Social Distancing at its Finest with Richmond / Wayne County’s Outdoor Adventure package

At long last, the sunny days of summer have finally arrived, and Wayne County’s new Outdoor Adventure packages are making it more convenient than ever for visitors to stay and play longer for less money.

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With so many fun things to see and do, it’s easy to fill up an afternoon, a couple days or a long weekend exploring all that Richmond and the surrounding region has to offer. From leisurely drives through the bucolic countryside, DIY public art tours and shopping along Antique Alley to fossil hunting, scenic biking trails and other fresh-air recreation, Wayne County warmly invites guests to discover its great outdoors.
 
The Old National Road/U.S. 40 provides a fascinating visual sampling of historic architecture across Wayne County, and the stretch between Centerville and Cambridge City is populated with some of the best antique stores in the state. Along the way, take a few detours to check out the outdoor sculptures at IU East and dozens of colorful oversized murals honoring Wayne County’s history and culture scattered throughout the area, perfect backdrops for selfies and photo ops. Learn how Richmond earned its reputation as the “Cradle of Recorded Jazz” during the early 1900s with an educational stroll along the Gennett Records Walk of Fame in the Whitewater Gorge, and wrap up the day in a fragrant way by stopping to smell the roses at the E.G. Hill Memorial Rose Garden.

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Looking for something a little more active to do? Lace up your running shoes and break a sweat on the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile converted rail trail that runs from Richmond north through Muncie and on up to Marion. Cycling and Fitness Warehouse offers free bike rentals at the Richmond trailhead for those who prefer to journey on two wheels. In addition, athletes and sporty types will be glad to know that Richmond and Wayne County are home to several golf courses, pickleball courts, a skate park and disc golf facilities.

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If you’ve got little ones along for the ride, grab a free Whitewater Valley Fossil Trail Passport at the Old National Road Welcome Center and see what kind of prehistoric discoveries you can make in and around Thistlethwaite Falls. It’s also a great place to cool off on a hot day. Let the kiddos burn off any excess energy on the playground at Glen Miller Park or Middlefork Reservoir.

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Hayes Arboretum provides plenty of ways for all ages to commune with Mother Nature on its unspoiled 466-acre site, such as hiking terrain, mountain bike trails, and a Critter Friends scavenger hunt. Across town between Richmond and Centerville, the Cope Environmental Center has recently added new activities including campfire cooking classes, birdwatching, themed hikes and wetlands exploration.

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For overnight accommodations, local hotels are getting into the Outdoor Adventures act with special discounted rates through June, and all are taking additional measures to ensure guest safety.
To learn more about Wayne County’s Outdoor Adventure Packages, visit our outdoor package page.