Things to Do in Corydon, Indiana
The best things to do in Corydon, Indiana, are the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, Indiana Caverns and Squire Boone Caverns. Corydon is a town of about 3,150 people and the seat of Harrison County.
Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital, from 1816 to 1825. The town was laid out in 1808, and tradition says William Henry Harrison had it named after a line in his favorite hymn. In July 1863, Confederate cavalry under John Hunt Morgan fought the local home guard just south of town.
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
The square limestone capitol went up between 1814 and 1816, and Indiana’s first lawmakers met here until 1825. The site also takes in the 1817 Governor’s Mansion, where Governor William Hendricks lived, and the trunk of the Constitution Elm. Delegates drafted the first state constitution in its shade in June 1816.
★ Good to know Indoor tours run at set times and walk-up spots are limited, so book ahead.
Indiana Caverns
Indiana Caverns opened to the public in 2013. It is part of the Binkley Cave System, which runs more than 44 miles and is the longest cave in Indiana. The guided tour includes an underground boat ride and a look at Ice Age bones of bison and bears found in the cave.
★ Good to know The tour goes about 110 feet below ground and runs rain or shine.
Squire Boone Caverns
Squire Boone, Daniel Boone’s brother, found this cave in the late 1700s, and he is buried inside it. He built a grist mill here in 1808, and the mill still grinds grain. Along with cave tours, there are ziplines, gem mining and a small village of shops.
★ Good to know The Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center in Corydon sells discount tickets for both caverns.
O’Bannon Woods State Park
This state park runs along the Ohio River inside the Harrison-Crawford State Forest. It has a working haypress barn with oxen, a restored pioneer farmstead and a nature center. It was once home to CCC Company 517, one of the few African American Civilian Conservation Corps units.
★ Good to know The Stagestop Campground and the canoe ramp are closed until further notice, so call the park office before you plan around them.
Battle of Corydon Memorial Park
On July 9, 1863, about 450 men of the Harrison County Home Guard faced Morgan’s Confederate cavalry here. It was the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana soil. The park has a restored log cabin, a Civil War-era cannon and an easy wooded path.
★ Good to know The grounds are free, and the cabin opens on summer weekends.
Zimmerman Art Glass
Victor Zimmerman started this glass studio in 1942, and the family is now in its fifth generation. Since 2015 it has worked out of a converted Sinclair gas station downtown. You can watch the glassblowers at work and buy paperweights and other pieces in the shop.
★ Good to know It’s closed Sundays and Mondays, plus a few major holidays.
Turtle Run Winery
Turtle Run pours more than 30 wines, from dry to sweet, at its tasting room just outside Corydon. The winery says none of its wines have added sugar.
★ Good to know Hours change by season; check before you go.
Also in town
In town you’ll also find the three-story Red Barn Antique Mall, the Harrison County Artisan Center and the hands-on Harrison County Discovery Center. For food and fun, try 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks, Frederick’s Cafe for breakfast, and mini golf at Golf Shores Fun Center.
Why is Corydon famous?
Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital, from 1816 to 1825. The original limestone capitol still stands downtown and is open for tours.
Which cave is better, Indiana Caverns or Squire Boone Caverns?
Indiana Caverns has the underground boat ride and Ice Age bones. Squire Boone Caverns adds a working 1808 grist mill, ziplines and the Boone family story. Both are close enough to do in one day.
Was there a Civil War battle in Corydon?
Yes. On July 9, 1863, Morgan’s Confederate cavalry defeated the local home guard just south of town. The Battle of Corydon Memorial Park marks the spot, and the grounds are free.
Is Corydon a good day trip from Louisville?
Yes. It’s about half an hour from Louisville, so a capitol tour and a cave fit easily in one day. For more river-town history, add Madison or browse other small towns in Indiana.
Where to find them
- Corydon Capitol State Historic Site 202 E Walnut St, Corydon, IN 47112 Website Directions
- Indiana Caverns 1267 Green Acres Dr SW, Corydon, IN 47112 Website Directions
- Squire Boone Caverns 100 Squire Boone Rd, Mauckport, IN 47142 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Corydon, see Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau →
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Where to stay in Corydon
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