About Brown County

Brown County, Indiana Area Guide

Welcome to majestic Brown County, Indiana! Known as ‘The Art Colony of the Midwest’, Brown County offers both visitors and residents alike the opportunity to discover serenity and a sense of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Witness beautiful art come alive before your eyes or explore the lush forests or take in a live performance. No matter what your interests are, Brown County has got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a place to sit back and be pampered or are looking for a place to start a family, Brown County is right for you. Please visit Brown County’s official website or continue reading below to discover the area’s rich history, enjoyable attractions and activities, and the ins and outs of being a resident of Brown County.

History

On February 4, 1836, Brown County was named after Major General Jacob Brown, a hero of the War of 1812. The county was made up of a number of small villages, including Bean Blossom, Gnaw Bone, Story, Helmsburg, Trevlac, and Needmore. In 1837, construction on a log courthouse and a log jail were completed in Nashville, the county seat. The courthouse would later be rebuilt two more times, with the current courthouse dating back to 1874. Today, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As the county continued to grow, local industries grew as well. These early industries included leather tanning, salt mining, orchards, gold mining and timber. In 1837, the first general store in Brown County was built by Frank Taggart in the Village of Nashville.

By 1904, Kin Hubbard, an American humorist, created a clown-like, rustic character named Abe Martin. Abe and his fellow characters graced the back page of the Indianapolis News and was syndicated in over 300 newspapers throughout the country for 26 years. In May 1932, the State of Indiana dedicated Brown County State Park as a memorial to Kin, and the rustic Abe Martin Lodge, constructed of native hardwoods and Brown County stone, was built on a high ridge in the park and named in his honor.

To learn this and more about the founding and development of Brown County, please check out their official Historic website. You’ll discover all the historic spots, the Pioneer Village Museum, and about the Brown County Historical Society.

Parks and Recreation

Brown County is home to over 176,830 luscious acres of forested land, offering visitors and residents alike the chance to partake in exciting year-round recreation activities such as: hiking, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, zip-lining, sledding, and ATV tours. Enjoy exploring the great outdoors in cool temperatures and sighting a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from turkey, coyote, squirrel, deer to a wide variety of birds including bald eagles, warblers, and woodpeckers. From rolling meadows and thick forests to freshwater creeks, ponds, and lakes, Brown County has something for everyone. Please explore the links provided below to discover more about parks, recreational opportunities, and the great outdoors of Brown County.

Brown County State Park

Recreational Activities

Nature

Attractions and Activities

Discover a rich variety of fantastic attractions and activities that await you in Brown County, Indiana. Brown County, nicknamed ‘The Art Colony of the Midwest’, offers you the opportunity to discover the rich array of arts, exciting tours, fantastic entertainment, and a variety of ways to unwind. From galleries to the Brown County Winery, Brown County has got you covered. Please visit the links provided below to discover all that exquisite Brown County has to offer.

Arts

Tours

Entertainment

Brown County Winery

Relax

Events

Brown County is host to a variety of exceptional events throughout the year! Enjoy everything from excellent concerts and shows to fairs and art shows in Brown County. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. To see Brown County’s official event calendar, please click here.