Things to Do in Metamora, Indiana
The best things to do in Metamora, Indiana, are the working grist mill, the 1846 Duck Creek Aqueduct and the Whitewater Canal Trail. Metamora is a Franklin County village of about 200 people, with a main street of small shops along the old canal.
Metamora was platted in 1838 and took its name from an 1829 play. The Whitewater Canal ran from Lawrenceburg on the Ohio River north to Hagerstown, carrying freight from 1839 to 1865. The state took over a 14-mile stretch between Laurel and Brookville in 1946.
Metamora Grist Mill and Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
The water-powered mill is the heart of town, and staff grind corn meal and flour during scheduled demonstrations. It’s considered Indiana’s oldest continuously operating grist mill. The Indiana State Museum runs it along with the canal, which used 56 locks to handle a fall of nearly 500 feet.
★ Good to know The horse-drawn canal boat is not running until further notice. The state secured $14.4 million in 2026 to repair the canal and replace the boat.
Duck Creek Aqueduct
This covered wooden trough, about 90 feet long, has carried the canal over Duck Creek since 1846. It’s the only surviving covered wooden aqueduct in the United States. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 2014.
★ Good to know It’s right by the mill, so you can see both in one short walk.
Whitewater Canal Trail
The Metamora section of this trail runs 2.6 miles along the old canal route. It passes the aqueduct, Twin Locks and the ruins of Yellow Bank Lock. It starts near the mill downtown and works for walking or biking.
★ Good to know A second, shorter section starts at the Yellow Bank trailhead.
Grannie’s Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parlor
This shop opened in 1988. It now holds more than 3,200 cookie jars and over 1,000 salt and pepper shakers. You walk through the collection to get to the hand-dipped ice cream in homemade waffle cones.
★ Good to know Hours change by season; check before you go.
Metamora Performing Arts Opry Barn
This barn at the west end of town hosts live music and other shows from March through November. Bluegrass Family Night falls on the third Saturday of each month, and Acoustic Friday opens the stage to local players.
★ Good to know Check the Franklin County Welcome Center calendar for what’s on.
Canal Days
Canal Days is Metamora’s biggest weekend, starting the first Friday in October. Historic Metamora, Inc. organizes it, with vendors lining the village.
★ Good to know Historic Metamora, Inc. posts the schedule and vendor details on its site.
Also in town
Around the village you’ll also find gem panning at the Metamora Gem Mine. The Martindale House, built in 1838, has a tavern and antiques. For food there’s The Blue Umbrella Bistro & Bakery, Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery and Third Place Metamora; Gateway Park has camping.
What is Metamora, Indiana known for?
Its canal-era grist mill and the Duck Creek Aqueduct, the only surviving covered wooden aqueduct in the country. The main street of small shops and the Canal Days festival are the other big draws.
When is Canal Days in Metamora?
It starts the first Friday in October each year. In 2026 that’s October 2.
Can you still ride the train or the canal boat to Metamora?
Not right now. The Whitewater Valley Railroad suspended trips after the August 2026 flood and doesn’t expect full service until 2027 at the earliest. The canal boat is also out of service until further notice.
Is Metamora open after the 2026 flood?
Many shops reopened in time for the Labor Day weekend, but not all. Call ahead, and check Madison or other small towns in Indiana if you want a backup.
Where to find them
- Whitewater Canal State Historic Site & Metamora Grist Mill 19073 Main Street, Metamora, IN 47030 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Metamora, see Franklin County Welcome Center →
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Where to stay in Metamora
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