James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause

City / town · Indiana

Marion

James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause

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Best timeApr–Oct
From you
Nearest airportFWA · 39 mi
On this page

Overview

Marion is a small city in Central Indiana, the home of Indiana Wesleyan University, and birthplace of James Dean.

7 sights · 2 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Marion

Indiana Wesleyan University

National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch

National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch

Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats

The athletic teams of Indiana Wesleyan University.

Mississinewa 1812

Watch yearly reenactments of this War of 1812 battle, when President William Henry Harrison sent out the troops against Miami tribes as a reprisal for attacks on surrounding Indiana forts, e.g. Fort Wayne. Held in early …

Matter Park

Picturesque garden. Garfield Statue since Marion was the home of Jim Davis. Christmas Light display during the Holiday season.

Quilters Hall of Fame (Webster House)

It may not be the most exciting thing to see, but there is this niche museum.

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)

Jan: 2.7 in rain2.7"Jan: high 36°F, low 20°F36°20°JanFeb: 2.3 in rain2.3"Feb: high 40°F, low 24°F40°24°FebMar: 3.6 in rain3.6"Mar: high 52°F, low 33°F52°33°MarApr: 3.8 in rain3.8"Apr: high 63°F, low 43°F63°43°AprMay: 5.1 in rain5.1"May: high 73°F, low 53°F73°53°MayJun: 4.3 in rain4.3"Jun: high 82°F, low 62°F82°62°JunJul: 4.6 in rain4.6"Jul: high 85°F, low 66°F85°66°JulAug: 3.1 in rain3.1"Aug: high 84°F, low 64°F84°64°AugSep: 3.1 in rain3.1"Sep: high 78°F, low 56°F78°56°SepOct: 3.1 in rain3.1"Oct: high 65°F, low 45°F65°45°OctNov: 3.7 in rain3.7"Nov: high 52°F, low 35°F52°35°NovDec: 3.2 in rain3.2"Dec: high 39°F, low 24°F39°24°Dec

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.
  • FWA Fort Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne — 39 mi away. Directions
  • IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 66 mi away (major hub). Directions

The Cardinal Greenway is a bike path that connects with nearby towns.

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 Matter Park, Quilters Hall of Fame (Webster House), Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Afternoon National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch, Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats

Day 2

  • Morning Fairmount Historical Museum (J.W. Patterson House), James Dean Gallery
  • Afternoon James Dean's Gravesite, Mississinewa 1812

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Baldwin Cafeteria of Indiana Wesleyan University has a great Sunday breakfast after church time.

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

    Photos

    James Dean in Rebel Without a CauseNational Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion BranchMarion

    Map

    Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

    Get in

    Go Marion Municipal Airport

    ⚠ Last checked Nov 2018 — confirm before you go
    Maps

    The Cardinal Greenway is a bike path that connects with nearby towns.

    See

    See Matter Park

    Picturesque garden. Garfield Statue since Marion was the home of Jim Davis. Christmas Light display during the Holiday season.

    📍 N River Rd &, N Quarry Rd🕒 Daily 8AM-11PM☎ +1 765-662-9931
    MapsWebsite

    See Indiana Wesleyan University

    ⚠ Last checked Nov 2018 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite
    National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch

    See National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch

    ⚠ Last checked Nov 2018 — confirm before you go
    Maps

    See Quilters Hall of Fame (Webster House)

    It may not be the most exciting thing to see, but there is this niche museum.

    📍 926 S Washington St🕒 Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM☎ +1 765-664-9333
    MapsWebsite

    See Fairmount Historical Museum (J.W. Patterson House)

    Large repository of James Dean memorabilia, plus other items pertaining to the history of the larger Marion area. James Dean is a big deal in Fairmount because, though he was born in Marion and temporarily moved to California, it's where he grew up after moving back at age 9 to live on his aunt and uncle's farm and also where he is buried. And not just James Dean, but Garfield creator Jim Davis also hailed from a farm here.

    📍 203 E Washington St, Fairmount🕒 Thu-Mon 11AM-5PM☎ +1 765 948-4555Checked Nov 2021
    MapsWebsite

    See James Dean Gallery

    More James Dean stuff, e.g. his leather jacket and Indian motorcycle.

    📍 425 N Main St, Fairmount🕒 Daily 9AM-6PM☎ +1 765 948-3326Checked Nov 2021
    MapsWebsite

    See James Dean's Gravesite

    Where the Hollywood icon/idol was laid to rest, with dream rocks and things still left by his admirers.

    📍 8106-8334 S 150 E, Fairmountin Park Cemetery, some signs to guide you to graveChecked Nov 2021
    Maps

    Do

    James Dean Festival every summer. Every other year the YMCA puts on an Easter pageant!

    Do Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats

    The athletic teams of Indiana Wesleyan University.

    ⚠ Last checked Nov 2018 — confirm before you go
    MapsWebsite

    Do Mississinewa 1812

    Watch yearly reenactments of this War of 1812 battle, when President William Henry Harrison sent out the troops against Miami tribes as a reprisal for attacks on surrounding Indiana forts, e.g. Fort Wayne. Held in early October.

    📍 6000 County Rd 300 W, La Fontaine10 or so miles northwest of Marion☎ +1 765-667-3987
    MapsWebsite

    Buy

    Shop Five Points Mall

    A closed mall that still has an Applebee's, a couple of fitness locations, and a small outlet store. Nearby in the same lot is a Buffalo Wild Wing's.

    ⚠ Last checked Apr 2021 — confirm before you go
    Maps

    Eat

    Baldwin Cafeteria of Indiana Wesleyan University has a great Sunday breakfast after church time.

    Sleep

    College Inn Bed and Breakfast. S. Washington St. Directly across from Indiana Wesleyan University. Quiet, quant place with friendly staff!

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    My experience

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