Less than 25 miles north of Indianapolis lies a jewel of a city, rich in history and culture. The city of Noblesville is one of the most vibrant cities in Indiana. There you will find many different venues, places to shop, golf courses, and historical sites.
According to legend, Noblesville was named after Lavina Noble, who was engaged to Josiah Polk, one of the founders of the city. Though some would argue it was named after James Noble, one of the first two U.S. senators from Indiana. I, personally, choose to believe the legend because who wouldn’t want to believe a man named his city after the woman he loved.
Names aside, you won’t be hard-pressed to find an abundance of things to do in this great city. We’ll share with you our top picks for things to do in Noblesville on your next visit.
The Best Restaurants in Noblesville
1. Aspen Creek Grill
If you are looking for a nice dinner in Noblesville, look no further than Aspen Creek Grill. Aspen Creek Grill is a full service, casual dining restaurant that features made-from-scratch fresh food. Their menu includes family farm raised black angus steaks, freshly chopped salads, and delicious double-pattied burgers just to name a few things.
You can also enjoy a full service bar with daily specials, delectable desserts, and a kids menu to please even the pickiest eater. You really can’t go wrong at Aspen Creek.
2. Rosie’s Place
Rosie’s Place first opened its doors in Noblesville in 2010 and has quickly become a staple in the community. Now, with three locations, Rosie’s is a full-service breakfast and lunch restaurant with a fully bakery. Owned and operated by Debbi Bourgerie and her husband Michael, Rosie’s is named after Debbi’s grandmother who was known to be an amazing cook.
Nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch, guaranteeing you will get a fresh and tasty meal whenever you come to visit. And if you haven’t tried the Butter Cookie, that’s reason enough to stop in for a bite.
3. Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano
You won’t be disappointed if you visit Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano for dinner. Known as one of the finest family dining experiences in Noblesville, it has a reputation for amazing food and atmosphere. You’ll find a full service Italian menu that will take you away to the hills of Italy with every bite. You’ll find everything from calamari to pizza to filet mignon served in a puff pastry on the menu. And don’t forget to try the tiramisu while you’re there.
4. Ford’s Garage
When you hear the words Ford and Garage, you probably think cars not food. But don’t let the name fool you, Ford’s Garage is the place you’ll want to go if you’re looking for a good burger and craft beer. At Ford’s Garage, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s style full service garage that was converted into an eatery.
You’ll find your favorite American comfort foods at Ford’s, from burgers (turkey and vegetarian options are available) to homemade meatloaf, ribs, mac and cheese and more. Between the atmosphere and the food, you’ll find yourself wanting to come back again and again.
5. Uptown Cafe
If you are looking for amazing food with a great hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, then Uptown Cafe is your place. Everything served at Uptown is made in house, from the condiments to the breads to the pies and jams. Uptown values its connection to the Noblesville community. Because of this belief they created the E.G.G. – Educational Gift Grant – to benefit local schools and donate meals to frontline workers. So, if you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by Uptown Cafe for a delicious meal.
Interesting Natural and Historical Sites in Noblesville
6. Strawtown Koteewi Park
Strawtown Koteewi Park is the largest park in Hamilton County. With more than 800 acres, the park offers 8 miles of trails, including hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, fishing, a nature center, and canoe launch The park has taken great care to preserve the historical and cultural areas of the park that once served as home to the Native American population that once inhabited the area. The park also offers an archery center, a treetop ropes course, equestrian adventures, and archeology adventures.
7. Taylor Center of Natural History
Located in Strawtown Koteewi Park, Taylor Center of Natural History is open to the public and features archeological discoveries that have been unearthed within Strawtown Koteewi Park. The Center is open 7 days a week and features a replicated Native American village site where guests can explore and experience what life was like centuries ago.
8. Hamilton County Museum of History and Old Sheriff’s Residence and Jail
This historic building, located in downtown Noblesville, served as the Sheriff’s residence and the jail from 1876 until 1977. The museum is home to items of historical interest to the county, including photos, genealogy and veteran records, restored and preserved Victorian rooms, a research library, and jail cells that once help Charles Manson. The Museum is open from noon till 5:00 Thursday through Saturday. And the jail is listed in the National Registry of Historic places.
9. Potter’s Bridge Park
Potter’s Bridge Park is a gorgeous 66 acre park, which is home to the county’s oldest remaining covered bridge. Built in the late 1800s, the bridge was restored in 1999. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park features a canoe launch, places to fish, paved walking trails, and playground. The park is open 365 days a year from dusk till dawn.
Exciting Things for Kids to do in Noblesville
10. Forest Park Aquatic Center
Summer is quickly approaching, and Forest Park Aquatic Center is just what you’ll need to beat the heat. Dating back to the early 1900s, the aquatic center has been a staple of the community for nearly 100 years. Over the years, the center has undergone several renovations and improvements, but the integrity of its purpose has remained the same – to offer a safe place for families to swim. The facility offers a number of classes and clubs, including a Tiny Tots swim class for ages 5 and under.
11. Morse Park and Beach
Morse Park and Beach has everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors with the family when visiting Noblesville. Located along the shores of More Lake, the park offers a wide range of activities from swimming to boating, fishing, hiking, volleyball, and numerous trails for hiking. The 23 acre park also features an 18-hole disc golf course, and spring and fall softball leagues.
12. Forest Park
We’ve already mentioned the aquatic center located within Forest Park, but you shouldn’t overlook the remainder of the park and all its many attractions. A gorgeous 150 acre park, Forest Park has a variety of outdoor activities, including tennis courts, a carousel, playground, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, miniature golf, and a 9-hole golf course (we’ll talk more about that later). You can easily spend a full day enjoying everything the park has to offer
Art, Culture, Shopping, and Leisure in Noblesville
13. Fox Prairie and Forest Park Golf Courses
If you are looking to tee off and play a round, then Noblesville is your spot. Fox Prairie and Forest Park Gold Courses are two of the best golf courses Indiana has to offer. Built in 1970, Fox Prairie is a traditional style course, with a modern clubhouse, sandwich shoppe, practice green, driving range, and 27 championship holes.
Forest Park, built in 1927, is the oldest golf course in Hamilton County. This 9 hole course is free of water hazards, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this course is a breeze. The course features postage stamp greens, challenging elevated trees and greens, and manicured fairways.
14. Nickel Plate Arts
Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella non-profit organization that works to create art and cultural experiences across the community with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents and encourage and grow the local economy. Nickel Plate helps to coordinate several events every month to feature both local and historical art through emersion.
15. Belfry Theater
Belfry Theater, located in Noblesville, has been the home of the Hamilton County Theater Guild since 1968. Once a church, the theater produces 6 shows annually, including one youth show. The theater space has undergone many renovations over the years to improve the performance space as the popularity of the guild has grown. The theater is pleased to be celebrating its 57th season of live theater this year.
16. Hamilton Town Center
If you are looking for a place to shop till you drop, then Hamilton Town Center is the place for you. The open-air streetscape shopping center was first opened in 2008 and has become a staple of the community ever since. With a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, you can easily spend the entire day here and not run out of stores to visit and things to do.
Conclusion
Noblesville is one of the best small towns in Indiana. With a rich history, amazing culture, and so many things to do, you will find yourself wanting to come visit again and again.
What are your favorite things to do in Noblesville? Did yours make the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments below.