Small Town Breakdown: Spiceland, Indiana
Spiceland, Indiana is a small town of about 950 people in Henry County, sitting just south of Interstate 70 on State Road 3, about 45 minutes east of downtown Indianapolis. Quaker pioneers founded it, it served as an Underground Railroad station before the Civil War, and today it is best known as the longtime home of the manufacturer Draper and as the gateway to the karting at New Castle Motorsports Park.
For this Small Town Breakdown we headed from the county seat of Lebanon in Boone County over to Spiceland. It is an easy stop right off the interstate, and there is more here than a quick drive-by would suggest.
The History of Spiceland, Indiana
Henry County was founded on June 1, 1822, and was named after the patriot Patrick Henry, the Virginia governor credited with saying “Give me liberty, or give me death!” The phrase became a rallying cry of the American Revolution. The county seat is New Castle, but Spiceland sits south of I-70 on State Road 3 and was not incorporated until 1869. Quaker pioneers named the community after a spice bush that grew commonly in the area, and Spiceland was a station on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. As of the 2020 census, Spiceland had 958 residents.
The next time you find yourself driving I-70 to or from Ohio, swing through Spiceland and pay the historic Indiana town a visit.
Where to Eat in Spiceland, Indiana
The Spiceland Grill & Venue is the spot in town for American grill fare, and it doubles as an event space for weddings and banquets. The kitchen runs with an Executive Chef, a Chef de Cuisine, and a Sauté Chef, which is a lot of firepower for a town this size. Hours can be limited, so check before you make the drive.
Things to Do in Spiceland, Indiana
While it carries a New Castle address, New Castle Motorsports Park sits just south of I-70 on State Road 3 on the short trek to Spiceland. The karting facility features a 1-mile road course, 60 rental garages, a kart shop, and the Racer’s Grill trackside restaurant. It is home to the Kart Racers of America, a club that runs about 14 races a year, and it hosts national touring series such as the United States Pro Kart Series throughout the season. You can watch races for free on most race weekends or get behind the wheel yourself with one of the rentals.
Spiceland Freedom Days, which began in 1976, is an annual community festival with food vendors and a parade. Money raised has gone toward a scholarship for seniors at Tri Junior-Senior High School and support for the Spiceland Volunteer Fire Department.
Draper, Spiceland’s 120-Year-Old Manufacturer
Spiceland punches above its weight in manufacturing. Draper, Inc. has been based in town since 1902, when Luther O. Draper started the company selling window shades to cut heat and glare in schoolhouses. It is still family-owned and headquartered in Spiceland, and it is the town’s largest employer. A grandson of the founder invented a more durable classroom projection screen in 1957, and projection screens have grown into the largest part of the business. Today Draper also makes window shades, solar control systems, gymnasium equipment, and audiovisual products that ship across the country and beyond.
Other Attractions in Henry County
In nearby Knightstown you can visit the historic Hoosier Gym, where the movie “Hoosiers” was filmed. Head north on State Road 3 and you will reach New Castle, home of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.