VISIT
Zionsville, Indiana
Nestled just northwest of Indianapolis, we are a charming town known for our brick-paved Main Street, historic architecture and welcoming community. With a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, Zionsville offers residents and visitors an array of boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, green space and cultural attractions.
Whether you're attending one of the town’s many festivals or enjoying a relaxing day at a local café, Zionsville provides an inviting atmosphere perfect for families, businesses and nature lovers.
Come discover why Zionsville is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Indiana!
Our People
Zionsville's community includes families, professionals and retirees who value the town’s high quality of life, excellent schools and low crime rate. We are:
Education-Oriented
We have one of the top school districts in Indiana, attracting families who prioritize education.
Suburban-Centric
We enjoy the benefits of a close, smaller community and the amenities of a major American city.
Community-Focused
We actively participate in local events, farmers' markets and festivals like the Fall Festival and Christmas in the Village.
Outdoor and Recreation Enthusiasts
Our town offers parks, trails and green spaces for biking, hiking and outdoor activities.
Our Economy
Our economy is strong and characterized by a mix of small businesses, professional services, and proximity to larger economic hubs like Indianapolis. We have:
A Thriving Small Business Scene
We have boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops, especially along our historic Main Street. Local businesses benefit from community support and tourism.
Professional Services
Many professionals work in finance, consulting and tech, often commuting to Indianapolis or working remotely. They strongly support the local businesses.
A Strong Real Estate Market
Our high property values are driven by demand for quality schools and a safe environment. New residential and commercial developments continue to shape our town’s growth.
Proximity to Indianapolis
Zionsville benefits from our proximity to Indianapolis, a top 20 city by population with jobs in healthcare, logistics and manufacturing, among many others.
Education Opportunities
Besides excellent local K-12 schools, Zionsville is within 90 miles of Butler University, Purdue University, Indiana University, DePauw University, Marian University, Wabash College and Ivy Tech Community College.
TAKE THE TOUR
Zionsville Century Structures
The SullivanMunce Cultural Center offers a self-guided walking tour using your phone. Download the Boone IN Culture App in your app store, click the link below or scan the QR code with your phone.
Our History
In Zionsville, we are proud of our industrial heritage and continue to thrive as a regional destination for those interested in exploring or setting up shop in a unique downtown area.
The Railroad
The Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Lafayette Railroad was completed west of Eagle Village in Eagle Township. Elijah Cross owned the land adjoining the newly laid tracks. Seizing a speculative opportunity, he formed a partnership with William Zion of Lebanon to plat a new town. The plat consisted of nine blocks containing 65 lots and was named ‘Zion’s Village’ after William Zion. The railroad ran on a north-south course and was located where First Street is today. The depot stood where Lincoln Park is presently located.
The Original Eight Plats
With the luxury of a modern railroad, Zionsville began to grow immediately. Many of the businessmen from Eagle Village moved their businesses and homes to Zionsville. By 1878, eight additions were made to Zionsville. The Zionsville Multiple Resource Area derives its boundaries from the boundaries of the original plat and these eight additions plats.
1,100 Population
A number of merchants were attracted to the prospering new town. Among them were Vaughan & Wiley who operated the first store in 1853 and John Miller who built the first house later used as a hotel. By 1885, the population of Zionsville and the immediate areas was estimated at 1,100. At the same time, the town contained two banks, a weekly newspaper established in 1860, a flour mill, a saw mill, a carriage and wagon manufacturer, four churches and a dairy.
The Culture Center
Zionsville became a cultural center in the area when the Zion Park Assembly, Inc., a Chautauqua-type organization was founded on ten acres of land west of the town in 1892. Annual summer camp meetings lasted approximately two weeks for the next 25 years.
Suburban Development
The Village continued to grow in population through the first half of the 20th century, requiring additional housing and small additions to earlier plats. The population of the corporate boundaries of Zionsville nearly doubled from 957 in 1920 to 1857 by 1970. However, it was during the 1970s that the town’s growth more than doubled again with new suburban development spurred on by interstate construction and annexation. The boundaries selected for the 2021 survey align with the town’s growth into the early 1960s, a time when the village began to embrace its past as a path for its future. At that time, a number of historical markers were erected in the village demarking important sites by the Zionsville Historical Society. Also during this time, Zionsville’s leaders wanted to project an Early American atmosphere in the village which resulted in modern Colonial construction/remodeling under a program entitled “Early American Reconstruction Improvement Program.” The village continues to embrace this philosophy today, though more appropriate to its mid-19th century architectural roots.
A Thriving Community
In the 21st century, we are thriving as home to over 30,000 residents. The Main Street Zionsville area contains close to 175 businesses and employs more than 1,100 people. We honor our history in numerous ways: the Town of Zionsville gives grants to improve buildings in need of a refresh, a Lincoln Park improvement is on the docket for the coming years. We continue to host fun and engaging events for our residents and others with concerts, markets and more.