When you’re traveling to Marion, Indiana, there are many things to do. Marion is a city in Grant County, Indiana, with a population of 29,948 as of the 2010 census. It’s named after Francis Marion, a brigadier general in the American Revolutionary War. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Marion, you can find things to do at Marion Brewing Company, Emery Brothers Skating Rink, and Marion Farmer’s Market.
Marion Brewing Co
One of the things to do in Marion is visit the Marion Brewing Company. This microbrewery offers rotating draft lists and allows customers to bring their own food. It is also a great place to watch sports. You can even bring your dog if you want! This small brew pub is located in the heart of Marion.
You can also explore the local culture and history in Marion. The town is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Marion Palace Theatre, which has stood for over 90 years. You’ll find a wide selection of art, crafts, and more on Main Street, which is also the city’s main commercial area.
Marion has many activities for families. Visitors can visit Marion’s Farmers Market, which runs from May through September. There are numerous vendors selling locally-grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. There’s also a Christmas parade, held in late November. The floats are colorful and full of holiday cheer. While you’re in town, make sure you visit the Marion Train Depot. This historical venue holds up to 131 people.
You can also visit the historic Marion Heritage Hall. This is in the same complex as the Popcorn Museum, and contains relics from many famous residents of Marion. These include Jim Thorpe, Rod Sterling, and Mary Ellen Withrow. If you’re looking for a more educational experience, you can visit the nearby Carson House Museum.
Cinema 12 Theater & Cafe
Cinema 12 Theater & Cafe in Marion offers a variety of movie options. Previously known as Cobb Theaters, this theater offers 100% reserved stadium seating, digital projection, and Dolby digital audio. It also provides special events, such as family nights, and hosts a variety of other activities. Movie showtimes are subject to change.
Emery Brothers Skating Rink
Emery Brothers Skating Rink in Marion, Illinois is a local amusement facility with a rink that has been around for over 50 years. The rink is open every day except Monday and closed on Tuesday. It is one of the few skating rinks in the Southern Illinois area. There is a rental fee and admission fees for adults.
The rink is open from August through May and offers public skate sessions, birthday parties, and private party packages. The facility also has a snack bar, arcade, and a Skate Shop. It is located off Interstate 57 at exit 54B. The cost of a party for up to eight children is $60-100. This includes admission, regular skates, a table with place settings, and refillable refreshments. The rink even offers cupcakes and a cake for birthday celebrations.
Marion Farmer’s Market
The Marion Farmer’s Market is a wonderful place to buy local, seasonal produce and crafts. The market is held on Saturdays, in the parking lot of the Seniors Citizens Center. The market is open from 6 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. The market is also open Wednesdays from 6 to 10 a.m.
Previously, the market was located at Marion City Park, but now it will return to the City Square Park. The Uptown Marion neighborhood is an Iowa Main Street District, and the Marion Parks and Recreation Department has secured a $500,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to make improvements to the downtown area. The money will go towards beautifying the city’s facade. Uptown Marion is also home to a new restaurant called Louie’s Scoreboard.
In addition to local produce, the Marion Farmer’s Market features local crafts, baked goods, eggs, and cheese. The market also offers a variety of plants and trees.
Ray Fosse Park
The 27-acre park is home to an outdoor swimming pool, train-shaped play structure, and 8 baseball/softball fields. It also has an exercise track and a basketball court. Families can spend the day at the park or bring their own picnic lunches. Ray Fosse Park is just a short drive away from downtown Marion.
A summertime tradition, Memorial Day at Fosse Park, is coming back to Marion. Enjoy local bands, a Home Run Derby, and free activities at the park. There’s also a black diamond Harley-Davidson helicopter, bounce houses, and other fun events. The free events will be held between 1 and 4 p.m.
The Marion Park District operates and maintains the park’s facilities. They also collaborate with community groups and organizations to provide services and events for the community. One such initiative is the Inclusive Playground, which is designed with the needs of ALL children and families in mind. Other amenities at Ray Fosse Park include an 8-court softball complex, picnic tables, and shelters.
Ray Fosse Park features eight baseball and softball fields. It also includes five picnic pavilions. In the summer, it also offers an Aquatics Center. It is also home to the park district’s administrative offices. The park board meets here on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Rent One Park
Rent One Park is a baseball stadium in Marion, Illinois. It is home to the Marion Cubs. The team plays at Rent One Park every Friday and Saturday night. The stadium is located on the west side of Marion and seats about 6,500 fans. Fans of all ages can enjoy the baseball games at Rent One Park.
The park has an open-air entrance plaza, a home and visitor clubhouse, a dedicated maintenance building, team store, and administrative offices. The park also has 12 panels for advertising on the right field wall. A fun zone is also located in the park. The team has been a part of the community for 14 years. The new owners plan to convert the stadium into a multi-use venue in the future.
The Southern Illinois Miners played in Rent One Park, which opened in May 2007. In its first season, the team swept the Evansville Otters with more than 6,300 fans. The team set a Frontier League attendance record that year, and it has continued to draw good crowds.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial in Marion is one of the largest war memorials in the country. It features an eight-foot granite wall and a thirteen-foot polished black granite shaft that is etched with the names of the five branches of the United States armed forces and images of the American flag. There is also a long flag-lined walkway and a granite block marking the entrance.
The original World War II Memorial in Marion was dedicated on Memorial Day 1949. The memorial consists of the East Marion Post Office, the only US Post Office built as a World War II Memorial in the United States. Inside, there are two brass plaques that honor the 45 residents who served during World War II. The monument also has plaques honoring veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 1999, the US Congress re-dedicated the memorial to the servicemen and women of both wars.
Another veteran who was honored at the Marion World War II Memorial is Allan J. Valladares, a member of the American Legion and a former Marion City Council member. Valladares was born in Georgetown, British Guyana and joined the U.S. military in 1940. He served aboard the ship General R.N. Batchelder during the South Atlantic campaign. He later moved to Massachusetts where he worked as a bartender and machinist. He married Sandra Carlton in 1955 and the couple moved to Marion County in 1988. They have two daughters, Elise Burke and Mark Valladares, and they live in Alabama.
