Living in Southern Indiana
Washington County
Washington County is classic Southern Indiana countryside, with Salem's historic courthouse square at its center and small towns like Pekin, Campbellsburg and Livonia spread through rolling hills. You can spend a Saturday at the 1800s gristmill at Beck's Mill, hike the Knobstone Trail from Delaney Creek Park, or catch a race night at Salem Speedway, about an hour from downtown Louisville.
Photo: "Washington County Courthouse, Salem" by Nyttend, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick facts
Washington County at a glance
Fun things to do
Places I love in Washington County
John Hay Center
Salem
A museum, an 1840s-style pioneer village, the 1824 John Hay birthplace and a depot railroad museum.
Beck's Mill
Salem
A historic gristmill first built in 1808, open Saturdays April through October.
Salem Speedway
Salem
A historic paved oval that opened in 1947 and still hosts race nights.
Delaney Creek Park
Near Salem
A lake with a summer swim beach, campsites, cabins and the north end of the Knobstone Trail.
Lake Salinda and Veterans Trail
Salem
An 88-acre lake with fishing, picnic shelters and a wooded hiking trail.
Pekin Fourth of July
Pekin
One of the longest-running Fourth of July celebrations in the country, held since 1830.
Coming up
Coming up in Washington County
Confirmed on each organizer's or tourism page. Plans can change, so check the event details before you go.
Sat, Oct 24, 5:00 to 7:00 pm (pumpkins lit until 8)
Boo Bash and Pumpkin Walk
Salem
Costumed trick-or-treating through the John Hay Center's Pioneer Village, with paths lined by glowing carved pumpkins.
Sat, Oct 24, 6:30 pm
Salem Halloween Parade
Salem
Costumed walkers, floats, tractors, horses and bikes roll through Salem, with trophies for the best costumes and floats.
Sat, Oct 24, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Oktoberfest at Beck's Mill
Salem
Historic Beck's Mill closes its season with live bluegrass, corn grinding, blacksmithing and weaving demos, campfire beans and mill corn muffins.
Sat, Nov 28
Small Business Saturday Cookie Walk
Salem
Stroll the shops around the Salem square and pick up cookies at each participating business.
Fri, Dec 4, 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Christmas Magic in Salem (on the Bricks)
Salem
Salem's annual Christmas celebration with vendors on Brick Street and at the Stevens Museum, wagon rides and live music.
Sat, Dec 5, 1:00 pm
Jim Smoak Concert & Depot Open House
Salem
Bluegrass at the Depot Railroad Museum, with holiday decorations, refreshments and model trains running.
Fri, Dec 11, 6:00 pm
The Polar Express at The Depot
Salem
A free screening at the Depot Railroad Museum with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate (donations welcome).
Towns I cover
Where I help buyers and sellers
- Salem
- Pekin
- Campbellsburg
- Livonia
- Little York
- Saltillo
- Hardinsburg
- Fredericksburg
Free guide
Fall in Washington County
My free seasonal guide with local spots, food and drink, recipes and a coloring page.
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Good to know
Washington County questions I hear a lot
How far is Salem from Louisville?
About 1 hour from Salem, about 42 miles. Times vary with traffic and where in the county you start.
What is the population of Washington County, Indiana?
About 28,383 people, based on the U.S. Census Bureau July 1, 2025 estimate. The 2020 Census counted 28,182.
What is the county seat of Washington County?
Salem is the county seat.
What towns are in Washington County?
Salem, Pekin, Campbellsburg, Livonia, Little York, Saltillo, Hardinsburg and Fredericksburg.
What is there to do in Washington County?
A few favorites: John Hay Center, Beck's Mill, Salem Speedway and Delaney Creek Park. See the full list above.
Do you help buyers and sellers in Washington County?
Yes. I'm Crystal Reardon Miller, a REALTOR® with Epique Realty, licensed in Indiana as Crystal Miller (#RB17000756). I help buyers and sellers all over Washington County. Call or text 502-938-4747.
More areas I serve
Population figures: U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census and July 1, 2025 estimates). Median sale price: Redfin, three months ending Sep 2026; see my monthly market report. Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic. Places and events can change, so please check hours before you go.