelets and biscuits and gravy. They even have lunch options like fresh salads and hearty sandwiches. 

Porter Coffee is another great option for a quick, on-the-go coffee and light bite. Open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., its menu is packed with coffee, espresso drinks, teas, freshly baked goods, and lunch options, too! They’ve got 4.9 stars among 134 Google reviews.

Just Peachy Cafe is a go-to option for breakfast as well, with guests raving about its cinnamon rolls, sandwiches and welcoming, country-style atmosphere. They have 4.8 stars and over 270 Google reviews.

Beyond their breakfast joints, Shelbyville also has Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders – famous for pizza and grinder sandwiches. Enjoy a wide selection of grinders like the Italian, Club, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Ham & Cheese or Reuben, or grab an 8-, 12-, or 16-inch pizza with all the fixings.

If you want to heat up your palate with Mexican food, grab fajitas and margaritas at Cholula Mexican Restaurant, which opened in 2002. 

If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, Jack Binion’s Steak inside Horseshoe Indianapolis offers a full menu with starters, soups/salads, entrees, and shareable sides. Guests love the shrimp cocktail and classy ambiance at the restaurant. Jack Binion is known to be a little pricey, but the food and service truly make up for it.

For live music and drinks late in the evening, Capone’s Downtown Speakeasy has been voted as the No. 1 nightspot in Shelbyville the last seven years. It was also recognized as the Business of the Year in 2025 by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Shelbyville and Southwestern High Schools

Shelbyville High School is home of the Golden Bears, who have won one IHSAA state title in school history. That title came in 1947, courtesy of boys basketball. They beat East Chicago Washington 54-46 in the semifinals before knocking off previously unbeaten Terre Haute Garfield 68-58 in the finals, just the second of 11 occurrences since 1935 in which an undefeated team lost in the championship game. The boys basketball program also made state appearances in 1913, 1924, 1935 and 1986, with both the ‘35 and ‘86 campaigns ending with semifinal overtime losses to Anderson.

Located a few miles southwest of Shelbyville, Southwestern Jr/Sr High School is home of the Spartans. They do not have an athletics state title in school history, but they were the 2003 1A runner-up to Lafayette Central Catholic in boys basketball. The Spartans squandered a 48-34 lead and lost 68-64, marking the largest lead blown in a loss on record in the 1A championship game.

That’s it for small town breakdown No. 39 of 2025. Where should we head next?