Mount Summit: A Small Town with Elevated Charm
At the request of our readers—shout out to Carly—we’re heading east to explore Mount Summit, Indiana. Nestled in Henry County, Mount Summit might be small with a population of just 352, but it boasts one of the highest elevations in the state. Sitting at 1,093 feet above sea level, it’s not far off from Hoosier Hill, Indiana’s highest point at 1,257 feet. For Indiana, that’s practically mountainous!
Blue River Valley Pride: A Unique Athletic Legacy
Mount Summit is part of the Blue River Valley School District, which is technically based in New Castle but proudly serves this community. Blue River Valley High School is known for its one-of-a-kind square track with a baseball field at the center—a layout that’s Indiana-famous for its quirkiness.
The Blue River Valley boys' basketball team holds a special place in local sports history. In 2000, the team made it all the way to the Class A state finals, only to suffer a heartbreaking 64-62 loss to Attica. The team was up 54-40 with just 6:27 left in the game, making the defeat even tougher to swallow. Despite this setback, the team’s remarkable run to the finals remains a point of pride for the community.
A Culinary Gem: 1000 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza
Mount Summit might be small, but it’s home to one of the most vibrant small-town restaurants in the region—1000 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza. This place is a true gem, and if you ask the 2,373 people who’ve left rave reviews, they’ll agree. The Draper family, who owns and operates the restaurant, serves up incredible pizzas from an 8,000-pound brick oven they drove all the way to Boston to pick up.
Beyond their fantastic pizzas, 1000 Degrees is also known for its mouthwatering barbecue, which has garnered just as much praise as their wood-fired pies. It’s a culinary experience that’s an amazing addition to the booming metropolis of Mount Summit—okay, maybe not booming, but it’s a highlight for sure.
The Verdict on Mount Summit
Mount Summit may be small in size, but it’s big on charm and local flavor. From its unique athletic heritage with Blue River Valley to the standout dining at 1000 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza, this town is a hidden gem in Central Indiana.
In this Small Town Breakdown, Mount Summit earns a solid 7.2 for its elevation, community spirit, and culinary offerings. It might not be the biggest town we’ve covered, but it’s certainly one worth visiting.
