Location: New Harmony
Top Things to do in New Harmony
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The 10 Best Things to Do in New Harmony, United States
New Harmony is a historic town on the Wabash River in Harmony Township, Posey County, Indiana. It lies 15 miles (24 km) north of Mount Vernon, the county seat, and is part of the Evansville metropolitan area. The town's population was 789 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in New Harmony
1. Roofless Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Unique open-to-the-air church, designed by Philip Cortelyou Johnson, features a walled garden measuring 130 X 230 feet and a magnificent 50-foot dome resembling Ibscacan architecture.
Reviewed By Mack3065 - West Lafayette
We visited twice during our stay in New Harmony. It’s surprising that quiet, historic little New Harmony was able to attract two works by world-renowned architects: Richard Meier’s Atheneum and this peaceful retreat by Philip Johnson, open to the sky. Elaborate gilded gates welcome you to the serene, brick walled space. And within the block-sized area a small shingled structure shelters a sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz. Near the gates a quiet fountain is dedicated “In celebration of all grandparents...” A pleasant, serene experience every time you visit. It would be nice if there were an explanatory plaque about the Roofless Church and the works inside it.
2. The Atheneum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Famed architect Richard Meier designed this museum that is dedicated to the history of New Harmony.
Reviewed By Mack3065 - West Lafayette
This 1979 Richard Meier modernist structure certainly stands out among New Harmony’s historic structures. Fortunately, it’s at the edge of town, with not quite a view of the Wabash River. We’d visited decades ago and saw an introductory film upstairs on a large screen. This time, for $3 each we saw a new 10-minute video downstairs on a small screen; in keeping with our short attention spans, I guess. There may have been problems that kept it from showing on a bigger screen that day. Then our host took us up a ramp to see a large, well-done model of historic New Harmony, explained, and answered questions. Aside from the gift shop, there’s not much to see but the large, Modernist interior space, and you have to wonder about its function. The exterior is striking, probably most interesting as “an early Meier” for architecture buffs. We’ve heard that the guided tours originating there at 11 daily are very good.
3. New Harmony Soap Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Holly B
My referral came from the owners sister in law and she was so right about this place. LOVED IT! (She was the whole reason I visited New Harmony in the first place) will give a big shout out on social media about this place! I can't stop washing my hands with the lavender/vanilla soap and we are still here in new harmony and only staying 1 day. I will be ordering for sure online for gifts for my family this coming holiday season!
4. Harmonie State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
A good camping, fishing and recreation area.
Reviewed By Katsuper8 - Dallas, Texas
We stayed for one day on our way to visit family. We sleep in our van kinda like a tent. The park was well maintained and the paths were well marked. Everything was mowed and there were no over grown trees or bushes around the camp site. All of the sites were lined up which gave it an RV park or KOA feel. If you are the type of person that is not really a regular camper this is the perfect place to go. If you go to state parks for a natural feel this seems a little unnatural. They had a lot of great things for kids to do including regular programs and a nature center with a bee hive. We camped at the end of a small loop so it was quiet. My complaint is about the regular employees. (not the camp hosts) We stopped at the park office to get a site. There was three uniformed employees there. One turned to us long enough to say this was not the place to do that and we needed to go to the booth. They all then turned away from us and went back to there conversation. We did not feel very welcome. I have been camping all my life all over the United States and have never gotten such a cold welcome. We drove to the booth and asked about our reservation we were given the information and then felt dismissed by the employee leaving the window and sitting back at there desk. We felt like we were a nuisance and did not feel welcome to ask about the park amenities. We took a hike which was very pleasant. We wanted to ask about things we saw along the path but we did not feel comfortable to approach any employees. We are accustomed to happy smiling employees that love to help and talk about there park. There are plenty of other parks to go to so we will not go back.
5. The Labyrinth State Memorial
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Laura P - Porter, Indiana
This does not take long to visit and do, if your in the area and want to pass 15 minutes stop in, interesting, and free. some of it seemed overgrown when we where there, little house in the middle is locked. you can walk right to the center likes others have stated.
6. Cathedral Labyrinth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Ann T - Los Angeles, California
I stopped in quickly late in the evening, at dusk just before a thunder storm, and was the only one around. Though unassuming, there is a strong temptation and draw to walk the little winding path of the labyrinth, and I went away happy that I did. There is nothing elaborate, fancy or grand about this spot, but it is peaceful and calming, and obviously made with love and great care. I recommend!
7. Working Men's Institute & Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Porthos7 - West Chester, Ohio
This museum/library/community space is so neat! It looks like you just walked into someone's private quirky museum of oddities from around the world. To list everything would be impossible, but world class European paintings, to WWI Machine guns, to crocodile heads... it's just such a neat mix of things... well worth the trip - you only need about 30min in truth. Great one of a kind items... go check it out and support this wonderful place!
8. Tillich Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By gocards2014 - Saint Louis, Missouri
This "park" consists of a lovely grove of Norwegian spruce trees, with a chip trail though it. Also you'll find some massive boulders with sayings from the writings of 20th century theologian Paul Tillich chiseled into them. There is a bust of Tillich looking out toward the lake, and his ashes are buried there.
Many tables in the Red Geranium restaurant look out onto the "park," making the restaurant a pleasant, relaxing place. It's also only across one tiny street from the Roofless Church and a small memorial to Thomas Merton, adding to the interest for those of a theological bent. While I'm on that particular roll, let me add that Our Lord's Wood is to the northeast of the Inn, also on these same grounds.
I find the park serene and a walk-through each time I go to New Harmony.
9. Haunted New Harmony Ghost Walks
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Haunted New Harmony - Ghost Walks and Investigations - Where history and hauntings collide! Join us for a 90-minute walk through the moonlit streets of this former Utopian town as we discuss the history and the hauntings in this intriguing town. Feeling especially brave? Come to one of our Haunted New Harmony investigations at one of the historic buildings. Ghost Walk tickets are only $15 and can be purchased either online or at Antique Emporiaum (505 Church Street, New Harmony)
Reviewed By PaulaBundy
If you're looking for a fun night full of hair raising stories and historical facts, this ghost walk with Joni is just what you're looking for. Walking the lovely historic town of New Harmony and hearing the spooky tales that she has researched tirelessly make for a night you won't soon forget!
10. New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
This small museum features the works of local and regional artists.
Reviewed By gocards2014 - Saint Louis, Missouri
Exhibits generally are fairly cutting-edge. Sometimes, such as the last time I visited in April 2012, the exhibit managed to be able to be site-specific or at least site-relevant. The installation was fabricated from the remnants of a barn in the community that needed to be demolished due to being structurally unsound.
Local residents had been able to help produce the work through shooting through a piece of metal, helping attack a piece of wood with a chain saw, and otherwise participating in a big work party.
In addition to one space with a rotating exhibit, the adjacent room includes a shop selling wares of artists and craftspersons, often representing those who have exhibited at the gallery before. The shop keeps a variety of price ranges, and includes handmade cards, jewelry, and other lower-priced items, as well as pieces that deserve the title art.
Try to time your visit so that you will be able to take in the gallery if you enjoy contemporary art or crafts. Openings are always a fun mix of townspeople and art enthusiasts from nearby Evansville.
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