Milan: The Small Town with a Big Legacy
Nestled in the southeast corner of Indiana, Milan might be easy to miss on a map, but its legacy is anything but small. With a population of just 1,312, this tiny town is a monumental part of Indiana’s rich basketball history. If you’re a Hoosier, Milan is a name you should know well—this is the town that inspired the iconic 1986 movie Hoosiers.
The 1954 Miracle: Milan's Legendary Basketball Victory
Milan is home to the Milan Indians, a high school basketball team that made history in 1954. With an enrollment of only 161 students, the Milan Indians shocked the state by winning the Indiana high school basketball state championship. This was no small feat, considering there was only one class for athletics at the time, meaning Milan had to face much larger schools.
In the championship game, held at Butler Fieldhouse (now known as Hinkle Fieldhouse), Milan faced off against the Muncie Central Bearcats, a school with over 1,600 students. The game ended in a nail-biting 32-30 victory for Milan, with Bobby Plump sinking the game-winning jumper with just three seconds left on the clock. That shot became one of the most celebrated moments in Indiana sports history and was immortalized in the film Hoosiers.
Milan's Connection to the Hoosiers Movie
Hoosiers, released in 1986, is a movie every basketball fan has seen at least once. It tells the story of a small-town Indiana basketball team’s journey to the state championship, mirroring the real-life achievements of the Milan Indians. This connection to Hoosiers makes Milan a pilgrimage site for fans of the sport and the movie alike.
When you visit Milan, a must-see spot is Plump’s Last Shot, a bar in Broad Ripple dedicated to Bobby Plump and the iconic game-winning shot. It’s a Hoosiers-themed haven for basketball enthusiasts and a great place to relive the excitement of the 1954 championship.
Exploring Milan: Where to Eat and What to See
While in Milan, you can’t miss having breakfast at Reservation Restaurant, the local favorite with ten times the Google reviews of any other spot in town. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before exploring more of Milan’s history.
Another must-visit is the Milan '54 Hoosiers Museum, dedicated to preserving the story of Milan’s historic win. The museum is currently in the middle of a $3 million capital campaign aimed at making significant updates, so it’s a great time to visit and support this living piece of Hoosier history. If you’re a fan of underdog stories, there’s none greater than the tale of the 1954 Milan Indians.
Milan’s Legacy: Beyond the Game
Milan may be small, but its impact on Indiana’s cultural landscape is enormous. The town’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of believing in the impossible. Whether you’re a basketball fan, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, Milan offers a slice of Indiana heritage that’s well worth the trip.
With a legacy like Milan’s, it’s impossible to give this town anything but a top rating. While Rotten Tomatoes gives Hoosiers a 91% rating, Milan gets a perfect score in the hearts of those who know its story. So, head down to Milan and experience the magic of a town where history was made, and legends were born.
