You ever drive through a town and think, "Yeah, I get the vibe," only to realize three hours later you hadn't even scratched the surface? That’s Spencer. Most folks cruising through Owen County see the courthouse square, maybe grab a coffee, and keep rolling toward Bloomington or Indy. Big mistake. Honestly, if you’re looking for things to do in Spencer Indiana, you have to be willing to look past the "quiet town" exterior. There is a weird, beautiful mix of high-end artisan culture and rugged, grit-under-your-nails wilderness here that most people completely miss because they’re in too much of a hurry.
The Elephant in the Room: McCormick’s Creek Recovery
Let’s talk about the state park first because it’s the reason 90% of people come here. You’ve probably heard about the 2023 tornado. It wasn't just a "bad storm." It tore the heart out of some of the oldest timber in the state. If you go there today in 2026 expecting the same trails you hiked ten years ago, you’re going to be surprised.
The good news? The Canyon Inn is still standing and basically looks like it stepped out of a 1920s postcard. It’s got that specific "Grandmother’s house but with a professional kitchen" smell. The limestone canyons and the waterfalls—the iconic stuff—are still there. You can still stand on the bridge and watch the water carve through the rock, which is basically the best free therapy in Indiana.
But keep in mind that the campground is still a work in progress. It’s been a long road back. If you want to hike, stick to the open sections near the Nature Center. The park staff has worked like crazy to get about 3.7 miles of trail back in top shape. It’s different now—more sunlight hits the forest floor where the canopy was thinned, which means the wildflowers are actually going kind of nuts lately.
Downtown Spencer Isn't Just for Show
The courthouse square in Spencer is actually thriving, which is a bit of a miracle for small-town Midwest. You have the Tivoli Theatre, which is this restored 1920s gem. They show movies, sure, but the ceiling has these LED "stars" that twinkle while you watch. It sounds cheesy. It’s actually incredible.
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Right across the way, you’ve got Main Street Coffee. You’ll see the local "knowledge workers" hunched over laptops and old-timers talking about the weather. It’s the town’s living room. If you’re hungry for something that isn't a burger, Jit’s Thai Bistro is surprisingly legit. Like, "why is this authentic Pad Thai in the middle of a cornfield" kind of legit.
- Civilian Brewing Corps: This is where the town gathers on Friday nights. The beer is solid, but the atmosphere is better. It’s built into an old garage space.
- The Dragonfly Gallery: If you like stuff that wasn't made in a factory, go here. It’s packed with local Owen County art.
- Owen County Heritage & Culture Center: It’s in the old library. It’s free. Go inside and look at the local history exhibits—they have a coffee shop in there now too.
Things To Do In Spencer Indiana for the "Deep Woods" Crowd
If McCormick’s Creek feels too "manicured" for you, head west to Owen-Putnam State Forest. This place is the real deal. We’re talking 6,000+ acres of hills that will absolutely wreck your calves if you aren't prepared.
Most people don't know about the Sandstone Bluff. It’s a 50-foot cliff that looks like it belongs in the Pacific Northwest, not southern Indiana. There’s a waterfall nearby that usually only runs after a good rain, so timing is everything.
- Horseback Riding: This forest is huge for riders. The Bridle Loop is about 10 miles long.
- Primitive Camping: If you hate neighbors and love fire-roasted hot dogs, the campgrounds here (like Fish Creek) are way more secluded than the State Park.
- Hunting & Foraging: Depending on the season, this is prime territory for morel mushrooms or deer. Just please, for the love of everything, wear hunter orange if it's the right time of year.
The "Sweet Owen" Vibe
They call this area "Sweet Owen," and you start to feel it when you get out on the backroads. You’ll see the Agricultural Heritage Trail, which is basically a scavenger hunt for barn murals. These aren't just graffiti; they’re massive, professional paintings on old tobacco barns that tell the history of the county.
If you’re into wine, Owen Valley Winery is a must. It’s a few miles outside of town. They do a lot of French-American hybrids. Sit on the deck, grab a flight, and just stare at the rows of grapes. It’s one of those spots where you forget you have a phone for an hour.
What People Get Wrong About Spencer
People think Spencer is just a pitstop on the way to the "real" attractions in Bloomington. That’s the misconception. Bloomington is great, but it’s loud and expensive. Spencer is where you go when you actually want to hear the wind in the trees.
The complexity of the town lies in its recovery. Seeing the way the community rebuilt after the tornado damage in the park and downtown tells you more about the "vibe" here than any brochure could. It’s a resilient, slightly artsy, very rugged place.
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Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Park Status: Before you haul a camper down here, call the McCormick’s Creek office. 2026 has seen a lot of progress, but some areas are still restricted for safety.
- Plan for "Small Town Hours": A lot of the best shops downtown are closed on Sundays or Mondays. Check the hours for the Tivoli or Civilian Brewing before you commit.
- Bring Good Shoes: Even the "easy" trails at the State Forest have roots and rocks that want to roll your ankle.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service in the "canyons" of Owen-Putnam is basically non-existent. You’ll want those maps saved.
If you’re planning a visit, start your morning with a coffee downtown, spend the afternoon lost in the limestone at McCormick's, and finish the night with a beer at Civilian. You’ll realize pretty quickly why people who live here don't really want the secret getting out.
Visit the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center first to grab a physical map of the barn murals—it makes the drive through the countryside a lot more interesting than just following Google Maps.