Marion, IN, “City of Champions”
Marion is a small city of about 28,000 people in the heart of Indiana. The city has emerged over the past few years, shifting gradually from manufacturing to more and more entrepreneurism while maintaining key factories like General Motors’ Marion Metal Center and Atlas Foundry. Marion is known as the “City of Champions” for its perseverance, its pride in the arts, in sports such as high school basketball and college football, but most importantly, for its people. The city even names a “Champion of the Month” to feature local residents displaying servant leadership, driving positive change in the community, or even achieving something extraordinary (cityofmarion.in.gov/champions). Many residents are natives, but many, many more make Marion their lifelong home. We even have a Marion flag, and a hashtag, . The historic downtown has many gems to discover…from the James Dean Memorial Theater and his Birth Site Memorial, to the restored Coliseum which was the first home to high school championship games - and now to the Grant County Family YMCA. Entrepreneurs have nestled into downtown Marion to breathe new life in the city's center. You'll discover a retro record shop, a gallery/painting studio, a boho decor shop featuring locals, a trendy boutique, a barbecue hot spot, authentic Mexican, Cajun seafood, a mom & pop soda and sandwich shop, ice cream, coffee, puzzles, axe throwing and more! Visit discovermariondowntown.com to discover more! People from all over the world have made their dreams come true in and around Marion, Indiana, with the low cost of living and “quality of life” amenities. Many are graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University or Taylor University who plant and bloom. Many more are families who move here for an employment opportunity and find there is so much to offer in Marion. There are more than a dozen parks around the city, with one (Matter Park) encompassing the stunning Gardens of Matter Park along the Mississinewa River which becomes a winter wonderland during the world-renowned Walkway of Lights tour. You’ll enjoy walking the two-mile Mississinewa Riverwalk that connects to downtown. If you prefer biking or skating, we suggest taking the Cardinal Greenway which spans 62 miles from Grant County to the eastern Indiana border. If you prefer the water, we have the Splash House - a surfer’s dream with some of the tallest waves in the state! In addition to the family attraction, we encourage you to take the kids along the Grant County Garfield Trail, from where the Cool Cat’s creator hails. Marion champions the arts and entertainment. There are many festivals and attractions highlighting Marion and Grant County’s heritage. The city is also known as “Home of the Hog.” The nickname, “Hog,” for Harley Davidsons originated in Marion following a famous race in 1920 where a farmer gave the winner a pet piglet. Marion brought back the century-old "Cornfield Classic" time trials for motorcycle enthusiasts. Speaking of motors, two more booming events take place in Marion. One is the longstanding Fly/In Cruise/In for historical aircraft and automobile enthusiasts. More recently, a new flavor of car enthusiasm is igniting with "Indy Airstrip Attack" featuring super-charged racing down the Marion airport runway. A world record was set in Marion for the fastest half-mile at nearly 260 miles per hour! Switching gears, Marion is just south of the historic Battle of the Mississinewa, the first offensive victory of the American Army during the War of 1812. Thousands caravan into town during reenactment weekend. In Marion, you’ll also step back in time at the Quilters Hall of Fame, home of quilt designer and pioneering entrepreneur, Marie Webster. Marion is a legendary champion of sports. Marion High School holds eight state titles in boys’ basketball, and the legacy and excitement continue. IWU in recent years developed a football team at the original Marion campus. Going to a home game in the legendary Bill Green Arena for Marion Giants’ high school basketball or sitting in IWU’s state-of-the art stadium to see a Wildcats football game is a must-do. There is something for just about anyone in the name of sports in Marion - from golf to disc golf courses to tennis and even pickleball courts! People who land here love it here. Marion is a special place, where you’ll feel like a member of the team, part of the family, and a life-long friend to the community.
