From a recreated 1830s community to a speedway with a longstanding racing tradition, Salem offers a range of starting points for planning your trip. Historic sites, community experiences and a nearby lake are at the heart of it. Consider which of these aspects interests you most and whether an event date is important for your trip.
Salem’s History at Specific Sites
The Stevens Memorial Museum was established in 1970 as a memorial to preserve the community’s history and features exhibits with thousands of artifacts. Built in 1824, the John Hay House was the birthplace of John Hay; his birth home has been designated a National Historic Site since 1971. Both sites point to different aspects of Salem’s history: the museum focuses on the community, while the house tells the story of a person and his origins.
Other buildings and historical connections add to this picture. The Blue River Friends Hicksite Meeting House and Cemetery was established in 1815 and was the fourth Quaker church founded in Indiana. The Carnegie Library in Salem opened in July 1905 and is still used for its original purpose. The Washington County Courthouse is a building in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, constructed in 1886. Their different dates and uses offer several ways to explore local history, from religious community and public institutions to architecture.
The Salem Speedway adds auto racing to this perspective. It officially opened on June 22, 1947; its distinctive racing heritage and tradition continue to this day. Historic buildings and community history thus sit alongside a subject whose development is tied to an ongoing tradition.
Living History and Events
Pioneer Village recreates an 1830s community. Its buildings include a jail, blacksmith shop, school and church, as well as the Haganman House, a smokehouse, barn, bell tower, weaving house, and the New Philadelphia Post Office and General Store. The collection makes the Village a destination in its own right if you are interested in community life during the period it portrays. At various times throughout the year, volunteers portray community figures such as a blacksmith or weaver.
Old Settlers' Days takes place in late September on the grounds of the John Hay Center. Visitors can see blacksmithing, quilting, wood carving, local crafts and historical reenactments. The event is still held today. If it matters to your trip planning, check the specific event dates before you travel. The John Hay Center is listed as open Thursday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; check these hours before visiting as well.
More Trip-Planning Ideas
There are several activities in Salem specifically geared toward children. Riley's Place in DePauw Park has wooden castles and play equipment for children. Salem CenterPeace offers play areas for children, as well as local concerts, farmers' markets and special events. Alongside the historical attractions, community activities and play areas are other possible interests to consider.
Another point of interest nearby is Lake Salinda, 2 miles south of Salem on S.R. 135. The lake covers 88 acres, is owned by the City of Salem, offers tournament fishing and has a boat ramp. It differs from the town’s historical and community-focused attractions, offering a different perspective on your trip: here, the lake and fishing take center stage.
For planning purposes, late September and the John Hay Center’s opening hours provide two different time references: the dates of an event and the times for a visit.
For an overview of the wider area, see Washington County.
