Step into Yesterday at Canal Days in Metamora

When : October 3–5, 2025

Looking for things to do in Indiana this fall? Step off the beaten path and step into yesterday at Canal Days in Metamora.

This annual celebration transforms Indiana’s best-preserved canal town into a living history experience. Main Street comes alive with artisans, music, food, and the timeless charm of the 1800s. It’s one of the best festivals in Indiana — and it’s absolutely free to attend.

A Festival Steeped in History

Metamora was platted in 1838, at the height of Indiana’s canal era. Today, when you stroll these streets during Canal Days, you aren’t just visiting shops. You’re entering a living, breathing 19th-century village where history still whispers from the castle on the hill, to every canal boat, wooden porch, and cobblestone path.

And if you saw recent headlines suggesting the canal might be dry – rest assured, funding has been secured, and the beloved canal in Metamora will be full of water during the festival. Big thanks to I Love Metamora, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the town’s history and ensuring its stories continue to flow just like the canal itself.

Canal Days isn’t just a festival. It’s an immersive journey back to a simpler time. Think lantern-lit evenings, historic architecture, and shopkeepers ready to share their crafts and their stories. If you’re searching for historic towns in Indiana or unique day trips in Indiana, Metamora should be at the top of your list.

Shops That Bring the Village to Life

Metamora’s businesses are the heartbeat of the festival. Each one offers something unique — from handmade goods to baked treats. Here are the must-stop shops at Canal Days:

The Sap Bucket – A sweet stop on Main Street for syrups and homestyle treats.
Dragonfly Pottery – Duck Creek Crossing’s artisan studio where clay meets creativity.
Village Whimsy – A charming shop filled with whimsical décor and gifts.
Grannie’s Cookie Jar – Lovers Lane’s most delicious stop, baking up nostalgia in every bite.
Circle R Candle Co. – Duck Creek Road’s glowing destination for handmade candles.
1838 Photography – Columbia Street’s studio capturing timeless moments with vintage flair.
Moon Lit Pages – A new & used bookstore with a magical twist, offering Blind Date with a Book and cozy literary finds across from the Grist Mill.
Park & Ride Rickshaw & Wow – Fun transportation with character on US 52, veteran-owned and full of personality.
The Metamora Barnyard – A family-friendly stop at Duck Creek Crossing with animals and rustic charm.
Duck Creek Farm & Inn – A Main Street landmark with hospitality and history intertwined.
Connie’s Cabin – Mount Street’s rustic retreat with handmade goods.
Tarvin’s – A staple on Main Street with a little bit of everything Metamora is known for.
Blue Umbrella Bistro & Bakery – Cozy coffee, baked goods, and meals served up with warmth at Duck Creek Crossing.
The Ember Lighthouse – Main Street’s beacon of creativity and light.
The Wooden Melon’s Trough Golf – Quirky fun paired with local charm at 19046 Main Street.
The Rusty Rooster LLC – Rustic décor and crafts from Sunman, IN bringing farm-style creativity to Canal Days.
Backyard Shop – Rustic décor & crafts, handmade with care, showcasing the beauty of woodwork and hand lettering.
The Village Smith – More than a blacksmith shop — also a coffee bar, where metal, wood, leather, and lattes come together.

Whether you’re looking for Indiana-made products, home décor, local food, or handcrafted gifts, Metamora’s shops have you covered. This is shopping with soul, rooted in tradition and community.

Why Canal Days Belongs on Your Indiana Bucket List

Events like Canal Days aren’t just about shopping. They’re about celebrating what’s grown in Indiana, supporting small businesses, and preserving history for generations to come.

Every storefront, every canal-side trail, every handmade candle and cookie carries the legacy of Indiana’s past. When you support Canal Days, you’re not just enjoying one of the best fall festivals in Indiana – you’re helping keep history alive.

This October, bring your family and friends to Metamora. Wander through historic streets to hear whispers from the past. Meet the makers, taste the flavors, and take home a piece of Indiana heritage.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Historic Metamora, Franklin County, Indiana
📅 Dates: October 3–5, 2025
🎟️ Admission: Free

Looking for the best things to do in Indiana this fall? Make Canal Days part of your tradition. It’s more than a festival — it’s a step back in time.