Greenfield, Indiana

The National Road, US 40, James Whitcomb Riley, and a rich history are just some of the reasons historic Greenfield, Indiana is a great place to live or visit!

The city of Greenfield is situated in the middle of Hancock county, Indiana, just east of Indianapolis. The Nation Road (US 40) is Main street running through the heart of downtown where the courthouse still reigns supreme.

It's a picturesque city dotted with historic buildings, pride in citizenship and a real sense of community. Greenfield is in the heart of the Hoosier state and still holds true to its' Midwestern values.

Where is Greenfield?

Historic Sites in Greenfield, Indiana

The Arts, Museum and Chapel

In addition to the historic courthouse, Greenfield, Indiana also houses a few other historic treasures.

The old Village Theatre on Main Street (circa 1946) was donated to the city and re-opened in 2006 as an art center for plays, concerts and poetry readings as the HJ Rick's Centre for the Arts. It was renovated and restored to its' original Art Deco / Art Moderne style before re-opening.
The Old Log Jail was built in 1853 and still stands today. It was moved in the 1960's from its' original location downtown to the Riley Park. It has been turned into a museum of pioneer life in Hancock county and maintained by the Hancock County Historical Society.
Chapel in the Park resides at Riley Park as well. Originally built in nearby Philadelphia is 1856, it was moved to Riley Park in 1891. It is available for weddings and other events.

History of Greenfield, Indiana

Greenfield is a city in Hancock County, Indiana, United States, and is part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The population was 20,602 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Hancock County, and lies in Center ...

Hancock County Courthouse

Greenfield, IN (1897)

Hancock County Courthouse, Greenfield...

Pollinator

Visitor's Bureau

For more information, visit the Hancock County Visitors Bureau.

Sites in Greenfield

HJ Rick's Theatre Hancock County Visi...	Old Log Jail Hancock County Visi...	Chapel in the Park Hancock County Visi...	JW Riley Emporium -... Mandee Sears
Lincoln Square Panc... Mandee Sears	North West side of ... Mandee Sears	Bradley United Meth... Mandee Sears	Hancock County Cour... Pollinator

Rural Free Delivery Carrier in Greenf...

Birthplace of Democratic Party Rooster

The Riley Festival

James Whitcomb Riley

James Whitcomb Riley, the Indiana Poet, was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. It is apparent that Greenfield loves JW Riley. You see the Riley name over and over again through town.

JW Riley Statue His home is now the "James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and available for tours -- showcasing the way the home looked when Riley was in residence. The adjecent home, the Mitchell Home, is now the James Whitcomb Riley Museum boasting a gift shop and the history of the famous Hoosier poet.

During the first, full weekend in October, Greenfield pays homage to its' favorite son with the Riley Festival. Each year, the theme based on one of Riley's poems -- for 2012 the 43rd annual festival theme is "Bear Story" and will be held October 4th - 7th.

The festival brings thousands of visitors to Greenfield to enjoy one of the largest festivals in Indiana. It features crafts, live music, festival foods, tours, parades, flea markets and so much more.

In keeping with the history of american school children sending donations to build the JW Riley statue that sits on the courthouse lawn, the festival is kicked off with Greenfield school children parading to the statue with flowers to lay at its base.

image: Pollinator

Historic Buildings in Greenfield

Beautiful Architechture

Greenfield Indiana Bradley Methodist Church Print

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Greenfield, Indiana Posters

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Have You Been to Greenfield?

Greenfield at a Glance

Weather, Population, Schools, Homes, Income

Population: 20,602

Median Age of Residents: 37.2

Male: 36.3

Female: 38.2

Average Household Income: $48,963

Average Home Value: $126,100

City Land Cover: Approximately 12.55 acres

Women Owned Businesses: 30.2%

Greenfield Local Time Zone - Eastern Standard Time

City incorporated in 1876

Sources: US Census Bureau, City-Data

Shopping in Greenfield

Cynthia's Hallmark, J.W Riley Antiques and more

Shopping in Greenfield gives a bevy of opportunity. From the North, as soon as you cross Interstate 70 on State Road 9, the beginning of the businesses jump into site. The variety is sure to please just about anyone! This stretch is home to large discount stores, chain stores, home improvement stores, grocery stores and some specialty stores (as well as tons of restaurants), including:

Greenfield is home to the nation's largest, single retail Hallmark store (25,000 sq ft) -- Cynthia's Hallmark -- located on State Road Nine in a shopping mall.

Continuing South on State Road 9 at the intersection of the National Road (US 40) you arrive in Downtown Greenfield. The courthouse watches over the downtown businesses and activity as it has since 1876.

JW Riley Antiques Emporium

Antique stores like the JW Riley Emporium and Red Ribbon Antiques make there home here. A Touch of Home and Hometown Comics offer decor and collectibles to the public. Moxie's Chocolates & Cakes is a specialty bakery offering a wide variety of confections or custom creations.

Restaurants include The Lincoln Square Pancake House and SoupHerb where you can leisurely eat while enjoying the downtown sites and stores.

Image Credits- Carey D., Cynthia's Hallmark

Mandee Sears, J.W. Riley Emporium Antiques

Hoosier Hospitality

Greenfield, Indiana Greenfield is a combination of a bustling city, a sleepy town and proud citizens offering smiles and hellos -- a perfect example of the Mid-West and Hoosier Hospitality. If you get an opportunity to visit, do it! You will enjoy all that Greenfield has to offer. If possible, plan your visit around the Riley Festival and you won't be sorry!