Senior Visitors Set Their Sites On Batesville

Batesville in the heart of southeastern Indiana, is within a short drive of numerous metropolitan areas. Senior travelers will find it on I-74, on a direct path between Cincinnati, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana. Batesville is an area rich in Hoosier hospitality that is as legendary as the scenic landscape.

Batesville combines the prosperity of economic growth through industry with small-town charm. Founded in 1852, and snuggled in the hills of Southeastern Indiana, Batesvillf has grown to a community of 6,500 friendly, family-oriented, and forward-thinking citizens.

Between 1867 and 1892, Batesville was home to nine furniture, coffin, and novelty factories making use of the extensive amount of hardwood timber in the area. These hardwood forests would prove to be the area’s wealth.

 Seniors Find Interesting History In Batesville

Batesville’s early beginnings are tied to a young man’s dream of owning and working a piece of farmland in southeastern Indiana. Teunis Amack purchased 120 acres of government land in Ripley County’s Laughery Township in 1837. He built his home out of the area’s hardwood logs and dug a well.

Batesville was founded by George H. Dunn, owner of the John Callahan Trust Company. The company bought land and created new towns along rail lines. Dunn was also president of the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railroad.   On November 1, 1853, the first train from Cincinnati to Indianapolis passed through Batesville.  Joshua Bates, who platted the town of Batesville, is thought to be the source of the city’s name.

There are two large publicly traded companies headquartered in Batesville,  the Batesville Casket Company and the Hill-Rom hospital bed manufacturer.

Seniors Can Walk Or Bike The Trails

Batesville Liberty Park is the main public park in Batesville and offers many recreational activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, baseball, basketball, playground sets, and a large pavilion.

Batesville also offers walking and biking trails for seniors to enjoy, so toss in your hiking boots and a bike and enjoy both. And there is always Golf Hillcrest Club for you to practice your driving and putting.

TripAdvisor has several suggestions for seniors to consider in Batesville including the Milan ’54 Museum, Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, Brush Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is nearby. Walking or biking at Brum Woods, or fishing at Memorial Pool are favorites for the locals and might be of interest to senior visitors.

Nearby colleges include Art Academy of Cincinnati, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Cincinnati Christian University. I would want to be sure to take in the the Batesville Area Historical Society.

So set your GPS for Batesville, Indiana and explore some of the town’s best destinations, including an award-winning toy shop and historical hotel. -jeb