Trip Ideas

Brown County - Just Add Color

Contrary to its name, Brown County is a colorful and creative region.

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Trip Idea Summary

South Central View Map
T.C. Steele State Historic Site, The Palace Theatre of Brown County, The Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground, The Nashville Dance Studio, Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville House Restaurant
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About this trip idea

Allow 2-3 days.

Contrary to its name, Brown County is a colorful and creative region known as the Art Colony of the Midwest. Home to over 250 artists with many recognized as Indiana Artisans by the State of Indiana. Learn more about the art colony, enjoy a variety of entertainment options, and, then, experience art firsthand through classes, workshops, galleries tours and live demonstrations.


Antique Art & Entertainmet
Just outside Nashville, the heart of Brown County, is the T.C. Steele State Historic Site . Stretching across 211 acres of land that housing a number of trails, gardens, studios and home of world-renown painter T.C. Steele. A premier landscape artist of the late 19th Century, Steele was the first to discover Brown County’s beauty and commit it to canvas. Come and experience his life and see the beautiful landscapes he fell in love with.


For generations, singing, dancing, and playing soul-stirring music in Brown County has been a regular affair. The newest entertainment venue, The Palace Theatre of Brown County features a wide variety of original shows - from swanky Vegas to down-home country; ragtime to rock; and, even, salutes to Elvis and Johnny Cash. The Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground hosts the oldest continuing running bluegrass festival in the world - the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. The Nashville Dance Studio offers family-friendly dance productions throughout the year, while the puppet theatre builds a world of make-believe for all ages - with classes and interactive demonstrations, you just may find an entertainer within yourself!


The second Saturday from April –December, take the Village Art Walk in the heart of Nashville. This free self-guided tour showcases thirteen art galleries, each featuring original, local and regional arts and crafts produced by artists scattered all over the Midwest. Such galleries include the Brown County Art Gallery where guests can learn about the history of Indiana artists and view early works by these masters. Refreshments, live music, special programs and gift drawings are included in the Art Walk. 


Midwestern Hospitality at its Finest

Nashville House Restaurant is a local favorite built in 1859 and has since stayed true to its traditional and old-fashioned Hoosier hospitality. Open for lunch and dinner, family and friends can enjoy Nashville’s wide array of entrees, including their famous fried biscuits and apple butter. Its renowned service and “Old Country Store” continue to draw in neighbors and visitors alike for second helpings.


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Featured in this Trip Idea

T.C. Steele State Historic Site
812.988.2785 | tcsteele.org
The Palace Theatre of Brown County
812.988.2101
The Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground
812.988.6422 | billmonroemusicpark.com
The Nashville Dance Studio
812.988.1287 | nashvilledancestudio.com
Brown County Art Gallery
812.998.4609 | browncountyartgallery.com
Nashville House Restaurant
812.998.2291 | browncountyinn.com