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2024 Indianapolis State of Tourism

From the star-studded NBA All-Star Weekend and three unforgettable nights with Taylor Swift, to the once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse, to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, our city is buzzing with excitement. And, with over 500 conventions and the tasty return of the Sweet & Snacks Expo, 2024 will be a transformative year for Indianapolis tourism.

The Circle City is the place to be in 2024. And if you didn't know, now you do. #IYKYK. To learn more about Indy's epic 2024, click below to access our Community Report.

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Welcome to SoIN—our corner of Southern Indiana, where the Midwest meets the south and country lanes connect with city streets. We’re located a mile north of Louisville, Kentucky, and look forward to you visiting our friendly cities and towns where you will be treated to scenic views of the Ohio River, rolling hills and picturesque farms.

Click the Interactive Map to Explore SoIN

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While you’re in Southern Indiana, enjoy some riverside fun. On the north bank of the Ohio River – just across from Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana’s Clark and Floyd Counties have an eclectic mix of culture, heritage, shopping, and family fun.

While you're in Southern Indiana, enjoy some riverside fun. On the north bank of the Ohio River - just across from Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana's Clark and Floyd Counties have an eclectic mix of culture, heritage, shopping, and family fun. 

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Southern Indiana boasts a rich history as a gateway to the North. This history is woven into the area’s cultural fabric. Many public art projects and cultural activities are dedicated to this. 

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Southern Indiana boasts a rich history as a gateway to the North.

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Southern indiana is so happening, summer sporting clays league, bingo at the tri-county shrine club, culinary crossroads on the road dinner, happy hours at the louisville zoo, louisville distilled.

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Post-Tribune | Embattled leader of Indiana Dunes Tourism board…

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Post-Tribune

Post-tribune | embattled leader of indiana dunes tourism board resigns, mitch peters was appointed by the porter county council.

With one member absent, the board tied when called upon by Council President Mike Brickner, R-At-Large, to vote on removing Peters.

“The reality is they’re just not going to stop,” Peters said by phone Saturday morning. “I didn’t resign for political reasons. It’s just this can’t continue. Every time I think it’s over it starts back up.”

Peters, who attended Tuesday’s council meeting with five members of the IDT executive committee flanking him, as well as new CEO Christine Livingston, said he came to the meeting under false pretenses. “I was lied to,” he said.

Peters said he was told by Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs, R-North, that all the controversy over the contractual settlement reached with former CEO Lorelei Weimer regarding her departure in January with a $225,000 buy-out could be concluded and the board left intact if IDT did three things.

Those things, which Peters said the board accomplished, were: agreeing to all disciplinary actions being handled by the county’s human resources department, though Peters says they have very little in the way of disciplinary problems; agreeing to have Auditor Karen Martin’s office oversee its payroll, which has been handled internally by vendor ADP; and having Peters come before the council at its meeting to acknowledge his failure to communicate the situation with Weimer in a timely manner and explain changes that were being made in the department.

“At the time they said the council or the commission,” Peters said of the requirement for his presence at a public meeting. “I kind of wish I had chosen the commission now.”

He agreed to the terms and said Biggs told him Council Vice President Red Stone, R-1st, would be giving him a call. He said Stone, who has been vocal about his desire for Peters to step down, did call him. “Red said, ‘This is all behind us. I am not seeking your removal anymore.’”

Brickner, however, did.

“It has nothing to do with politics,” Brickner said Saturday. He said when the council appoints someone to the board it expects accountability, particularly in this case when a director was being removed and a large amount of taxpayer money being spent. The council will continue to communicate its expectation of transparency to the county’s boards, he said.

Brickner said he could not comment on any remarks made to Peters by Biggs or Stone. “I wasn’t privy to those conversations,” he said.

Peters contends Weimer violated her non-disclosure agreement when she spoke at the council meeting Tuesday. He disputes her argument that she was given one day to decide whether to address the IDT board or that votes were illegally lined up to fire her, saying it would take more than a day just to organize a board meeting.

“It wasn’t like we were taking a vote,” he said. “We were reviewing the information. All these accusations and allegations are a little disturbing.”

Peters said state law used to require the makeup of the board to be no more than one over a simple majority of either political party, but got rid of that requirement some time ago.

Biggs said after the last Board of Commissioners meeting that the IDT board has become imbalanced in favor of Democrats, that the board has gotten too large, and should include in its ranks a member of the county council rather than an appointee of the council.

“It sounds like to me Commissioner Biggs’ plan is to restructure the board and get rid of everybody and disenfranchise the community,” Peters said. “It’s set up that way to represent the community, from Hebron to Dune Acres.

“It is sad that our entire focus has turned to political control of a Board that was highly functioning at all levels,” Peters wrote in part in the two-page letter he provided to the IDT board, IDT staff, county council, and all attorneys involved.

Biggs laughed at the contention of political motivation. “It was a dominant number of Republicans that placed Mitch on that board to begin with,” he said Saturday of Peters’ reappointment by the council in January.

“Somebody had to be accountable for this,” he said of the entering into a settlement agreement and the county’s governing bodies not being made aware until the money had to be paid out. “It was almost a quarter of a million dollars that left with an employee they claim they wanted to get rid of.

“It was clear to me there was something else here they did not want everyone else to know, especially the public.”

Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

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WELCOME TO WASHINGTON COUNTY: YOUR GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE

Explore the heart of southern indiana.

Your new friends in Washington County invite you to visit our communities and explore a county rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or a fan of charming small towns, Washington County has something for all ages. Visit us and experience the warmth, kindness and hospitality of the people of Washington County. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Southern Indiana home!

Historic Adventure Awaits You

Step back in time in the Pioneer Village on the grounds of the John Hay Center or see a restored Gristmill churning out cornmeal and explore the region's rich history through exhibits, archives, and artifacts that tell the story of our vibrant past. Visit the birthplace of John Milton Hay and learn about his significance in the Lincoln administration and his guidance for five presidential administrations. Washington County has such a long history and there is so much to see it may be hard to know where to begin. Here are some sites you will want to be sure and make plans to visit.  

Beck's Mill

(one of only a handful of operational gristmills remaining in the united states).

Beck's Mill is one of the most famous and historic landmarks in Indiana. Beck's Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Beck's Mill is the only extant mill in Indiana that used only grindstone milling in the entire milling process.

While the determination of the volunteers of the newly formed  Friends of Beck's Mill Inc.  was evident,  their ability to locate funding to complete such a large restoration project was uncertain. Bill and Gayle Cook, along with son Carl realized the historic significance of Beck’s Mill to Washington County after learning about the efforts to save Beck's Mill. Bill and Gayle Cook founded  Cook Group  in 1963 in Bloomington, Indiana and their philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of Hoosier's all across Indiana. In 2006, the Cook family graciously offered to assist the group in their effort to reclaim the Mill. With the efforts of Pritchett Brothers performing the restoration services in partnership with Ridgway Architecture the future of Beck's Mill had finally changed for the better.

In 2008 Beck's Mill was returned in restored and operational condition to the directors of the  Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc . Beck’s Mill is operated solely by the efforts of an all volunteer staff and the leadership of  Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc . continues to enhance the visitor experience to Beck's Mill every year as numerous new events are planned every season.

John Hay Center - Stevens Memorial Museum

(a museum dedicated to the history of washington county and the state of indiana).

The museum was designed to preserve the heritage of Washington County, Indiana and contains dozens of exhibits representing thousands of artifacts from generous donors. The Stevens Museum includes hundreds of native historic relics. Many Civil War mementos are included along with tools, agriculture tools and items, beautiful furniture, clothing and other displays. Visitors will find it historically educational and fulfilling in developing an association with the lifes of our ancestors. The Stevens Memorial Museum also houses the Washington County Historical Society Genealogy and Historical Library. Many researchers from all over the United States come here to work on special projects. A small library staff is available to work with researchers. 

Permanent exhibits include John Hay Display, Stevens Family Display, Native Americans Display, Pioneer Artifacts Display, Indiana’s founding and bicentennial Display, Early Lighting Display, Dairy History Display, Underground Railroad Display, Bradie Shrum Display, Local Advertising Display, Antique Jewelry Display, Music Parlor, Local Clubs and Organizations Display, Early Wedding Gowns Display, Early Quilts Display, Military Room: From the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan, Early Lawyer’s Office, Early Doctor’s Office, Early Dentist’s Office, Neal’s Confectionery, Early Glassware, Dishes and China Display, County Courthouses Display, County Churches Display, County Educators Display, Local Sports Display Rooms; including County Racing History, Early Home Interior Display, with Sitting Parlor, Bedroom, Kitchen and Dining Room, Miscellaneous Room with Early Radios, Baby Cradles, Musical Instruments, Spirit of 76 Display, Sewing Machines, additional Quilts and Coverlets, and other items, Antique Toy Room, 1910 Model T

John Hay Center - Pioneer Village

(experience history with a stroll through our living village from the 1830's).

The Pioneer Village is an extension of the Stevens Memorial Museum and has been reconstructed as a "living village" during the 1830's era. Visitors find a visit to the village a challenge to their imagination of the way of life for early settlers. The 1830's village features a jail, blacksmith, school, church, Haganman house, smoke house, barn, bell tower, loom house, and a Post Office and General Store. At various times during the year, volunteers portray excellent renditions of various community figures such as the blacksmith or loom worker.

The Pioneer Village was the culmination of a dream of famed coach Everett  Dean, who was born in Livonia, Indiana in 1898. Dean became the head baseball and basketball coach at his alma mater, Indiana University, from 1924 to 1938. In 1938, Dean was named head basketball coach at Stanford University, where he coached the team to the 1942 NCAA championship. Dean was named baseball coach at Stanford in 1950, and led Stanford's baseball team to the 1953 College World Series. Dean is the only coach named to both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Baseball Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1965. He also has the distinction of being the first basketball All-American from Indiana University. 

John Hay Center - The Depot Railroad Museum

(learn about the founding of the monon railroad and the hoosier line).

The Depot Railroad Museum stands as a tribute to and reminder of Salem’s role in organizing the railroad that served much of Indiana for 125 years. Known as “The Hoosier Line” because its tracks were located in the state of Indiana, the "Monon Railroad" was founded because of the efforts of Salem businessmen.

The Depot Museum contains antique furniture from railroad stations, including the original waiting room benches from the Salem station that was torn down in 1982. Also, there are displays of railroad equipment and tools, signs, advertisements, signals and lanterns. A worker’s motor car and a station’s baggage wagon are on display. The Depot’s basement contains an HO scale model railroad that depicts Washington County as it was in the 1950s and 1860s. A team of volunteers is rebuilding Salem, Pekin and Campbellburg as they were a half century ago.

The Depot Railroad Museum is also home to The Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society

The Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society, Inc. was formed in the mid-1970s as a not-for-profit organization exclusively for educational purposes by a group of individuals interested in preserving the memory of the Monon Railroad. A portion of The Depot Museum is exclusively for the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society, Inc. for Board Of Directors meetings, storage and display of its archives.

John Hay Center - Birthplace of John Hay

(tour the birthplace of one of american's most respected statesmen & diplomats).

John Hay was a great American statesman, diplomat, author and poet, whose political career spanned over 50 years.  He was born in this small brick home, on College Avenue, in Salem on October 8, 1838.  John was the fourth of five children, born in the house, to Dr. Charles Hay and the former Helen Leonard.

John Hay was the private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln ,1861-1865, Writer/Author, 1870-1890, Life of Lincoln and many poems. Hay grew to adore President Lincoln for his goodness, patience, understanding, sense of humor, humility, magnanimity, healthy skepticism, sense of justice, resilience and power, love of the common man and mystical patriotism. Many later noted that Lincoln too, loved Hay as a son and was very attached to him.

Mr. Hay was also Ambassador to England; and Secretary of State under President McKinley, 1898, and President Roosevelt, 1902. In 1903, after years of negotiating treaties, Hay successfully passed legislation that afforded the United States the opportunity to start construction on the Panama Canal. 

The John Hay Center is committed to the preservation and remembrance of the heritage of Washington County, Indiana. 

Nature Escapes... Not all of Indiana is Flat

Washington County is the ideal place to experience the Knobstone Escarpment, which is a rugged geologic region, that created the most rugged and interesting terrain in Indiana. The escarpment's most prominent features are the steep hills, often referred to as "knobs", and deep ravines. Washington County covers a large geographic territory (7th Largest in Indiana) and a relatively small population of just over 28,000 residents,  so hiking and enjoying nature can be a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of larger population centers. 

Monon South Trail - Coming Soon

(coming soon to washington county - the longest continuous trail in indiana).

The Monon South Freedom Trail is a 62 mile trail between Mitchell and New Albany that connects eight local communities in the Lawrence, Orange, Washington and Clark Counties uplands region of southern Indiana. Washington County will be located near the middle section of the new greenway trail.

The new greenway trail will offer dramatic vistas of rolling Indiana farmland, forests and valleys and linkages to several regional destinations, including nearby state parks and recreation facilities. The trail is expected to highlight local community destinations and connections to other regional attractions as it transverses communities in Washington County and Southern Indiana.

Blue River Natural and Scenic River System

( indiana's first state designated natural and scenic river system).

The Blue River originates in Washington County northeast of Salem Indiana and flows south to form the natural boundary between Crawford County and Harrison County, Indiana. The Blue River continues south to the Ohio River. The Blue River was designated as Indiana's First State Natural and Scenic River System and is a favorite outdoor recreation destination.

The Blue River is home to a significant population of hellbender salamanders. The hellbender is the largest salamander in the Western Hemisphere. The Blue River is one of only a few places in the country that support a population of these wonderful creatures. The cold and heavily oxygenated water flows up from underground caves to form the Blue River and provides a healthy environment for the salamanders. The Blue River Corridor also provides a home to the endangered Allegheny Woodrat and the Indiana Brown Bat.   

Knobstone Trail

(for the outdoor enthusiast...experience the  longest hiking trail in indiana).

 The Knobstone Trail is the longest hiking trail in Indiana. Its southern terminus is located in the Deam Lake State Recreation Area. The northern terminus ends at Delaney Creek Park near Salem, however there are plans to eventually extend the trail another 80 miles north to Martinsville, Indiana. As it lies along the Knobstone Escarpment, it is a difficult hike, which is why many use the Knobstone Trail to prepare for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Physically, the Knobstone Escarpment is the most rugged terrain in Indiana. The escarpment's most prominent feature is its steep hills, often referred to as "knobs", and ravines. 

Jackson - Washington County State Forest

(take a beautiful scenic drive off the beaten path).

The Jackson - Washington County State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties. The State Forest provides scenic views, old growth forest and breathtaking hiking opportunities. Within Washington County the following lakes are located in the state forest. A valid Indiana Fishing License is required to fish at these lakes: Spurgeon Hollow Lake (12 acres), Potter Lake (10 acres) and Plattsburg Pond (8 acres).

If you're looking for a new route to enjoy beautiful fall foliage then a drive through the Jackson - Washington County State Forest should be your next seasonal destination. Please Note: Some of the roads through the park aren't paved, so go slow and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. 

Family Friendly Fun

Riley's Place / DePauw Park

(when the little ones just need some time to run, jump, play and just be a kid).

"Riley's Place" is located inside DePauw Park. DePauw Park is just a few blocks west of the Salem Square. Riley's Place was named after Riley Jean Tomlinson, a local toddler who accidentally drowned in a swimming pool, the park was built in 2001 and contains two and three story wooden castles and other structures for children's play along with swings, slides, and similar playground equipment.

DePauw Park is named after Washington C. DePauw who was born in Salem in 1822. He was the son of a pioneer lawyer, surveyor, and judge. His father's early death left him on his own resources at the age of 16, but the young Washington C. DePauw soon became a successful merchant, dealing in farms, flour mills, wholesale grain, and, during the Civil War, government supplies. His investments in banks, railroads, iron factories, a woolen mill, and a chemical plant helped to make him one of the wealthiest men in the state. 

Piper Flight Museum

(experience early american aviation history and the contributions of the piper aircraft company) .

The Piper Flight Center Museum is located at the Salem Municipal Airport in Salem, Indiana. The Piper Flight Museum contains three vintage Piper aircraft, a flight simulator, and a display room with several display cases containing numerous Piper artifacts dating back to the early beginning of Piper Aircraft Corporation.

If you would like to visit the Piper Flight Museum or to schedule a party, meeting or special event please visit their website for addtional information.

Cornucopia Farm

(southern indiana's premier family fun farm).

A visit to the Cornucopia is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn about farm life, farm animals and nature. Parents and families will have a great time making memories and enjoying some quality time outdoors on a working farm.

From their corn and soybean mazes to the petting farm and pumpkin patches, Cornucopia Farm offers something for everyone. With sweet treats, delicious burgers and more available at the Café no one in the family goes hungry! Cornucopia is located 10 miles east of Salem and is open to the public during September and October. 

Discover our Historic Architecture

Step into a world where history and architecture intertwine to share stories of our glorious past. Wealthy industrialists, military leaders and entreprenures like Washington C. Depauw, who was one of the wealthiest men in Indiana at one time, built glorious homes and buildings that reflected their wealth, success and the styles of the day.  

Salem Downtown Historic District

(designated as a national historic district in 1997) .

The Salem Square is the heart of Washington County. The Salem Square is the home to restaurants, clothing boutiques, pharmacy, bank, businesses and a coffee shop. The original plat of the city of Salem was completed in 1814 and is within the boundries of the national historic district. It is bounded by Mulberry and Hackberry Street in the north, Hayes Street in the east, the CSX railroad tracks (future Monon South Trail) in the south, and Brock Creek to the west.

The historic district contains 253 contributing buildings, 3 contributing structures, and 5 contributing objects in the central business district. The district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Its architectural styles are Italianate, Gothic Revival, Classical Revival, Late Victorian, Early Republic, and Late 19th/20th Century Revivals.

Washington County Courthouse

(the courthouse is the heart of historic downtown salem and is still in use today).

The Washington County Courthouse in Salem, Indiana is a Richardsonian Romanesque building that was completed in 1886. It was designed by Harry P. McDonald of Louisville and his brother. Local limestone from the area was mined and used in the construction of the structure. This is the third courthouse at this location. The tower of this structure was struck by lighting in 1934 that started a fire and caused some damage to the tower. It is located at the center of the Salem Downtown Historic District. The photo shows residents celebrating the opening of the courthouse in 1886.

George Franklin Barber Homes

(washington county is home to a significant number of george f. barber designed homes.) .

George Franklin Barber (July 31, 1854 – February 17, 1915) was a famed American architect known for the house designs he marketed worldwide through mail-order catalogs. Barber was one of the most successful residential architects of the late Victorian period in the United States.

Many extant Barber houses are still used as residences, while others house museums, bed and breakfasts, and office space. Barber houses have provided inspiration for Christmas cards, wall hangings, and even dollhouses. Barber houses are located in Campbellsburg, Salem and Harristown in Washington County.

Blue River Friends Hicksite Meeting House

(blue river friends hicksite meeting house is the oldest extant quaker meeting house in the state of indiana.) .

Early in the 1800’s many families of Friends (Quakers) came to southern Indiana in opposition to slavery and established homes and places of worship in Washington County. Leaving comfortable homes in North Carolina, they traveled together in covered wagons to the lands that would soon become the states of Indiana and Ohio. The desire to live in a place where every man, woman, and child was a free person and to enjoy the liberties granted to them in the newly formed Northwest Territory was the impetus they needed to leave friends and neighbors behind and start a new life in Washington County. 

 Culinary Delights

Washington County boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a family looking for a delicious night out, or a couple seeking a romantic dinner, we have something special for everyone.

Your Home Away from Home

Discover the perfect place to rest your head and make your stay in Washington County a great one. Our family-friendly hotels offer spacious rooms, children's activities, and convenient amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable for all ages.

Washington Co. Tourism Commission, 99 Public Square Salem, IN 47167   [email protected]

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About Indiana Dunes Tourism

Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for the Indiana Dunes area (Porter County, IN). Since 1986, we have been promoting the Indiana Dunes and the great communities throughout Porter County to potential visitors, as well as encouraging local residents to take advantage of all this area has to offer.

We operate the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center in partnership with the Indiana Dunes National Park. At the Visitor Center, located at 1215 N. State Road 49 in Porter, IN, you’ll find guides and personal assistance to help you enjoy Northwest Indiana and beyond. The Visitor Center, which opened in 2006, also houses restrooms, exhibits, a theatre, and a gift shop, along with our offices.

Board Meetings

Learn more about Indiana Dunes Tourism's monthly Board of Directors meeting.

Mission & Vision

Indiana Dunes Tourism’s mission is to bring visitors to Indiana Dunes Country and extend their stay through…

History of Indiana Dunes Tourism

The doors to Indiana Dunes Tourism opened on January 2, 1986. Originally operating under the name Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission, the offices and Visitor Center have been housed in five different locations. Over the years, the organization has had seven executive directors and has grown to a staff of five full-time employees, one part-time employee, several destination concierges for the Visitor Center, and many volunteers. In 2010, the organization changed its name to Indiana Dunes Tourism to better reflect the primary reason visitors come to Porter County, which is to visit the Indiana Dunes.

The organization’s mission from the very beginning has been to bring visitors to the Indiana Dunes area and extend their stay through effective marketing programs and tools, like the Visitor Center, which allows Indiana Dunes Tourism to interact directly with visitors to the region. As tourism has grown, so too has Indiana Dunes Tourism, expanding its marketing efforts by creating comprehensive niche publications, emphasizing its online marketing presence, engaging in effective public relations, conducting demographic research, and developing group marketing programs.

Indiana Dunes Tourism has evolved into a visionary organization proactively involved in destination development planning, including the creation of a strategic plan for new and enhanced product development within the Indiana Dunes area. Indiana Dunes Tourism also has a staff of professionals who make the vision a reality. They have been successful, in part, due to the quality and quantity of the partnerships they have formed. One of the strongest partnerships is with the Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission, which allows Indiana Dunes Tourism to leverage marketing dollars with six other Northern Indiana destination marketing organizations to have a strong presence in key feeder markets.

Form of Ownership

Indiana Dunes Tourism is a department of county government but is structured differently than other departments. On May 21, 1984, the Porter County Board of Commissioners, Michael Aylesworth, William Carmichael, and Larry Sheets, created the organization. The commissioners wanted to diversify the local economy by creating other industries, such as tourism, due to the decline of the steel industry.

The Porter County Board of Commissioners created the Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission (now doing business as Indiana Dunes Tourism) pursuant to I.C. 6-9-19-1 (Indiana Uniform Innkeeper’s Tax Law) and County Commissioner Resolution 84-4. It was amended on November 21, 1994, with Resolution 94-13 and was amended again on January 1, 1998, with Resolution 97-22. In 1985, the Porter County Council adopted the Uniform County Innkeepers Tax as the sole funding mechanism for Indiana Dunes Tourism. This five percent tax is collected with innkeeper support spending on marketing efforts aimed at increasing visitation to Porter County’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other tourism businesses.

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Partnership is Key

The Indiana County Tourist Bureau (ICTB) works with a widespread network of partnerships and cooperatives to attract visitors from across the country and the world through broad tourism marketing initiatives.  The tourist bureau’s close connection with area businesses and organizations on the local level, coupled with the personal relationships of organizations at the state and national level, have made Indiana County a national player in the tourism industry.  In addition, forging strong partnerships with fellow tourist bureaus in neighboring counties, such as Armstrong, Butler and Lawrence, the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, as well as with the Pennsylvania state tourism office, has created a united tourism presence in the region, bringing bottom line dollars to this area of Pennsylvania.

Marketing and Promotions

Comprehensive marketing and promotions are targeted to specific audiences, including motor coach tour groups, sports and leisure groups, meetings and conventions, educational trips and corporate groups.  Working to bring large groups to the county for single and multi-day excursions, whether business-related, for recreation, or a combination of the two, brings tourism-related dollars to the area.  Indiana County employs nearly 2,000 residents within the tourism & hospitality industry, making it a multi-million dollar contributor to Indiana County’s economy.

In addition to the marketing and promotion of Indiana County, the tourist bureau offers memberships to businesses, non-profit groups, clubs, organizations, one-time event groups and individuals.  Membership benefits include free internet exposure on the ICTB website and event promotion through an online calendar, weekly email-blast, and social media outlets. Additional ICTB membership benefits include a complimentary listing (with option for paid advertisement) in the visitor guide , the latest industry news, networking opportunities, group-target marketing and free distribution of printed marketing collateral.

The tourist bureau serves as an integral distribution center for tourism-related news and information in Indiana County. Assisting both visitors and residents alike, ICTB provides information and resources about their members and local events and attractions as well as the county and region in general. Whether you are looking for a place to stay while visiting the area, planning to bring your convention or sports tournament to the region, seeking a great place to dine, unique places to shop, or just want to explore the region, the Indiana County Tourist Bureau can assist you in your needs.

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• Government & Politics
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• Election 2024

Indiana teachers call on state board to reconsider literacy licensure requirement

State lawmakers approved the new law earlier this year, which requires thousands of hoosier educators to complete additional professional development., by: casey smith - may 9, 2024 6:45 am.

Hoosier teachers packed the Indiana State Board of Education’s meeting, held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in a conference room at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. (Screenshot from the State Board of Education livestream)

Teachers from around Indiana spent hours before the State Board of Education on Wednesday, criticizing a new literacy licensure requirement that was adopted by the General Assembly earlier this year.

The training requirement requires all Pre-K to Grade 6 and special education teachers to complete 80 hours of professional development on science of reading concepts and pass a written exam. Teachers won’t be able to renew their license without doing so.

Although the literacy endorsement wasn’t on the state board’s agenda, educators descended on the meeting, which lasted more than four hours. Most of that was spent on public comments from teachers, as well as union representatives, who said the new training mandate is unfair and overwhelming. Complicating matters further, many of the free training courses are already full, leaving only a few other options for which teachers must pay for out of pocket.

“No other profession is going to be okay with being told — not only do you have to do this to keep your license — but you have to do it outside your contracted hours,” said Cory Freihaut, a special education teacher from the Vigo County School Corporation who spoke at Wednesday’s meeting. 

Freihaut said he’s a single father who works two other jobs, in addition to teaching. He echoed numerous other educators who emphasized that fitting in training over the summer is inconvenient and a hardship for many.

“I understand we’re getting a stipend, but … that’s like $15 an hour. I make more than that at the pizza shop I do on the weekends,” Freihaut said. “I ask that you guys look at shortening that (professional development), because honestly, unless you can provide it in our contracted hours, we shouldn’t be doing it.”

At the meeting, Secretary of Education Katie Jenner noted Indiana’s reading scores, which have been on the decline for more than a decade . According to data from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), in 2023, one in five Hoosier third graders lacked foundational reading skills.

She acknowledged concerns, however, and maintained that the state board and education officials want to find solutions and create more “flexibility” for teachers to complete the training requirements.

Jenner noted, too, that 12,000 teachers signed up for the Keys to Literacy training in three weeks. The IDOE announced Wednesday that the state is adding cohorts.

Additional sessions were added for spring and summer, increasing the total number of cohorts from 12 to 64 — each with approximately 200 educators. More cohorts are also open for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 “in response to the early demand,” according to IDOE.

State lawmakers approved the literacy training requirement during the 2024 legislative session as part of an effort to reverse lagging literacy scores among Hoosier students.

Under the law, teachers renewing their licenses after July 1, 2027 must have earned an “Early Literacy Endorsement.” They can do so through Keys to Literacy, a free third-party professional development program , through 2025. Teachers are eligible for a $1,200 stipend for the 80-hour Keys to Literacy training, and the state is covering the cost of the PRAXIS exam.

New IREAD-3 scores show no significant progress among Indiana’s third graders on 2023 exams

But representatives from the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) said education officials should provide more options for teachers to meet the literacy requirement, and also account for teacher expertise — such as years spent leading a classroom and attainment of other coursework, like master’s degrees, for example.

ISTA Treasurer Diana Reed said, specifically, the PRAXIS exam imposes an “unnecessary burden” on teachers. She additionally raised questions about the efficacy and necessity of the exam and asked that it be removed as a requirement.

“The literacy endorsement requirements … are a great, great source of concern and a high-level issue among my fellow educators. The requirements … have increased stress and compounded existing challenges of teacher burnout and retention,” Reed told the board. “Colleagues have expressed they would rather let their licenses lapse at the next renewal date then be subjected to more hoops and mandates to prove their worth. We are already experiencing a shortage of qualified educators, and these new requirements do not signal to our teachers that their education, degrees obtained, and endorsements earned are valued.”

Even so, representatives from the nonprofit advocacy groups Stand for Children and the Institute for Quality Education encouraged the board to uphold the literacy requirements. They doubled down that the science of reading training is necessary to improve student literacy.

“IQE has been supportive of the various literacy focused legislation the past few legislative sessions. And while we recognize that some of these steps may present a challenge to schools and educators, we have confidence in their ability to meet these challenges head on, as they continuously do, so that all aspects of our children’s education are aligned behind the science of reading,” said Molly Collins of the Institute for Quality Education. “Oftentimes, the step that is best and right for students may not be the easiest. But we are at a critical crossroad in our state’s future and for the future of our children, and we cannot wait. Our students cannot wait.”

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Casey Smith

A lifelong Hoosier, Casey Smith previously reported on the Indiana Legislature for The Associated Press. Internationally, she has reported on water quality across South America. She holds a master’s degree in investigative reporting and narrative science writing from the University of California/Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She previously earned degrees in journalism, anthropology and Spanish from Ball State University, where she now serves as an instructor of journalism.

Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom , the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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