There’s something special about small towns—and in Southeast Indiana, that something often includes a rich history just waiting to be discovered. From steamboat captains to canal builders, early settlers to Civil War veterans, the stories of the past are preserved in charming local museums and hidden historical landmarks scattered throughout the region.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, these small-town museums and landmarks in Southeast Indiana offer a meaningful way to connect with the roots of the community.
1. The Lanier Mansion – Madison, IN
Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s historic district, the Lanier Mansion offers a glimpse into 19th-century life along the Ohio River. This Greek Revival home belonged to financier James F.D. Lanier, and today it’s beautifully restored with period furnishings and lush gardens. Guided tours bring the home’s fascinating architecture and family history to life.
📍 501 W 1st St, Madison, IN
🔗 Visit Indiana State Museum site
2. The Jefferson County History and Art Center – Madison, IN
Just a few blocks from the Lanier Mansion, this museum is packed with artifacts covering everything from Native American tools to Civil War uniforms. A highlight? The 1880s railroad diorama and the preserved Gillett House, which shows what life was like for early Indiana residents.
📍 601 W 1st St, Madison, IN
🔗 Jefferson County History and Art Center
3. Aurora’s Hillforest Mansion – Aurora, IN
Perched above the Ohio River, the Hillforest Mansion feels like a steamboat frozen in time—and that’s no accident. Designed by architect Isaiah Rogers in 1855 for industrialist Thomas Gaff, the house reflects the era’s steamboat culture with rounded porches and ornate interior woodwork. A must-see on the list of landmarks in Southeast Indiana!
📍 213 Fifth St, Aurora, IN
🔗 Hillforest House Museum
4. Dillsboro Heritage Museum – Dillsboro, IN
This cozy museum inside a former bank may be small, but it’s full of big stories—from the town’s railroad beginnings to local legends. It’s run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about preserving and sharing Dillsboro’s heritage. Don’t miss the antique bank vault!
📍 12926 Bank St, Dillsboro, IN
5. Ohio County Historical Society – Rising Sun, IN
Housed in a former 1800s store, this museum features exhibits on the steamboat era, river commerce, and local folk art. The attached Carriage House includes antique vehicles and a working blacksmith forge—perfect for curious kids (and adults).
📍 212 S Walnut St, Rising Sun, IN
🔗 Ohio County Museum
6. Versailles State Park and Tyson Temple – Versailles, IN
While not a museum, this area is steeped in local lore. Versailles State Park is the second-largest state park in Indiana, and just nearby is the Tyson Temple, a striking Art Deco building gifted to the town by local philanthropist James Tyson (of Walgreens fame). The temple, originally a Methodist church, is a unique landmark in Southeast Indiana that blends architecture and community history.
📍 1387 US-50, Versailles, IN (State Park)
📍 Tanglewood Rd, Versailles, IN (Tyson Temple)
7. The Tree Growing Out of the Courthouse Tower – Greensburg, IN
Greensburg’s most famous landmark is as quirky as it is historic—a tree growing right out of the Decatur County Courthouse tower. First spotted in the 1870s, the tree has become a beloved symbol of the town’s resilience and charm. Stop by the courthouse square for a photo op and a walk around downtown Greensburg’s shops and cafes.
📍 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN
🔗 Visit Greensburg
Greensburg Photos: Sibcy Cline
Plan a Weekend History Tour
Southeast Indiana’s towns are close enough together to explore over a weekend—or take your time and enjoy a few day trips. Many museums are seasonal or operate with limited hours, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before visiting. And while you’re in town, be sure to grab a bite at a local diner or browse antique shops lining the main streets.
Local history isn’t just about the past—it’s a way to connect with the present. These museums and landmarks in Southeast Indiana tell the stories that make this region unique, and they’re right here waiting to be discovered.
There’s more to do and see in Southeast Indiana! Explore here.
