Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's men spent six days crossing through southern Indiana, leaving behind a swath of devastated homesteads and burnt buildings. Morgan’s men arrived in Salem on July 10th, 1863 at about 10:00am with four thousand men. After planting pieces of artillery on the hill south of Salem, he demanded the town’s surrender. Two men, home guards were killed west of Salem and another man was killed on Canton Road. Two other residents were shot but survived. A young man came to town with a squirrel rifle to defend Salem and was ordered to break his gun by Morgan’s men. He did not understand or comply and was shot down. The S ...

Coffee, traditional drinks, sweets and pastries available

When you need value and friendly service on route to Indianapolis or Hoosier National Forest, make our Knights Inn & Suites Salem your no-frills choice among hotels in Salem. Ideally located on Highway 56 with easy access to major interstates, our Salem hotel is nearby the Salem Speedway, Spring Mill State Park, and the historic John Hay Center.

The Knobstone Trail is the longest hiking trail in Indiana. Its southern terminus is located in the Deam Lake State Recreation Area. It currently ends at Delaney Creek Park near Salem, Indiana, however there are plans to eventually extend the trail another 80 miles north to Martinsville, Indiana. As it lies along the Knobstone Escarpment, it is a difficult hike, which is why many use the Knobstone Trail to prepare for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Lake John Hay Lake is a 210-acre surface area impoundment located, in the Rush Creek Valley, 6 miles northwest of Salem. The lake offers tournament fishing or just a day of leisurely angling. This primitive area is also great for observing birds and animals in their natural habitat. Lake access includes one boat ramp. A City of Salem boat launch permit is effective for one (1) calendar year, January 1 to December 31. The permits are issued at Salem’s Clerk-Treasurer’s office and the Salem Police Department office. The launch permit is good for both Lake Salinda and Lake John Hay. A valid Indiana fishing license is also required. Please Note: The ...

Lake Salinda is an 88 acre surface lake, owned by the City of Salem, located 2 miles south of Salem on S.R. 135. Salinda was once the primary drinking water source for Salem residents and is now the back-up source. Lake Salinda offers tournament fishing and serves as a popular fishing spot for area anglers. Lake access includes one boat ramp. A City of Salem boat launch permit is effective for one (1) calendar year, January 1 to December 31. The permits are issued at Salem’s Clerk-Treasurer’s office and the Salem Police Department office. The launch permit is good for both Lake Salinda and John Hay Lake. A valid Indiana fishing license is also requ ...

The Lanning House was built in 1867, by a returning Civil War soldier, Azariah Lanning, who became a dentist in Salem. The residence was constructed of locally made brick from the Shrum yard. Its colonial revival front porch was a later addition. This early home was converted to a bed and breakfast close to the John Hay Center and has been sensitively restored.

Lee W. Sinclair, principal among the leading citizens of his time, was a Washington County businessman and banker. Sinclair's fascination for the French Lick, West Baden area of Orange County inspired the creation of a grand resort. Taking advantage of the recently connected rail lines, Sinclair bought controlling interest in the West Baden Spring Hotel in 1888. A devastating fire in 1901, allowed him to rebuild the Hotel in its current configuration. Architect, Harrison Albright and engineer Moses Shrum collaborated in it construction. This striking and monumental structure is considered one of the most important historic buildings in Indiana, ...

This limestone medallion which was once affixed to the parapet of the Bank of Salem and now rests in the garden of the Hay Center. The head of the young girl depicted in the relief carving, is said to be a portrait of Lee W. Sinclair's only daughter Lillian. The work was commissioned by him in Italy.

Locally owned and operated by Rick & Rita Lincks since 2006. They offer something for everyone!

Lisa's Farmhouse Market is a bakery, a farm market, a meat market, a gift shop, and a restaurant! Lisa's Farmhouse Market offers a year-round farmer’s market that offers more than just produce and breads. The market offers herbs and spices to season about anything you can cook up at home. Other local items for sale include: beef, pork, eggs, cheese, sorghum, honey, Amish butter, jams, jellies, pie fillings and maple syrup year-round.

Great food at a great price. Largest Ice Cream cones in Southern Indiana! Open Thru October Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00am to 7:00pm; Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 8:00pm; Sunday 12 Noon to 7:00pm.

LM Sugarbush, LLC is a 140 acre family farm located in Salem. It was established in 1981 as Leane and Michael’s Sugarbush. The family owned operation is the annual host to the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. However, Maple Syrup is available year round and the farm is open (by appointment only) during the year.

Jonathon Lyon, one of the earliest citizens of Salem, purchased town lots on the west side of the square during the first sale of city land. The first brick commercial structure to occupy this site was built in 1824. After accumulating several more lots in the same block face, Jonathon's son, Dawson, was able to combine them to enable construction of a three story, seven unit attached commercial building. These buildings burned in August of 1874, and were rebuilt immediately after using bricks from the local Shrum brick yard. A stone retaining wall was constructed around three sides of the Lyon Block two years later. It remains with some altera ...

Salem Indiana's little music store that rocks BIG! Guitars, amps, pedals, accessories, ukuleles - we buy, sell and trade guitars and gear too! Don't forget our great selection of hand painted art from local (and not so local...) artists!

A locally owned and operated meat market/deli and grocery with fine quality cuts of meat, cheeses, vegetable & fruit trays. Catering available.

Traditional Italian favorites including pizza, pastas and sandwiches along with a kid's menu. Dine In, Curbside Pickup or outside seating available.

Midwest Trading Company takes great pride and joy in handcrafting leather goods. All items are handcrafted from full grain leather and includes belts, hats, knife sheaths, gun holsters, gun vests, purses, bracelets and much more.