As the United States celebrates its 250th “birthday” this summer, there are a few SoIN attractions marking their own milestone anniversaries. Whether they offer upstanding service, unforgettable experiences, important history or a combination of all three, these locations have stood the test of time.
Looking for ways to honor America 250? Look no further than these iconic SoIN attractions.
Schimpff's Confectionery
SoIN’s beloved candy shop has experienced a landmark year. In June of 2025, they were voted the Best Candy Store in the country by USA Today readers. On November 4, 2025, they celebrated passing the candy-tin-topped torch to fifth-generation owners Steve and Beth Shepherd. On April 11, 2026, the shop will celebrate its 135th anniversary. Following the fanfare from the past year, the confectionery crew plan to keep it lowkey, but as locals know, every visit to Schimpff’s is a treat.
Make a stop at Schimpff’s on their birthday, or any other day (Monday – Saturday) for yummy handmade treats, free candy-making demonstrations and to peruse their candy museum featuring an extensive collection of candy memorabilia.
Georgetown Drive-In
Visitors of all ages can go analog with a visit to the Georgetown Drive-In. This longtime Southern Indiana attraction first opened in 1951 during the heyday of drive-in movie theaters. While many of its peers shuttered over the years, the Georgetown Drive-In is still going strong, offering double features of new movies on Friday and Saturday nights from May through August. In September, the Drive-In gets a jump start on Halloween season showing a month of scary movies, including slasher films, new releases and creepy classics.
This 75-year-old attraction is a go-to for locals, so make sure you arrive early to secure a spot! For more insider tips, read our blog, “10 Useful Tips for a Night at the Georgetown Drive-In.”
Mount Saint Francis
Hidden amongst the hills of Floyds Knobs, Mount Saint Francis has provided ministry in the Franciscan spirit for 100 years. The campus offers retreats for artists and those seeking spiritual direction, as well as 400 acres of trails for hiking and fishing. Trails are open to all from dawn to dusk; fishing requires a membership to the center’s Fishing Club.
In 2026, the Center for Spirituality is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, marking the occasion with special events throughout the year. The center’s annual MountFest Festival on June 6, 2026, invites the public to enjoy a day of community, creation and celebration with live music, 60+ artisan booths, food trucks, children’s activities and more.
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
A centerpiece of New Albany’s Mansion Row, the Culbertson Mansion is celebrating its 50th year as one of Indiana’s state historic sites in 2026. Built by William Culbertson, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who made his fortune in dry goods, the mansion was completed in 1869 just ahead of the Gilded Age of America. Once the state took over the home in 1976, efforts began to restore the mansion to its original look and state.
Visitors can learn more about the mansion, the Culbertson family and the city of New Albany on a guided tour, which are hosted throughout the year. The mansion will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a state historic site with an admission-free day from 1-5 p.m. on July 3, 2026. View more details on the celebration here. Thrill-seekers can visit in the fall for the mansion’s annual haunt, House of Anguish, held inside the mansion’s Carriage House. The oldest haunt in the region, going on 40+ years, the experience is extra spooky given the home’s haunted history.
Colgate Clock
As the sun sets in SoIN, look for the red neon glow along the river. The Colgate Clock in Clarksville was first installed at its current site in 1924. It recently marked its 101-year anniversary as a part of Southern Indiana’s skyline. The property has served many purposes over the years, most notably as the Colgate-Palmolive Plant and a state prison prior to that. The future of the clock looks bright as developers explore ways to transform the site for future use while preserving the clock and the history associated with the facility.
Fun Fact: The clock’s life serving the Colgate-Palmolive brand began in Jersey City, New Jersey for 16 years prior to its move to SoIN. Read more about the clock’s storied history in this article from the Courier-Journal.
Other Attractions to Explore:
Starlight Distillery celebrates its silver anniversary in 2026, marking a legacy of innovation and family tradition in Southern Indiana distilling. After helping create Indiana’s Farm Brandy Distillation permit in 1998, the Huber family officially established the distillery in 2001 and later became one of the first artisan distilleries in the state to produce bourbon in 2013.
Now in its 25th year, Starlight Distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, brandies and more, with distribution reaching 18 states and Canada. Visit their family farm for tastings, tours and more.
Charlestown State Park celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. Developed on former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant land beginning in 1995, the park officially opened to visitors in October 1996 and has since grown to more than 5,000 acres.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is Rose Island, the fascinating ruins of a 1920s amusement park tucked along the Ohio River. Today, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails, river overlooks and rich Southern Indiana history all in one destination.
Looking for more historic sites and ways to honor America 250? Check out our America 250 page for more info on events and SoIN’s historic locations.
Book a stay in SoIN and make a plan to visit one or more of these iconic sites during your next visit to Clark and Floyd counties.
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