Overview
Anderson is a small city in the Nine-County Region of Indiana, home to a nice downtown and the impressive Paramount Theatre.
The city was named after Chief William "Adam" Anderson who was part Delaware Indian, and platted around 1827. Things were all well and good for the people of Anderson until the second half of the 20th century. Then the keystones of the economy like GM pulled out or started to fold and smiles disappeared off faces pretty fast as empty storefronts popped up.
Be aware that smoking cigarettes indoors is legal in Anderson, and some restaurants do not have enclosed smoking areas.
3 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Anderson
Paramount Theatre
Opened in 1929 and originally owned by Paramount Pictures with a starry sky-type atmosphere on the ceiling, one of only 12 such theaters in the US and Canada, then also with a Spanish village-themed auditorium. Occupies …
Anderson Center for the Arts
Anderson Speedway
Mounds State Park
Discover prehistoric mounds for religious and astronomical ceremonies going back to approximately 160 BC by the Adena-Hopewell people. Also find here a nature center and nature trails to explore the botany and fauna of t…
Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
Racino (racetrack/casino), courtesy of Harrah's.
Macholtz Stadium
Home of the Anderson Ravens' athletics and sporting events.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jul. (climate data from nearby Cumberland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 42 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 66 mi away. Directions
The Indianapolis International Airport is an hour car ride South-East of Anderson.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Paramount Theatre, Anderson Center for the Arts, Gruenewald Historic House
- Lunch Lemon Drop
- Afternoon Macholtz Stadium, Anderson Speedway
- Dinner King Gyro's
Day 2
- Morning Mounds State Park, Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
- Afternoon Indy Scream Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The Indianapolis International Airport is an hour car ride South-East of Anderson.
Go Anderson Municipal Airport (AID)
A General aviation airport. This is good if you're coming in your own airplane.
Get around
Driving is probably your best option.
See
See Gruenewald Historic House
Italianate/Second Empire-style house that was built in 1873 on a plot that was an original part of the townsite.
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat King Gyro's
One of the only places to get a gyro in Anderson, typically served with lamb, cucumber-garlic sauce, lettuce, tomato, and onion. King Gyro's also serves regular American fast food, like hamburgers. Customers always note King Gyro's quality food and low prices.
Eat Lemon Drop
An old-fashion burger joint, cozy and comfortable. Visitors remember the bright yellow paint, the toy train running around the ceiling, and the burgers on toast (they do have buns though).
Sleep
There is also the campground at Mounds State Park.
Nearby
Muncie
City / town · 31 listings · 17 mi away
Cicero
City / town · 18 listings · 18 mi away
Noblesville
City / town · 44 listings · 18 mi away
Fishers
City / town · 40 listings · 20 mi away
New Castle
City / town · 7 listings · 20 mi away
Greenfield
City / town · 1 listings · 22 mi away
Knightstown
City / town · 3 listings · 23 mi away
Carmel
City / town · 59 listings · 24 mi away
My experience
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