Small Town Breakdown No. 18: Washington, Indiana
In 2025 we are highlighting 52 small towns across the state of Indiana in 52 weeks. For our 18th small town breakdown of the year, we’re headed from one county seat to another, going from Shoals in Martin County to Washington in nearby Daviess County. Washington is 1 hour and 50 minutes southwest of Indianapolis off I-69, 1 hour southwest of Bloomington and 2 hours west-northwest of Louisville.
The History of Daviess County and Washington, Indiana
Daviess County was authorized in February 1818 after Knox County was partitioned into smaller counties shortly after Indiana was founded in 1816. The county was named for Major Joseph Daviess, who was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. The county seat of Washington was platted in 1815 and got its name from Washington Township where it sits. As of the 2023 census Washington’s population was 12,513, making it the largest of seven incorporated towns/cities in Daviess County and the 71st largest city in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Washington, Indiana
Whether you thrive or struggle with your short game, you’ve got to play 18 holes at Putter’s Bay Miniature Golf. This mini golf course doesn’t have clown heads or windmills but instead is all natural with rocks, trees and flowing water increasing the level of difficulty. Putter’s Bay is open on weekends only in the spring and fall but operates seven days a week during the summer. It also has a party room that can be rented for all occasions. The course has over 70 Google reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
With nearly 12,000 likes on Facebook and a 4.6-star Google rating among over 340 reviews, the historic Indiana Theater is as popular as they come for theaters in the Hoosier State. Indiana Theater plays movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, sells buttery movie theater popcorn and offers free refills on soda. What’s not to like about that?
The Daviess County Historical Society maintains the Daviess County Museum in an old Masonic Lodge on Main Street in Washington. The lodge was originally built in 1869. The museum is dedicated to preserving the 200-year history of Daviess County and is filled with artifacts and exhibits that entertain and educate all guests. Current exhibits include a look back at Daviess County in the 1960s, the foundation of Daviess County and learning about its contributions to the performing arts scene.
Places to Eat in Washington, Indiana
Start your day off right and soak up an inviting atmosphere at the Cherry Ghost Coffee House. Grab a scone, latte or your favorite morning beverage, and enjoy live music on Wednesdays and Fridays. Over 140 Google reviews have ‘em at an average of 4.7 stars.
If you want the best pastries in town, visit The Bakery House LLC where guests rave about the doughnuts, muffins and breakfast sandwiches, all at an affordable price.
Mason’s Root Beer Drive In has been a restaurant staple in Indiana since 1951. Whether you’re taking a trip down memory lane after eating there as a kid or visiting for the first time, the grab-n-go food options including coney dogs and homemade Mason’s Root Beer ice cream floats are easy on the taste buds.
Topping Mason’s as one of the oldest restaurants in town is The New White Steamer, which first opened in 1937! Open six days a week, the cash-only diner is known for serving up some of the best burgers in the entire state.
Don’t let the name fool you – Bobe’s Pizza Express serves up the best pizza in town. But how about salmon, steak or pork chops for dinner? Guests can’t get enough of everything Bill and Betty Bobe (and many family members) are whipping up in the Bobe’s Pizza Express kitchen.
IHSAA Basketball Powerhouse and the “Mr. Basketball” Zeller Brothers
Washington High School has claimed nine IHSAA championships in school history – seven in boys basketball (1930, 1941, 1942, 2005 in 3A, 2008 in 3A, 2010 in 3A, 2011 in 3A) and two in boys track & field (1914, 1915). The Zeller brothers – Tyler, Cody and Luke – all played for Washington in the 2000s. Tyler contributed to the 2005 and 2008 titles, the latter season in which he was named “Mr. Basketball” in Indiana. He attended the University of North Carolina, was drafted as the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and spent parts of nine seasons in the NBA with Cleveland, Boston, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Memphis and San Antonio. Cody was a freshman on the 2008 title team at Washington, and he contributed to the 2010 and 2011 championships, too. Like Tyler, he was named “Mr. Basketball” in Indiana following his senior season and stayed in-state at Indiana University for three seasons. He was drafted as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and spent 11 seasons in the league with Charlotte, Portland, Miami and New Orleans. Not to be forgotten, the oldest brother Luke never played in the NBA, although he did win a NBA D League title in 2012. He was a McDonald’s All-American and was the leading scorer as a senior on the 2005 championship team at Washington, a year in which he was also named “Mr. Basketball” in Indiana. He attended the University of Notre Dame.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 18 of 2025. Where should we head next?