Arts, Culture, & Recreation

DePauw University

Located in the center of Greencastle, the campus features 36 major buildings on 175 acres of landscaped grounds.  Several buildings such as historic East College, built in 1877, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The community is welcome to visit and enjoy the facilities, speakers, arts programs, and NCAA Division III sporting events.  For more information about DePauw University – CLICK!

DePauw University – Cultural Highlights

For current all inclusive campus calendar – CLICK!

For current arts and music calendar – CLICK!

During the academic year, the university brings a wide range of speakers, artists, and performers to campus.  Past visitors have included Tony Blair, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Colin Powell.  Performers have included the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Yo-Yo Ma.

School of Music – Student Performances and Recitals

Theater Department – Plays and Performances

Art Department – Student Exhibits

Ubben Lecture Series – Global leaders on campus

Performing Arts Series – Leading performers on campus

Kelly Writer Series – Leading writers on campus

Film Studies Series – Topical films brought to campus

Richard E. Peeler Art Gallery

Green Center for the Performing Arts

Prindle Institute for Ethics

Robe Ann Park

A twenty-five acre City of Greencastle park featuring an Olympic size swimming pool with water slide and diving well, the Emerald Palace super playground, picnic areas, lighted ball diamond, and lighted tennis courts.

Big Walnut Sports Park

This 80 acre park is owned and operated jointly by the City of Greencastle and by a not-for-profit corporation.  The park features ball diamonds, soccer fields, a loop trail, disc golf, and picnic areas.  Several fields are lighted for evening use.

DePauw University – Nature Park

In September of 2003, DePauw University announced the acquisition of over 520 acres west of campus to develop a nature park.  The property lies along Big Walnut Creek providing the opportunity for hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and a host of outdoor educational activities.

The park features 8.7 miles of trails, a welcome center, a field station, an amphitheater, and the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics.

For more information about DePauw’s Nature Park including directions, trail maps, and field guides – CLICK!

Jaycee Park

This twenty-two acre City of Greencastle park features a fishing pond, picnic areas, and a shelter house.

People Pathways

People Pathways is a network of trails and signed routes around Greencastle that also links to neighboring communities.  Trial highlights include the Greencastle to Fillmore Trail, the Sports Park link from the east side of Greencastle to Big Walnut Sports Park, and the Albin Pond Trail.  Additional trails are under construction and being planned for the future.  Nearly $2 million has been committed for the development of this trail system to date.

Putnam County Library

Located in Greencastle, this facility underwent a $2.5 million expansion project in 1995.  The collection of 45,000 volumes and 175 periodicals is available at the library or through the bookmobile.  The library offers a wide range of programming from toddlers to teens to seniors.   To check on current resources and programing – CLICK!

Putnam County Playhouse

Started in 1962, this summer stock, all volunteer organization, produces four plays each summer.  Productions range from drama to comedy to musicals.  Special programs are offered each summer for children and teens.  For audition, performance and ticket information – CLICK!

Clover Meadows Golf Course

Eighteen hole, Par 72, 6,126 yard public course.

For directions, fees, and more information – CLICK!

Old Hickory Golf Course

Eighteen hole, Par 72, 5,805 yard public course with a pro shop and “The Links” restaurant.  See: www.oldhickorygolfcourse.com

Windy Hill County Club

Nine hole, private, country club with clubhouse, pro shop, banquet facilities, and swimming pool.  Open to the public on a limited schedule.  For directions, fees and more information – CLICK!

Cagles Mill Lake – Lieber State Recreation Area

Located in southern Putnam County, this eight thousand acre state park featuring a 1,500 acre lake, campsites, beach, swimming pool, and picnic areas.  The park is accessible from SR 243 and US 231.  Three other state parks and a state forest are within a forty minute drive of Putnam County. For directions, history and more information about Cagles Mill Lake provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – CLICK!    For directions, events, and information about Lieber State Recreation Area – CLICK!   For campground information – CLICK!

Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area

In 2011, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will open the new Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife area near Putnamville.  This 2,000 acre park features excellent hunting, fishing, and hiking.  For more information – CLICK!

Area Lakes

Putnam County features several lakes available for recreational boating, swimming, and fishing.  These lakes include Cataract, Cecil Hardin, Waveland, Edgewood, Glenn Flint, Heritage, and Van Bibber.  Several of the lakes, such as Heritage Lake, offer a wide variety of waterfront home sites.

Motorsports

Putnam County features two race tracks including Lincoln Park Speedway for sprint cars and modifieds.  The Putnam Park Road Course is open for private sports car and road course events.  In Indianapolis, one can attend the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, the Moto GP, or the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis

Less than one hour away, Indianapolis hosts a wide range of amenities including the arts, concerts, museums, sports, shopping, and theater.  Highlights include the Indianapolis Symphony, the Indianapolis Art Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Conner Prairie, a living history museum.  Professional sports teams include the NFL Indianapolis Colts, NBA Indiana Pacers, WBA Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians baseball, NASL Indy Eleven, and others.

Updated: 06/2014