Beautiful Architecture, Antique Machinery, and a Ghost Train
Autumn is the perfect time for a short road trip to the picturesque and historic region of Franklin County, Indiana. Franklin County, Indiana, is in the southeast corner of Indiana, across the Ohio border from Cincinnati.
Antique Machinery and Family Fun
Start your visit in the county seat of Brookville, Indiana, for their 31st Annual Antique Machinery Show at the Franklin County Fairgrounds September 24-27, 2026. This annual event highlights classic machinery and family fun events. Take in tractor pulls and steam engine block races. Watch heritage crafter demonstrations like pottery, broom making, wood carving and fiber arts. There is even a flea market at this event!
“Village of Spires” and World-Famous Fried Chicken
The historic Village of Oldenburg, also known as the Village of Spires, began as a settlement of Catholic German immigrants in 1817. Visiting Oldenburg today, you can relive the old-world German Heritage through both the architecture and cuisine. In fact, eighty of the one hundred and fifteen buildings in the historic district are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The most distinctive architectural aspect to Oldenburg is, of course, its many spires. View a great example of the German-influenced architecture at the Immaculate Conception convent, run by Sisters of St. Francis. The Convent offers tours of their grounds and buildings, including the chapel built in 1890-1891. The tour requires reservations.
After taking in the sites, it is time to try the food.
The most famous restaurant in Oldenburg is Wagner’s Village Inn. They were honored with a 2023 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award for their legendary fried chicken.
Try the Authentic German Cuisine and world-famous fried chicken at Brau Haus. Brau Haus serves a selection of German and domestic beers to accompany dinner.
A One-of-a-Kind Brewery
Creek Bottom Brewery is a small farm-based brewery/winery /cidery /Meadery. They celebrate their heritage with great beers and wines using methods not just of Germany but of Western Europe. Their mission includes promoting the ‘Love for Craft Beer” by creating a beer-centric environment for customers and staff. They celebrate their motto, “Life is too short to drink boring beer!” Creek Bottom Brewery is also the only brewery in the United States that is known to be in the same building as the police department.
Haunted Village and Ghost Train
Add Metamora, Indiana to your must-see list for your trip to Franklin County. Metamora is a historic canal town known for its beautiful scenery, biking, and hiking along the Whitewater River Valley. A spooky adventure awaits you in The Haunted Village of Metamora. This family-friendly event is held Fridays and Saturdays from October 9 to 24, 2026.
Start with shopping and dining in the downtown area and head to the Haunted Village around dusk. There you can go on a hayride and a guided tour through the Haunted Village before boarding the Ghost Train. The Ghost Train departs at scheduled times throughout the evening and lasts about 30 minutes. Make reservations, as seats go fast.
Franklin County, Indiana is the perfect place to head this fall! There is something for everyone here!
