Overview
Salem is a small city in Southern Indiana and the county seat of Washington County.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Salem
Beck's Mill
A restored and operating grist mill.
Washington County Court House
1886 Richardsonian Romanesque structure built of limestone that really grabs you as you're driving towards it on Main St.
Old Settlers' Days Festival
A long running yearly festival that celebrates the local history.
The John Hay Center
The restored birthplace and museum dedicated to John Hay. Personal secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State to Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Louisville)
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.
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 36 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 78 mi away (major hub). Directions
Salem does not lie on any interstate or federal highways. Access from the north and south is via IN 135 and IN 56 if travelling from the east or west.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Beck's Mill, Washington County Court House
- Afternoon Old Settlers' Days Festival, The John Hay Center
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Salem was founded in 1814. It seems to have garnered a lot of unwanted attention over the years. For instance, it was the scene of a raid by a brazen sort of mercenary-like Confederate general named John Morgan who ransacked and pillaged the town in 1863 with the help of his men, plus the locale of an unsuccessful attempt at domestic terrorism with dynamite sticks in 1988. It was also a sundown town and maybe doesn't always put its best foot forward with civic virtue and pride. However, it does have an attractive-looking courthouse.
Get in
Salem does not lie on any interstate or federal highways. Access from the north and south is via IN 135 and IN 56 if travelling from the east or west.
See
See Washington County Court House
1886 Richardsonian Romanesque structure built of limestone that really grabs you as you're driving towards it on Main St.
Do
Sleep
Stay Delaney Creek Park
A 326 acre park owned and operated by Washington County and adjacent to the Jackson-Washington State Forest. The park features an 88 acre lake, campsites, cabins, swimming beach, and hiking trails. Campsites range from primitive to full hookups and feature shower houses. The park is the northern terminus for the Knobstone Trail.
Go next
Nearby
Scottsburg
City / town · 2 listings · 18 mi away
Georgetown
City / town · 3 listings · 22 mi away
Floyds Knobs
City / town · 3 listings · 23 mi away
New Albany
City / town · 42 listings · 27 mi away
Seymour
City / town · 15 listings · 27 mi away
Corydon
City / town · 41 listings · 27 mi away
Bedford
City / town · 35 listings · 27 mi away
Clarksville
City / town · 12 listings · 28 mi away
My experience
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