Washington County Indiana's Tourism Commission

06/25/2026

Every purchase makes a difference in Washington County! Join us for the 4th Annual Rice Covenanter Cemetery Fundraiser and help support the dedicated volunteers who work year-round to preserve one of Washington County's most treasured historic cemeteries.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Salem Senior Center – Salem, Indiana

Your support helps fund cemetery preservation, grounds maintenance, historical restoration, and educational efforts that honor the pioneers and Covenanter families who helped shape our community.

Whether you're looking for plants for your garden, homemade treats, or unique bargains, every dollar spent helps protect an important piece of local history.

Come shop, support local volunteers, and help preserve the legacy of the Rice Covenanter Cemetery for future generations.

Click below to learn more about this historic cemetery

https://visitwashingtoncounty.org/choose-your-experience/genealogy-family-research/231-rice-covenanter-cemetery

History grows stronger with your support. 🌱

06/25/2026

Step into a world of color, creativity, and natural beauty during the Good Earth Master Gardeners Annual Garden Tour! Whether you're an experienced gardener, a weekend plant enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day outdoors, this self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the area's most stunning private gardens while learning from knowledgeable Master Gardeners.

06/24/2026

Perfect time to get some friends together and spend some time enjoying the Blue River (Indiana's First State Designated Natural and Scenic River System).

Update: all clear! We are open

Wednesday June 24: John, our river scout, is on the water making sure we are all clear to run today. We will update by 9 am when we hear back from him. Water is at 4.6 so if we are able to open it'll be the 12 mile trip only and you can expect that trip to take about 4 hours at this level.

06/24/2026

Listen to the Podcast: The Monon South and Next level Trails: How Trails Connect our Communities

This "IN the Parks" Spotify Podcast includes discussions and interviews with representatives of the communities of Pekin, Salem, and Campbellsburg among other stops along the Monon South Trail.

"Let’s go for a ride or walk along the Monon South, stopping in 6 small towns along the trail. We’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks, and plenty of activity along the way!"

Listen to the Podcast on Spotify!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1waNlBO4JcvgUZtZGbhwQU

IN the Parks · Episode

06/22/2026

In 1817, Isaiah Reid Sr. led the Scottish Covenanter Christians in founding a community called Walnut Ridge in Washington County in the brand new state of Indiana. The name Covenanter, in 17th century Scottish history, applied to those who bound themselves by covenants to maintain Presbyterianism as the sole religion of Scotland. Scotland faced great struggles over religion and their persecution for the next 200 years. Many Covenanters migrated to Ireland and finally to the colonies of the United States.

The Covenanter Cemetery began in 1819. The Cemetery's legal name is Rice Covenanter Cemetery, for John Adam Rice, the caretaker of the Cemetery. His grave is located near the gate. The first burial at the cemetery was Isaiah Reid, Sr in 1819 (1760-1819). There are 25 Veterans buried at Covenanter Cemetery from the Revolutionary War to Current. There are 275 known graves and several unmarked graves (lost or broken stones). The Cemetery is still in use today.

Due to the historical significance of the pioneer burials, community volunteers and local cemetery commissions have actively worked to protect and maintain the grounds, including recent fence installations and regular care.

The modern Covenanter Cemetery leadership has a 3 person board, with a dozen Trustees who oversee and manage the Cemetery. The leadership maintains the church, gazebo, Memorial Garden and the grave sites. They are all volunteers; Annual fundraisers pay for mowing 2x/month from April until September and any maintenance work or supplies that are needed.

Make plans to help support community volunteer efforts to maintain the cemetery by visiting the fundraiser on Saturday morning for a yard sale/plant sale and bake sale at the Salem Senior Citizen Center or by making a donation. Enter through the backside door of the Senior Center.

More information about the cemetery - https://visitwashingtoncounty.org/choose-your-experience/genealogy-family-research/231-rice-covenanter-cemetery

06/19/2026

The engines are roaring, the metal is flying, and only one driver will be left standing! Join us for the Demolition Derby on Saturday night June 20th at the Washington County Fairgrounds, where fearless drivers battle it out in an action-packed night of crunching fenders, flying mud, and unforgettable entertainment.

06/10/2026

Always excited to see H & R Bakery get some recognition for their donuts and atmosphere on the Historic Salem Square.

In Indiana, a tiny historic town square hides a donut spot so beloved it turns morning routines into local rituals.

06/09/2026

Monster Truck Bash this Saturday June 13th at The Salem Speedway Use the promo code Bash and save on tickets.

https://tickets.monstertruckboxoffice.com/

06/08/2026

For generations, the Washington County Farmers & Merchants Fair has been a cherished summer tradition, bringing together families, farmers, businesses, and visitors from across the region. Celebrating the rich agricultural heritage and strong community spirit of Washington County, the fair offers exciting livestock exhibitions, family-friendly entertainment, delicious fair food, local vendors, carnival attractions, and educational experiences for all ages.

Whether you're cheering on young exhibitors, exploring local products, enjoying live entertainment, or creating lasting memories with family and friends, the Washington County Farmers & Merchants Fair showcases the very best of rural Indiana. It's more than a fair—it's a celebration of community, tradition, and the hardworking people who make Washington County a special place to live, work, and visit.

Join us for a week of fun, fellowship, and hometown pride at the Washington County Farmers & Merchants Fair—where agriculture, community, and tradition come together.

Click on the link below to download a Washington County Indiana Farmers Merchants Fair Program Guide.

https://visitwashingtoncounty.org/images/2026/PDF/washco-2026-Fair-Program-Guide-V2.pdf

06/08/2026

Join fellow garden lovers, families, and friends for a delightful journey through some of Washington County’s most beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. From colorful blooms and peaceful backyard retreats to creative landscaping ideas and native plantings, each stop on the tour offers something unique to enjoy and inspire.

Mark your calendars for June 27th and 28th. Presented by the Good Earth Master Gardeners of Washington County.

Also be sure to visit the Salem Apothecary on the Square during the day to try a free sample of some special Garden Tonics (on Saturday the 27th only) made with 100% organic juices.

Advanced discounted tickets are available at Loy & Fordyce Insurance or the Salem Apothecary or Born Boutique on the Salem Square.

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