Greencastle: Relaxed, Affordable and Fun

Welcome to one of Indiana’s most friendly and amenity-filled cities. 

Nestled in the heart of west central Indiana, Greencastle blends our historic origins with an eye firmly focused on the future. We are surrounded by rich farm land, and located within an hour of Indianapolis, Lafayette, Bloomington and Terre Haute. More than 10,000 residents call our community home.


Our thriving economic climate boasts a mix of industrial and commercial businesses, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship and the space for makers to follow creative pursuits. We are one of Indiana’s most affordable cities, with rents and home prices significantly less expensive than the national average.


Greencastle is home to DePauw University, Ivy Tech Community College, a thriving community school corporation, and unique learning environments for both the young and young at heart.


Our city is packed with entertainment and recreation options, from one-of-a-kind restaurants to a world-class nature park. Take a few minutes and check out all we have to offer.

DOWNTOWN GREENCASTLE

Greencastle boasts a thriving downtown, full of vitality, creativity and energy. Home to local restaurants, the arts, entertainment and local businesses, the city’s downtown is anchored by the Putnam County Courthouse and is steps from the DePauw University campus.

In 2011, Greencastle applied for and received a $15 million grant from the State of Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs that was implemented over several years, with additional support from DePauw University and project partners. The grant allowed Greencastle to revitalize the courthouse square and downtown, as well as support new business growth and community initiatives.

In downtown Greencastle, the Stellar grant and associated investments resulted in new facades that preserved the historic integrity of the buildings, more parking options, streetscapes, second story loft housing, and the relocation of the DePauw University bookstore to a renovated downtown location.

Today, with support from Mainstreet Greencastle, the Putnam County Chamber, DePauw University, the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau, local businesses and the City, downtown is the center of life in Greencastle. Visit and you’ll find First Friday celebrations, weekly seasonal farmers markets, the Greencastle Music Fest and much, much more.

DEPAUW UNIVERSITY

DePauw sits right at the heart of Greencastle, with 36 major buildings on the main campus and 175 acres of landscaped grounds. Several buildings, such as historic East College, which was built in 1877, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors and the community are welcome to visit and enjoy the facilities, speakers, arts programs and NCAA Division III sporting events.


During the academic year, the university brings a wide range of speakers 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. DePauw has an all-arts access pass available for on-campus arts events.


School of Music Watch world-class music performances.
Theater Department See plays on DePauw’s stage.
Art Department Explore student art exhibits.
Ubben Lecture Series Hear lectures from global leaders
Performing Arts Series Enjoy a variety of artistic performances.
Kelly Writer Series Learn from leading writers on campus.
Film Studies Series See topical films from the region and world.
Music on the Square Enjoy music on the campus square.
Richard E. Peeler Art Gallery See the latest art collections.
Green Center for the Performing Arts Bringing the performing arts to Greencastle
The Prindle Institute for Ethics Fostering ethics education, research, and dialogue

Click to See DePauw's Full Cultural Arts Calendar

Ivy Tech Community College

Greencastle is fortunate to host a local site of Ivy Tech Community College to serve Greencastle and Putnam County residents. Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana, including the site located in Greencastle, and also serves thousands of students annually online. Open to students in high school and adult learners, Ivy Tech can be your path to a high-value career in West Central Indiana. With more than 40 programs offered between the Greencastle site and Terre Haute campus, one is meant for you.


Classes start every August, October, January, March and June. Get started today with the free application (ivytech.edu/apply).


The Greencastle site is located at the corner of SR 240 and Zinc Mill Road. 


Ivy Tech also serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the local community. Through Achieve Your Degree partnership with local employers, Ivy Tech can help skill up existing employees and help foster company loyalty and employee retention.

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IVY TECH

GETTING OUTDOORS IN GREENCASTLE


Big Walnut Sports Park
This 80-acre park is owned and operated jointly by the City of Greencastle and a local non-profit corporation. The park features ball diamonds, soccer fields, a loop trail, disc golf and picnic areas. Several fields are lighted for evening use.


Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area
In 2011, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources opened this 2,000-acre park off of US 40, southwest of Greencastle. Excellent hunting, fishing and hiking are all available at the park.


DePauw University Nature Park
More than 520 beautiful acres are yours to explore at this family friendly nature park west of the DePauw campus. The property lies along Big Walnut Creek, providing opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and outdoor education. The park features almost nine miles of trail, a welcome Center, a field station, and amphitheater, and the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics.


Jaycee Park

This 22-acre park features a fishing pond, picnic areas and a shelter house. The park is owned by the City of Greencastle.


Lieber State Recreation Area – Cagles Mill Lake
Located in southern Putnam County, this 8,000-acre state park features a 1,500-acre lake, campsites, swimming beach, swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park is accessible from SR 243 and U.S. 231. Three other state parks and a state forest are within a 40-minute drive of Putnam County.


People Pathways
Nearly $2 million has been committed to People Pathways, a network of nearly nine miles of dedicated trails and an additional shared route in and around Greencastle, with links to neighboring communities. Trail highlights include: the Greencastle to Fillmore Trail, the Sports Park link from the east side of Greencastle to Big Walnut Sports Park, a loop trail at Big Walnut Sports Park, and the Albin Pond Trail. Additional trails are under construction, and linkages will be created with existing trail systems in Hendricks and Clay Counties.

 

Putnam County 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.


Robe Ann Park
A 25-acre park owned and operated by the City of Greencastle, Robe Ann Park features an Olympic-size swimming pool, water slide and diving well and recently renovated locker rooms. Robe Ann Park is also home to the Emerald Palace super playground, picnic areas, a lighted ball diamond and lighted tennis and pickleball courts.

GOLFING IN GREENCASTLE


Clover Meadows Golf Course
Enjoy a 6,126-yard, eight-hole, par 72, public course.


Old Hickory Golf Course
Visit an 18-hole, par 72, 5,805-yard public course with a pro shop and restaurant.


Tiger Pointe Country Club

A nine-hole private country club with clubhouse, pro shop and banquet facilities, Tiger Pointe is open to the public on a limited schedule.

MOTORSPORTS IN GREENCASTLE


Lincoln Park Speedway
This is a course for sprint cars and modified cars.


Putnam Park Road Course
For private sports car fans, enjoy a road course open just for private sports cars.


Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The home of the Indianapolis 500, GMR Grand Prix, and the NASCAR Cup Series is less than an hour from Greencastle.

CULTURAL AMENITIES


Putnam County Library
Located in Greencastle and founded in 1902, this state-of-the-art facility features 45,000 volumes and 175 periodicals at the library or through the Bookmobile. The library also offers a number of digital resources, and programs and events throughout the year to the community.

Putnam County Museum

Since 2003, the Putnam County Museum has been bridging generations, connecting communities, and helping to preserve Putnam County’s past. Whether you are a lifelong resident of the area or a visitor to our community, you are cordially invited to visit us the museum and learn more about Putnam County.


Putnam County Playhouse

Founded in 1962, this summer stock, all-volunteer organization produces four plays each summer. Productions range from drama to comedy to musicals. Special programming is offered each summer for children.


VISIT INDY
Less than an hour away, the Indianapolis metro area offers world-class arts experiences, concerts, museums, professional and collegiate sports, shopping and theater. Click any link below to learn more.


Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Newfields (Indianapolis Art Museum)
Indianapolis Zoo
Indiana State Museum
NCAA Hall of Champions
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
Indiana Pacers (NBA)
Indiana Fever (WNBA)
Indianapolis Indians (AAA Baseball)
Indy Eleven Soccer

Indianapolis International Airport

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