Best Free Things to Do in Brown County & Nashville, Indiana

Written By Kara Hammes

If you’ve done any traveling recently - or heck, even if you’ve just been trying to get through normal life - you know that things can get expensive quickly. This is especially true if you’re with kids or any other large group. I certainly got a rude reminder of this fact while on vacation this past summer, when there were multiple instances where we decided to change our plans because ‘Plan A’ was going to be way too expensive to justify doing..  

The good news is that we were always able to find alternative, more affordable activities, some of which actually ended up becoming a favorite memory from our trips. Unfortunately, it often took me A LOT of time spent researching and planning to figure out what those affordable and free options were.

So, since I’m always on the lookout for the best free things to do - even when we’re at home and not traveling - I figured this was the perfect time to compile a list of my favorite free, or extremely cheap, activities for Brown County & Nashville, Indiana.

 
 

What Do I Mean By “Free” or “Cheap” Activities?

The following list details the best FREE* or EXTREMELY CHEAP** things to do in Nashville and Brown County, IN. To be clear, for the purposes of this list:

  • Free = No cost for the activity itself (entrance fee, ticket, etc) but this does NOT account for the cost of gas or the price of objects or supplies you would need to already own (like a bike or kayak) to take part in the activity

  • Cheap = Any associated entry free, ticket, or permit costs less than $10

I’ll do my best to make note of any costs I’m aware of below, but obviously these can change, so always check the business website or Facebook page for their most up-to-date information and pricing.

Psst…Be Sure to Check Out this *FREE* Bonus Item!

I’ll talk about this a bit more below, but to make it extra easy to do something enjoyable AND free while you’re in Brown County, I’ve made a free downloadable scavenger hunt for Nashville, IN! There are 15 items included, plus clues and a map with the answers, and you can access it all here.

The Best Free (or Extremely Cheap) Activities in Brown County, IN

Here’s a quick snapshot and summary of all the activity categories I’ll cover in this post. There are LOTS more details, links, and ideas for every category further down the page.

See something you want to jump directly to? Just click on the image below and it will take you to that section. Or just keep scrolling to check out each category in more detail.

I’ve also included a map at the bottom of this post with locations marked for these suggestions and more, if you want to more easily see where things are located within the county.

Explore the Town of Nashville

Nashville, Indiana is located in the heart of Brown County, is the only officially incorporated town in the county, and is the location of all three of our stoplights! There are dozens of restaurants, shops, and other things to do that cost money, but there’s also plenty to explore even if you don’t want to spend a dime. Here are some of my favorites:

FREE Options While Exploring Nashville, IN

Many options for what to do and see (for free) in Nashville are covered elsewhere in this post. You can click on the links for any of the bullets below to go to the section with more details about a given activity:

In addition to the things I’ve covered in more detail elsewhere in this post, you can also:

  • Download my FREE Nashville, IN Scavenger Hunt and explore town as you search for the 15 items on the list.

  • Visit the Brown County Public Library, which has a lot to offer in addition to the usual library things like books, magazines, audio books, and movies and TV series. There is a themed children’s garden to the north of the library to explore during warmer months; they have a “Library of Things” where where you can check out everything from a ukelele to a lap harp to an Eiteljorg Museum pass; and they also offer numerous free events and kids’ programs.

  • Wander aimlessly and find your way in, through, and around all the quaint corners, hidden alleys, and cute spots in town.

CHEAP Options While Exploring Nashville, IN

Every shop and restaurant in Nashville has options available for less than $10.  If something catches your eye, don’t feel bad about purchasing a small souvenir or snack and supporting a small business in the process. 

For less than $10 you could also do a taste test through town (more details below), get a small gem mix bag to sluice at Copperhead Creek Gem Mine, and so much more!

‘Taste Test’ Challenge - To make things more fun, pick a food category and have an official “taste test competition” as you explore town.  You can either pick one specific treat or flavor to compare at each stop, or just pick whatever sounds best to you each round and then pick an overall favorite at the end.

Here are some affordable categories I’d suggest exploring:

Hiking

Did you know that almost 50% of the landmass of Brown County is considered public land? Most of it is owned by either local, state, or national government, while some is owned by non-profit groups that maintain nature preserves. This means there are almost endless options to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Brown County for an affordable price.

FREE Options for Hiking

There are numerous free options for hikes and nature walks within Brown County, including:

  • Salt Creek Trail - 3/4 mile paved, multi-use path in Nashville

  • Deer Run Park - mowed walking paths, <1 mile west of Nashville

  • Hitz-Rodehamel Woods - 1-3 mile loop trails, somewhat rugged, approximately 5 miles north of Nashville

  • The Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill - 1-5 mile loop trails, somewhat rugged, approximately 7 miles east of Nashville

  • Stone Head Nature Preserve - 2.6 mile loop, moderate, 8.5 miles southeast of Nashville

  • Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve - Two different trail systems, a bottomland area with several short, easy sections, and a moderate out-and-back trail that goes up and follows along the bluff. Approximately 9 miles northwest of Nashville.

  • Yellowwood State Forest - multiple trails and loops of varying difficulty; 9 miles west of Nashville

  • Tecumseh Trail - 42 mile long backcountry trail with multiple trailheads and entrance points. Starts in Morgan County and stretches to southern Brown County; a portion runs through Yellowwood State Forest.

  • Hoosier National Forest & Charles C. Deem Wilderness Area - Hundreds of miles of trails and backcountry areas to explore; located in southern Brown County and extends into Monroe, Lawrence, and Jackson Counties.

CHEAP Options for Hiking

  • During most* of the year, the Brown County State Park has an entrance fee of $7/vehicle for those with Indiana license plates, or $9/vehicle for visitors with out-of-state plates.  You can also buy an annual pass for $50 that’s good for any state park in Indiana.  

    *On winter weekdays there usually isn’t a gate attendant and entry to the Brown County State Park is free.  I believe there is always an attendant on weekend days (usually including Fridays).

    Once you’re in the park, there are numerous hiking trails, playgrounds, and a Nature Center that you can access for free.  See the Brown County State Park website, or the park map, for more details on all the trails and amenities available in the park.

  • The T.C. Steele State Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about a noted Indiana artist by touring his home, studios, and gardens (tickets are required - learn more about this in the ‘See History’ of this guide). While there, visitors can also explore the trails of the Selma N. Steel Nature Preserve.

Biking

FREE Options for Biking

Road Biking - If you’re up for a challenge - or if you have your own e-bike - then riding the roads of Brown County might be a great option for you!

You need to know up front though that the roads of Brown County are hilly and windy, there are still a lot of gravel roads, and (besides the State Roads) roads here typically have little to no shoulder.  Brown County does not have any designated, on-road bike lanes.  The Salt Creek Trail is a paved multi-use trail that connects the CVS in town to the YMCA.

Be alert when you’re out riding, as drivers may have limited visibility coming up on cyclists, especially around tight turns, over hills, and in highly wooded areas (all things Brown County is known for). But it can be a great place to ride, as long as you’re aware, keep yourself safe, and are prepared for the physical challenge.

CHEAP Options for Biking

Mountain Biking - Brown County is considered a Bronze Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bike Association and easily has some of the best single-track riding in the Midwest.  However, there is a small fee associated with all of the mountain bike trail options that I’m aware of:

Paddling & Boating

FREE Options for Paddling & Boating

Paddling and boating on any state-managed lake, reservoirs, State Forest properties, and State Recreation Areas requires an Indiana DNR Lake Permit, even for non-motorized watercraft. It is possible that paddling on the Salt Creek would not require a permit, but I’m honestly not sure - probably best to just get the permit and have yourself covered.

CHEAP Options for Paddling & Boating

As mentioned above, an Indiana DNR Lake Permit is required for all privately-owned watercraft (including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats) that use any state-managed lake, reservoirs, waterways on State Forest properties, and State Recreation Areas. Annual permits are $25 for motorized watercraft, $5 for non-motorized, and can can be purchased online or at state property entrance gates and offices.

Once you’ve got your permit purchased and in place, you can access:

  • Brown County State Park - The State Park has two lakes - Ogle Lake (17 acres) and Strahl Lake (7 acres). Only canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats are permitted, in addition to non-motorized or electric trolling motors.  Neither lake has a ramp or boat rentals though, so you must bring your own and be able to get it into and out of the water without a ramp. See the Brown County State Park Map for lake locations and remember that the State Park also has an entrance fee.

  • Lake Lemon - Non-residents may use Lake Lemon after paying  the appropriate permit or boat ramp launch fee. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are excluded from Boat Permit Fees, but are required to pay launch fees if a ramp is used ($7/day or $38 annually). However, there are access points for non-motorized watercraft that do not require boat ramp use, like the Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area at the east end of Lake Lemon.

  • Yellowwood Lake - If you are bringing your own watercraft, there are boat launch locations at the north and south ends of the lake. Non-motorized watercraft and electric trolling motors are permitted.

    Kayak and Rowboat rentals are available through the Park Office from April – Thanksgiving. Rowboats (3 – 4 people per boat) are $5/hour or $20/day. Kayaks (single-person, sit-in - only 9 available) are $8/hour or $20/day. There are no reservations and no refunds, but you can call ahead to the Office to check availability at 812-988-7945.

  • Crooked Creek State Recreation Area - A beautiful area where the waters ultimately connect through to Lake Monroe.

Appreciate the Local Art, and Maybe Make Some of Your Own

Brown County is known as the “Art Colony of the Midwest”, and artists have been coming here since the early 1900’s to create artwork that captured the character of the Brown County landscape and its people.

FREE Options to Make & Appreciate Art

CHEAP Options to Make & Appreciate Art

See History

FREE Options to See History

  • Brown County History Center & Pioneer Village - The Brown County History Center is open year round Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 11a to 4p and Fridays from 12a to 3p. At the History Center you can see various exhibits, a reconstructed log cabin room, go into a one room schoolhouse, and more.

    The Pioneer Village is open weekends, May through November, from 12p to 3p on Saturdays and 11a to 4p on Sundays, as long as volunteers are available and the weather permits.  Technically you can walk through the Pioneer Village and see the exterior of buildings any time, but if you want to see demonstrations, ask questions of volunteers, or go through the buildings then you need to do that during their open hours.

    **NOTE: There are yellow markers with QR codes throughout town that used to link to information about historic locations in Nashville but unfortunately, the last time I checked, the QR codes no longer work.  Hopefully the Historical Society will bring back the webpages with that info soon.

  • Take the self-guided driving tour designed by the Peaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation Society to see and learn more about several historic locations throughout the county. There are links to more historical information about each of the driving tour stops on their website.

  • Visit one, or more, of the locations in Nashville and throughout Brown County that are on the National Register of Historic Places or that have a State Historical Marker.

CHEAP Options to See History

The T.C. Steele State Historic Site offers visitors and opportunity to learn more about this noted Indiana artist by touring his home, studios, and gardens.

Tickets are required for visitors, and you can either purchase tickets that include a timed tour ($11 for adults; $6 for kids 3 and up), or save $1 per ticket by purchasing a general admission ticket without a tour ($10 for adults; $5 for kids 3 and up).

While you’re there, you can also explore the Selma N. Steele Nature Preserve via the on-site hiking trails.

Watch a Movie at the Brown County Playhouse

FREE Options for Movies

Any movie shown on a Friday at the Brown County Playhouse is FREE for Brown County residents to attend! The Playhouse doesn’t show movies often (it’s usually live shows), but just keep an eye on their schedule for any movies that are coming up.

CHEAP Options for Movies

For any other dates, or for non-Brown County residents, movie tickets at the Brown County Playhouse cost just $7. It’s a great small theater experience and their snack bar options and prices are very reasonable.

Play Games or Visit a Playground

FREE Options for Games & Playgrounds

  • The Village Green - On the north side of the Village Green Public Restroom building there is a collection of board game tables with pieces for games, like checkers and backgammon. 

  • Antique Alley - There are several yard games set up in Antique Alley that anyone can play.

  • Deer Run Park - Deer Run Park is a hidden gem located less than a mile outside of Nashville.  Bring your own balls, discs, or skates and enjoy the playground, basketball court, soccer fields, walking trails, disc golf course, skate park and more.  Check out the complete list of facilities and the park map for all the details.

  • Salt Creek Trail - The Salt Creek Trail is a 3/4 mile paved multi-use trail in Nashville that has trailheads near the CVS and behind the YMCA.

    Along the trail there are 18 “StoryWalk” stops maintained by the Brown County Public Library, several picnic tables and benches (including a bench shaped like a hand, that’s carved into the trunk of a sycamore tree), and a small play area at the end of the trail near the YMCA.

  • There is a playground and smaller play area in the Yellowwood State Forest, both are at the Redbud campground area.

CHEAP Options for Games & Playgrounds

  • Visit the Brown County Toy Chest to discover new games and toys that are sure to become new favorites! They have a great selection, their staff can provide recommendations for your specific group, and they’re always my go to for gifts and new games.  Obviously they have items at every price point, but I promise there are plenty of options below $10 too.

  • Once you pay the entrance fee for the Brown County State Park, there are playgrounds, the Nature Center, horse shoe pits, and a tennis court you can use for free.  Kids can take parent-assisted pony rides at the Saddle Barn for as little as $4.

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Pack a Picnic

FREE Options for Picnics

Bring a cooler with food and drinks from home, find a picnic table or place to spread out a blanket, and you’ll be good to go! 

If you’re looking for picnic tables to use, click below for map links to:

CHEAP Options for Picnics

There are numerous picnic tables, shelter houses, and overlooks to enjoy at the Brown County State Park (just remember about that entrance fee!).

If you didn’t pack your own food, you can get easy, affordable, hot and cold food options for carry-out at the Nashville BP, the Brown County IGA, Subway, or the Nashville General Store & Bakery.  There are plenty of other restaurants that will do carry out orders, these are just the easiest and most affordable, with food that lends itself well to a picnic.

Enjoy Live Music

FREE Options for Live Music

If you’re exploring Nashville (especially on a weekend) you’re almost guaranteed to come across live music being played somewhere.  Antique Alley, near the Ferguson House Beer Garden has extra seating and some yard games if you want to relax for a bit while you enjoy the musicians they host.

If you happen to be in town from 11a-2p on a Sunday from May through October, stop by the Brown County Inn parking lot for a visit to the Nashville Indiana Farmers Market.  They feature live, local music every week with lots of vendors to check out.

Or, bring your own guitar, banjo, or other instrument of choice to play your own tunes!

CHEAP Options for Live Music

Although not required, it’s obviously good form to support the restaurant or business that’s hosting the live music (or at least leave a tip for the musician).  You should easily be able to find a drink or appetizer option at any restaurant for less than $10/person.

Experience the Festivals, Parades, & Other Annual Events of Brown County

From the Spring Blossom Parade, to the NUMC Fall Fare, to the Christmas Light Parade and more - there are lots of free events, festivals, and parades that occur throughout the year in Brown County. 

There are several different places to keep in mind when you’re trying to figure out what’s going on any given day, including:

Where Are All These Places Located?

You can use this map to view the locations of almost every recommendation on this list (along with other places on our more general ‘Things to Do’ page). Click the ‘full screen’ square in the upper right corner of the map to open it and view all the layers in more detail, filter which categories are shown, etc.

What Will You Choose To Do While You’re In Brown County?

WOW - I think I’ve even surprised myself at how many free and cheap activities there are to choose from in Brown County and Nashville, Indiana! I feel confident saying that no matter your age, type of interests, or time of year, there is something for everyone on this list.

And while I hope you’ll also choose to support some of our local restaurants and other businesses with your dollars while you’re here, hopefully this list makes it a little easier and more affordable to balance the decisions of when to spend, when to save, and when to splurge.

Make sure to download my FREE Nashville, IN Scavenger Hunt and to also check out my other guides for my take on on Where to Eat, Where to Shop, and other Things to Do while you’re here!

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Kara Hammes
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