Get an inside look at historic landmarks, both restored and undergoing rehabilitation, as you travel through Monon, Rensselaer, and Mt. Ayr, exploring each community’s unique history and commitment to adapting and preserving meaningful places for modern use.
Beginning in Monon, tourgoers will visit a c.1870 hotel turned Civic Center, a 1938 theater under restoration by Monon Civic Preservation Society, and Gutwein Motors, an automotive landmark the Gutwein family has maintained as a Ford dealership since 1934. In Rensselaer, the town’s 1905 Carnegie Center will be open to attendees, as well as the exterior of the 1898 Jasper County Courthouse and the 1884 Jasper County Historical Society Building, built as a Free Will Baptist Church. Featured sites in Mt. Ayr include a c.1898 former Baptist church—newly restored as a community gathering space, an 1890 general store that’s now home to the Mt. Ayr Museum, and recently painted murals nearby.
Presented in partnership with Monon Civic Preservation Society, Historic Preservation Association of Jasper County, Jasper County Historical Society, and Town of Mt. Ayr.
On the day of the tour, check in at tour headquarters, Monon Civic Center (400 N. Market St, Monon), for a map and program anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. and 12 p.m. CT). Transportation between sites is on your own. Visiting all nine sites, depending on how much time you spend at each, will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Volunteers will be available at each location to share historical background and details on preservation efforts.
Need a bite along the way? Show your ticket or tour program to receive discounts at Embers (15% off on food items), 230 W Washington St, Rensselaer, IN 47978-2822, and at Cup of Joy (20% off), 215 W Washington St, Rensselaer, IN 47978.
Please note times listed are shown in both Eastern and Central times, as Monon is in the Eastern Time Zone and Rensselaer and Mt. Ayr are in the Central Time Zone.
Due to stairs required to enter or transition between levels, some sites are not accessible to all. Questions? Contact
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TICKETS
Tickets cost $20/general public and $15/Indiana Landmarks member. Purchase online at
https://www.indianalandmarks.org/event/explore-monon-rensselaer-and-mt-ayr//
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