Discover Delaware: Art, Nature and the Greenway

Delaware invites you to combine cultural history, nature and activity. Art collections, a planetarium, diverse habitats and a long paved rail trail give your trip a range of possible focuses. Whether you prefer to explore a museum topic in depth, observe nature or spend time on trails, the specific destinations can help you plan your days and choose a suitable vacation rental.

Art, History and Creative Pursuits

In Muncie is the David Owsley Museum of Art. Its collection comprises more than 11,000 works of art from every continent and represents 5,000 years of civilization. The Charles W. Brown Planetarium adds a look at the cosmos to the cultural offerings: it is the largest planetarium in Indiana. The National Model Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of model aviation.

Painting and architectural history also offer specific points of interest. In the Bob Ross Experience painting classes, certified Ross instructors teach the wet-on-wet technique; class offerings and booking options may vary. Tours of the complete Glick Center studio are available by appointment only. If you plan to visit, arrange your appointment in advance.

The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse offers a botanical contrast: it houses more than 2,000 orchids and the largest university orchid collection in the United States. Alongside art, the planetarium and the history of model aviation, it shows how varied a culturally focused stay can be.

Woods, Prairie and Greenhouse

Christy Woods covers 17 acres of mature deciduous forest and tallgrass prairie. The site has a 100-year history as an outdoor teaching laboratory for Ball State University. Species found there include tiger swallowtails, red bats and migrating scarlet tanagers; sightings may vary depending on the season.

Minnetrista Nature Area features three habitats typical of Indiana: tallgrass prairie, wetlands and woodland. Comparing it with Christy Woods offers a simple way to orient nature-focused days: both descriptions include prairie, while Minnetrista Nature Area also includes wetlands. Those interested in different habitat types will find distinct thematic highlights.

The Farmers Market at Minnetrista is also part of the local character. It offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, handmade goods, flowers, meat, honey and artisan products. The vendors’ selection may change seasonally.

Trails, Learning Activities and Day Planning

The Cardinal Greenway is a 62-mile paved rail-trail that runs through five counties, from Richmond through Muncie to Marion. It is suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists and inline skaters, and is ADA accessible. Gaston is the Greenway’s northernmost point in Delaware County; from there, the route heads south through Muncie toward Richmond. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

For younger learners and their accompanying adults, the Nature Lab offers Saturday story times, craft activities and hands-on learning activities; activity times may vary. Another interactive option is the Garfield Trail mobile pass, which guides visitors through check-ins at the individual Garfield statues. The two offerings have different focuses: one on learning activities, the other on discovering the statues.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can first decide which of these themes you want your trip to focus on: art and history, observing nature or spending more time on the Greenway. Base your search on the destinations that interest you most, then compare suitable accommodations for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vigo, Steuben County, Lawrence, Hancock County, Grant County, Tippecanoe, Carroll County.

For the state travel overview: Indiana.