Dearborn | Dearborn County Convention

Vacationing in Dearborn County

Dearborn County is located on the southeast border of Indiana, and is home to many bustling cities. Included in this list are Greendale, Lawrenceburg, Saint Leon, and Hidden Valley. Taking a vacation to this location can be a fun way to learn more about the history of the state.

The weather in this county is typically quite cold during the winter months, with lows of 21 degrees during January. The summer highs usually go up to 86 degrees, so it can be a nice mix of temperatures. There are over 50,000 people residing in the county. Lawrenceburg is a fun place for families to visit, boasting a ski resort with plenty of hills for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing for individuals of all levels. Those who prefer more adult activities can visit Seagrams Distillery, world famous for its whiskey, as well as a fun experience at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, a riverboat casino.

Guests who are looking for a more nature-themed vacation can visit Hidden Valley, which is home to plenty of wildlife. Hidden Valley Lake is a resort community where guests can relax and enjoy boating, fishing, and water skiing activities. There are also beautiful golf courses, where visitors can enjoy a day on the green. It is home to only about 5,000 so it will definitely give the feeling of seclusion.

Finding unique and fun family vacations are great ways to build memories and see new places. Many have enjoyed trips to the resort community in Hidden Valley, and Lawrenceburg features plenty of activities for parents to enjoy.

Dearborn County Government

The county government of Dearborn County is similar in structure to other government entities throughout the country. It has acquired its powers from the Indiana State Constitution and is made up of several governing bodies.

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The legislative branch of the Dearborn County government is the “County Council.” It is in charge of how to spend county funds and collecting revenues. The elected representatives of this body are from the various county districts. The representatives serve on this council for a term of four years. In addition to their other legislative duties they set salaries and plan the annual budget for the county. They also have, in a limited way, the power to impose taxes on local basis. This is accomplished through property tax and income taxes; however they can only impose these taxes following their approval by state government agencies.

There is also a Board of Commissioners which makes up the county’s executive body. These commissioners too are elected throughout the county. Their terms are staggered to maintain consistency throughout the county government, and each term is four years in length. Generally the commissioner who has served the longest is the president of this body. The Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute the laws which have been passed by the county council. This includes collecting revenues, and running the other day-to-day activities of this county government.

Two Supreme Courts and a Circuit Court make up the Dearborn County’s court system. The judges which preside are elected for six year terms.

The rest of the county officials include elected offices such as: prosecuting attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff, coroner, surveyor, circuit court clerk and a treasurer.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Circuit Court, Dearborn County Indiana, Supreme court

Dearborn County Racing

The Dearborn County area is the home to a long-standing race track and kart racing. Lawrenceburg Speedway features Modifieds and Sprints, while Competition Racing brings European-style karting to nearby Cincinnati.
Lawrenceburg Speedway has been open since 1950 and runs from early April to the beginning of October. The course is a 3/8th of a mile clay oval and the entire racing circuit is fan-friendly. That includes camping on the fairgrounds and even a pit pass that allows fans a chance to speak to the drivers.
Camping is free with some electric and water hook-ups. There is also an antique show the first Sunday of each month at the fairgrounds.
Competition Racing is located across from the Hollywood Casino and is open for racing to the general public, while also specializing in corporate and private outings. The track measures over 950 feet in length with 11 turns per lap and wide enough for three karts to run side-by-side.
The karts are 9-horsepower and can get in excess of 35 miles per hour in the straight areas. There are youth carts for those meeting the height requirement and accompanied by a parent. The youth carts can go as fast as 25 miles per hour.
Competition Racing is open six days a week and though closed on Mondays, is still available for private parties that day. Private functions are available with at least on week notice.
Another fun feature of the racing is a digital timing system that keeps track of each racer’s position on the course. Each individual’s time is shown above the steering wheel on the kart and on television monitors during the race. Each racer even receives their time printed out upon completion of the race.

Filed Under: Attractions, Dearborn Tagged With: Cincinnati, Kart racing, Race track

Dearborn County Landmarks

If you are interested in history, no visit to Dearborn County would be complete without seeing the Hillforest Museum and Veraestau Historic Landmark. Not only are you able to visit these historic sites, but you can also help make a difference for breast cancer.

Located in Aurora, Hillforest was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available each Tuesday through Sunday from the start of April through the end of December. Reservations are taken for groups of 10 or more and group luncheons of 20 or more. A newer feature is a “tea time” for groups of 10 or more for a one- or three-course tea in the Hillforest parlor.

The mansion was designed for Aurora industrialist Thomas Gaff and it was part of the Gaff family from 1855 to 1891. After being owned by various people and organizations, it has been open as a museum since 1956. There are several events at the museum throughout the open season, including several revolving around ghost and paranormal activity.

By booking through the Dearborn County Convention, Visitor and Tourism Bureau, you can help raise money for breast cancer research through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

The Veraestau landmark was built in 1810 and though privately owned, it is operated by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Tours are available by appointment each Wednesday through Sunday from April through December. The tour is one hour long of the house itself and the grounds.

Located in Aurora, the home was named by Indiana Supreme Court Justice and federal judge Jesse Holman. The home has been preserved through the years and exemplifies the architectural history of the state.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, United States

Dearborn County Animals

For animal lovers and great places to bring children in the Dearborn County area, look no further than the Red Wolf Sanctuary or the nearby Cincinnati Zoo.

The Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center preserves native North American wildlife in its own habitat through environmental education and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. Tours are available by appointment.

The Red Wolf, which was nearly extinct in the 1970’s, serves as the sanctuary’s mascot. Most of the wolves you will find there are the more common grey wolves.

The rehabilitated animals change from time to time since some are released after being rehabilitated, but you are likely to see black bears, coyotes, red foxes, and often owls, hawks, or cougars.

The Raptor Center allows visitors to overlook a 100-acre prairie, home to Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, and various other raptors, fowl, and sing birds.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located just 20 miles from Lawrenceburg and is one of the most famous zoos in the country. The zoo is the second-oldest in the United States and its Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America, dating back to 1875 when the zoo itself was built.

The zoo features more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species as well as various exhibits. In addition to simply covering the zoo’s grounds, there are self-guided tours focused on kids’ favorites, indoor exhibits to stay out of the elements, and a section of endangered species that the zoo is dedicated to saving.

There are various exhibits at the zoo, including newer projects such as “Night Hunters” and an “African Savannah” featuring such animals as Maasai giraffes and cheetahs. Adults and children alike have the opportunity to feed giraffes at “Giraffe Ridge”, get up close to a polar bear, or watch elephants get their baths among other opportunities.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Bald Eagle, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, United States

Dearborn County Cultural Events

For the cultured, Dearborn County provides various options including a winery, antique shopping, and arts.

The Chateau Pomije Vineyard and Winery is located near Lawrenceburg, Brookville, and Lawrenceburg, Indiana and hosts special functions in addition to making wine from grapes in its own vineyard.

The vineyard sprawls over 100 acres in Southeast Indiana and features a 5,000-square foot banquet facility. Wine can be customized for any upcoming special event.

The Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds host the state’s largest “Antiques and Vintage-only” market and is open every first Sunday from May through October. The market began in 1985 and all merchandise is at least 30 years old and no longer in production.

There are frequently more than 200 dealers per month with items from all over the U.S. and even other countries. The event takes place regardless of the weather conditions with indoor and undercover dealers.

If you can’t make it to the market or visit Dearborn County in the off-season, the Lawrenceburg Antique Gallery hosts booths rented by antique dealers.

The Dearborn Highlands Arts Council promotes arts in and around Dearborn County with Performing Arts Series events held regularly at the Lawrenceburg High School Auditorium.

The council also supports a one-day celebration of performing and visual arts called “Arts Alive! Arts Fair.” Booths highlight local artists and cultural organizations. “Concert in the Park” is an evening concert in the Aurora City Park Pavilion.

Various other artistic events are held in the Dearborn area, including educational components of the council involving students and aspiring artists.

Filed Under: Culture, Dearborn Tagged With: Indiana, Islamic Center of America, Qur'an

Dearborn County Casinos and Racing

Dearborn County in Indiana features two nearby casinos and race tracks for great fun and entertainment.

The Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg sits on the banks of the Ohio River, minutes from I-275. It features 3,200 slots and electronic table games, more than 88 table games, and 41 live poker tables.

The Argosy Casino and Hotel is also located in Lawrenceburg and contains three levels with restaurants, bars, and lounges. The Argosy VI is a riverboat casino with more than 2,000 slot machines and 97 game tables on three decks. There is also a 300-room hotel on the site.

Each of the properties provide gambling on the riverboats as they cruise the waters of the Ohio River and each are located about 20 minutes from Cincinnati.

For those interested in horse racing and betting, there are great opportunities in Cincinnati (fewer than 30 miles away) and Louisville (less than 100 miles from Dearborn County).

Thoroughbred racing is held in the spring and summer at River Downs in Cincinnati as it has been since 1925. It featured two appearances by Seabiscuit in 1936 and its 1976 apprentice and overall jockey leader Steve Cauthen launched his Hall of Fame career that included the most recent Triple Crown winner Affirmed at the track.

Louisville is the site of Churchill Downs, one of the most famous horse tracks in the United States and home of the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday of each May in the beginning of the racing season at the track. “The Run for the Roses” began in 1875 and has become one of the greatest spectacles in American sports.

Whether you are looking for the fun and excitement of the casino experience or love to “play the horses”, Dearborn County and nearby places offer great opportunities.

Filed Under: Dearborn, General Tagged With: Cincinnati, Penn National Gaming, United States

Live the Arts with the Dearborn Highlands Arts Council

No community would be complete without an outlet for the arts, and Dearborn County is lucky enough to have its own Dearborn Highlands Arts Council. The Council supports a wide variety of arts programs and events around Dearborn County. Find their website at http://all4art.org or fan their page on Facebook.

Performing Art Series

The Dearborn Highlands Arts Council is perhaps best known for their Performing Arts Series. The Performing Arts Series sponsors, supports, and promotes performing artists from every tradition, culture, and style imaginable. The series hosts events at the Lawrenceburg High School Auditorium.

Library Classics Series

The Dearborn Highlands Arts Council Library Classic Series is a free admission program sponsored by the Lawrenceburg Public Library Services and Resources Foundation, Inc. The series features local and regional artists at both the Lawrenceburg Public Library and the North Dearborn Public Library.

Concert in the Park Pavilion

The Aurora City Park Pavilion hosts a free evening concert thanks to support from the the Dearborn Community Foundation and the City of Angora.

Gateway to the Arts

This teaching program focuses on teaching students and adults art through a guided step-by-step process. Teachers provide hands-on instruction and real demonstrations so young students and adult students can learn thoroughly learn new art skills and create artwork. Students are allowed to work at their own pace and topics include drawing and painting via methods like pastels, watercolors, acrylics, graphite, etc.

Arts Alive! Art Fair

This fair takes place on just one day, but is free and open for the public to come explore what local artists and cultural organizations have to offer at their respective booths. The Arts Alive! Art Fair also features a children’s section and a stage for performances.

Artists-in-Schools

Thanks to a wide variety of local foundations and other funding sources, this program brings artists into Dearborn County schools to enrich school life for students.

Other Services

The Dearborn Highland Arts Council also provides advice for local artists and arts organizations regarding grants, etc. The council also maintains a very active Facebook page that provides information and updates for upcoming events.

Filed Under: Dearborn Tagged With: art, Dearborn

Share the Spotlight with the Rivertown Players of Dearborn County

The Rivertown Players are a non-profit community theatre organization. Rivertown Players, Inc. was designed with the set purpose to “promote, encourage, and develop” theatre and musical theatre appreciation while featuring the talented members of the Southeastern Indiana community. Rivertown Players, Inc. operates through a combination of ticket sale revenue, community patronage, and membership revenue.

A Typical RTP Season

Each Rivertown Players season includes a summer musical and a comedy or drama. The chorus performs two shows each year. In 2010, the choir performed a choral concert at Christmas and another choral concert in the spring. To give you an example of a Rivertown Players theatre season, the 2010/2011 season included Eleemosynary, a one-act play about three generations of women, Alice in Wonderland, Jr., a musical for young performers, Haunting at Hillforest, and the classic musical Evita.

History

The Rivertown Players origins date back to 1982, when Southeastern Indiana residents banded together to form a community theatre called Community Activities. Their first performance was a July 1982 performance of well-loved musical Fiddler on the Roof. Next year, “Community Activities, Inc.” became “Rivertown Players, Inc.” Over time, the Chorus and Junior programs were added in addition to the year’s theatre season. Over the years, the Rivertown Players have performed theatre classics like “Kiss Me Kate,” “Barefoot in the Park,” “Inherit the Wind,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Oklahoma.”

The Chorus

The Rivertown Players Chorus was designed for people who don’t crave the theatre spotlight but love to sing. The chorus practices every Sunday evening and offers a relaxed atmosphere for people to perform choral arrangements. The chorus performs a wide variety of song selections, from Broadway to gospel, from classical to rock and roll.

RTP, Jr.

The junior program was developed so young performers could gain experience on and off stage. The cutoff age is 18 years old. One performance per season is a dedicated RTP, Jr. show. The RTP, Jr. program is a very hands-on program that offers experience in all aspects of theatre, including make-up, costumes, singing, choreography, and technical design.

Filed Under: Dearborn Tagged With: Community theatre, Steel Magnolia

Dearborn County’s Local Parks

There’s plenty of outdoor recreation to be had in Indiana’s Dearborn County. These parks will have you and your family enjoying the wild outdoors of Indiana in no time at all. All of the Dearborn local parks maintain their own blog to keep the public informed of ongoing events and reservations.

Gladys Russell Wildlife Refuge

This 148-acre park is a perfect way to explore the great outdoors without the fuss and development of larger parks. The Gladys Russell Wildlife Refuge is a great place for hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, picnicking, and fishing. The refuge contains four miles of walking or riding trails. A recent addition to the park is a large meeting shelter that contains bathrooms. Fishermen and women will love the six acre lake that’s stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. The Wildlife Refuge also contains bird houses and duck boxes.

Bright Meadows Community Park

The Bright Meadows Community Park is definitely a park with an emphasis on the community, rather than an emphasis on nature like the Gladys Russell Wildlife Refuge. The park contains a fun playground for children and a variety of athletic fields. The park contains three baseball fields and a soccer/pee wee football field. Shelter houses are ideal for meetings or lunchtime breaks. Two parking locations can be found within the park for visitor convenience.

Guilford Covered Bridge Park

How often will your family get to visit a historic covered bridge? As the name suggests, the Guilford Covered Bridge Park contains the recently restored Guilford Covered Bridge. The bridge is a county landmark and a hotspot for tourists who stop while passing through. The park is the oldest of the Dearborn local parks and the park also provides access to Tanners Creek. Also located within the park is a playground, bathroom, shelter house, and basketball court.

Rullman Wildlife Refuge

The Rullman family generously donated 80 acres for park-goers to get some fresh air, fish, or enjoy nature.

County Farm Park

This park is the newest addition to the Dearborn local parks. The park is still in transition, but contains a whopping 360 acres.

Filed Under: Dearborn Tagged With: Covered bridge, Park