TABLE of CONTENTS Welcome to muncie Introduction to Muncie Welcome! On behalf of the citizens of Muncie, Indiana, 2 A message from Executive Director, we are excited that you want to visit our community. Jim Mansfield. (Population, weather, Whether you are a first time or frequent visitor, we are important phone numbers found on confident that you will find there is more to see and do in page 69) Muncie than ever before. This year, we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Attractions/Shopping Muncie as an incorporated city – our Sesquicentennial. 4 Museums, art galleries, We commenced our celebration with a proclamation on entertainment, theaters, unique the anniversary date of our incorporation (February 2nd). shopping, flea markets and bargain hunting. Programs, activities and events that reflect upon our rich and diverse history as a community will take place throughout the year. We invite you to celebrate with us! Ball State University 24 Arts & Entertainment, Sculputre & I’m sure this visitor’s guide will provide you with beneficial outdoor art, Sports & recreation, information and assist you in understanding why Muncie the village and history is such a great community. Dennis Tyler Sports & Recreation Mayor of Muncie 32 Golf, bowling, trails, parks, swimming, canoeing, and racing. We are delighted that you have chosen Muncie to visit as your next destination! The Muncie/Delaware County community prides itself in greeting our visitors with our genuine Hoosier Hospitality. We are happy that you are Lodging visiting in 2015, a year in which Muncie is celebrating its 40 Bed and breakfasts, hotels, and Sesquicentennial. We hope you will join one of our many camping. 150-year celebrations being conducted throughout the year. During your visit, you will find we have numerous lodging Meeting Venues and dining facilities to fit every size pocketbook. We 48 Meet up at these places. are proud of the many outstanding attractions you are sure to want to visit during your stay. Delaware County can boast of many famous brand retail stores as well as several unique shopping experiences. The cultural and recreational opportunities abound and await your trip to Local Dining & Night Life Muncie/Delaware County. We are confident your visit will 52 Where the locals eat and play. be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Around the County 62 Albany, Selma, Yorktown, Daleville Jim Mansfield, Executive Director Muncie/Delaware County Convention & Visitors Bureau 3700 S. Madison St., Muncie, IN 47302 In the Area 765-284-2700 | 800-568-6862 visitmuncie.org 66 (surrounding counties) Blackford, Henry, Jay, Madison and Be sure to visit the Muncie and Delaware Randolph counties County Community Calendar! munciecalendar.com 2 History Following the American Revolution, the Northwest Territory was created in 1783. From this territory, the boundaries of states were portioned off and recreated into their own territories. The Indiana Territory was created in 1800, named for the plethora of Native American cultures present in the land. Roughly, “Indiana” meant “land of the Indians.” Delaware County was formed in 1827. It was named for the Delaware, a Native American people who then still inhabited the area. The Delaware were moved to new lands west of the Mississippi River in the 1840s. David Conner was the first white settler, arriving in the early 1810s. Muncie itself was formed in 1865 as a largely agricultural settlement comprised of pioneers and other early settlers. The first discovery of natural gas in Indiana occurred in 1876 in the town of Eaton. A company was drilling in search of coal, and when they had reaching a depth of six- hundred feet, there was a loud noise and foul smelling fumes began coming from the well. After a brief investigation, it was decided they had breached the ceiling of Hell, and the hole was quickly filled in. In 1884, when natural gas was discovered in nearby Ohio, people recalled the incident. They returned to the spot and opened Indiana’s first natural gas well. The gas was so abundant and strong that when the well was lit, the flames could be seen from Muncie. The east central Indiana and western portion of west central Ohio became known as the Trenton Gas Field. The Trenton Gas Field brought an increase of business to Muncie, including the Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company, which moved its base of operations from Buffalo, New York, to Muncie in 1887. The Gas Boom and the Ball Brothers were instrumental in the growth of Muncie through industry and burgeoning commercialism. The population of Muncie quadrupled in twenty years following the Gas Boom, from a little over five thousand in 1880 to over twenty thousand citizens in 1900. As Muncie celebrates its sesquicentennial we encourage you to learn more about our rich history. Below are some informative sites to visit. If you are without access to the internet please contact our office for printed information from these sources. 800-568- 6862 History of Muncie www.cityofmuncie.com City of Muncie Historic Timeline www.cityofmuncie.com Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission www.cityofmuncie.com Historic Muncie www.historicmuncie.org History of the Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture www.visitmuncie.org Stories and Legends: Historic Preservation In Muncie, Indiana vimeo.com/40431447 A Legacy Etched in Glass: The Ball Brothers in Muncie vimeo.com/96710414 Delaware County Historical Society www.delawarecountyhistory.org Academy of Model Aeronautics 4 ATTRACTIONS & SHoPPING Minnetrista ATTRACTIONS ARTS & CULTURE UNIQUE SHOPPING FLEA MARKETS & BARGAIN HUNTING SOUVENIRS ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE THEATERS 5 ATTRACTIONS & SHoPPING Delaware County Historical Society’s ATTRACTIONS Heritage Library Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Extensive collection of genealogical materials, histories and artifacts. Aviation Museum and National Flying Site 120 E. Washington St., Muncie, IN The largest collection of model aircraft 765-282-1550 (call for hours) in the United States. National and delawarecountyhistory.org International model flight competitions. 5151 E. Memorial, Muncie, IN E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Home 765-287-1256 The center provides stimulating intellectual opportunities modelaircraft.org for all persons in the Ball State University and East Central Indiana communities through programs that are presented in Bearcat Memorabilia Room At Historic an informal learning environment. Muncie Fieldhouse 400 W. Minnetrista Blvd., Muncie, IN Downtown Muncie 765-285-8975 765-282-0632 (tour by appointment) bsu.edu/ebball Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Historic Wysor Street Depot Ball State University Built in 1901. Restored in 2004. It is now used as Cardinal Greenway headquarters and houses a gift shop, historical Open October - April memorabilia, programs and events. Cooper Science Building, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie, IN Ball State University, Warwick Rd., Muncie, IN 765-287-0399 765-285-8860 (for group reservations) cardinalgreenways.org Christy Woods at Ball State University Visitors can enjoy a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle Minnetrista Discover engaging exhibits, interactive workshops, theatre by walking in winding pathways through forest, prairie and experiences, educational opportunities, signature events, wetland demonstration areas. This 17-acre wooded area expansive gardens and trails, the Ball Family Legacy, and located on the Ball State University Campus is home to much more at Minnetrista. A new experience awaits you two greenhouses including the renowned Wheeler Orchid and your family with each Minnetrista visit! Collection. 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie, IN Cooper Science Building, Ball State University, 765-282-4848 Warwick Rd., Muncie, IN minnetrista.net 765-285-2641 bsu.edu/fseec Moore-Youse Home Museum David Owsley Museum of Art It is the oldest standing structure in downtown Muncie, built in approximately 1849. Owned by four generations at Ball State University of the same family from 1864 to 1982. Contains original Discover one of Indiana’s best art museums! The David Moore family furnishings. Owsley Museum of Art has an outstanding collection 122 E. Washington, Muncie, IN representing cultures from around the world from the 765-285-8871 (call for hours) past 5,000 years. delawarecountyhistory.org Charles W. Brown Planetarium Riverside & Warwick, Muncie, IN 765-285-5242 bsu.edu/artmuseum visitmuncie.org | 800.568.6862 ATTRACTIONS & SHoPPING 6 Muncie Children’s Museum 111 Arts Gallery The MCM was designed to be fun, raise questions, 111 E. Main St., Muncie, IN provoke interest and stimulate curiosity in an educational 765-282-8342 and innovative environment. 515 S. High St., Muncie, IN The Artist Within 765-286-1660 The Artist Within is a paint your own pottery studio and munciechildrensmuseum.com more. Artwork by local artists is on exhibit and for sale. Whether you are painting pottery, choosing a perfect Muncie Public Library handcrafted gift or simply stopping in to catch the current The main collection covers local history and genealogy. gallery exhibit, visiting the Artist Within is a great way to Hours: M, T, Th 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. spend time enjoying Downtown Muncie. Carnegie Library 313 S. Walnut, Muncie, IN 301 E. Jackson St., Muncie, IN 765-289-7895 765-747-8208 theartistwithininc.com Connection Corner 1824 E. Centennial Ave., Muncie, IN Cornerstone Center for the Arts Phone 765-747-8216 The Cornerstone Arts Program offers classes, workshops, Kennedy Library and private lessons in a variety of areas including, dance, 1700 W. McGalliard Rd., Muncie, IN visual arts, music, theatre, fitness, martial arts, and more! 765-741-9727 520 E. Main St., Muncie, IN Maring-Hunt Library 765-281-9503 2005 S. High St., Muncie, IN cornerstonearts.org 765-747-8200 munciepubliclibrary.org Gallery 308 Established in December 2000, Gallery 308 is Muncie’s Oakhurst Gardens At Ball State University only all volunteer not-for-profit art gallery. Our mission is to Experience the wonderment of Oakhurst Gardens, located provide exhibition space for artists and encourage innovative along the banks of the White River.