Ferdinand

Understand

Ferdinand (pop. 2,300) is primarily a farming community, with a number of furniture factories. Founded in 1839 by Father Joseph Kundek, a Croatian priest who was instrumental in the creation of several German Catholic communities in this area of southern Indiana, Ferdinand was named after the Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria.

Getting there

By car Interstate 64 passes just to the south of Ferdinand, IN. Use exit 63, then go north on Indiana highway 162 to enter the Ferdinand town limits.

Getting around

Indiana highway 162, also called Main Street, is the main road through Ferdinand.

See

1 Monastery Immaculate Conception, 802 E. 10th St, ☏ +1 812 367-1411, fax: +1 812 367-2313. The Ferdinand Benedictines are one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States. Guided tours and souvenir shop, visitors welcomed to join in prayers or Mass.

Do

1 Ferdinand State Forest, 6583 East State Road 264, ☏ +1 812 367-1524, fax: +1 812 367-2846, [email protected]. Six miles northeast of town on Route 264. Camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. $7/vehicle, ̩$5 for vehicles with in-state plates (charged when entrance gate is operated, mid-May thru Oct). (updated May 2025)

Eat

Fleigs Café, 905 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1310. Sports bar and tavern. Bar food, fried chicken, fish. Under $10. Homestead Pizza, 1510 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1808. Family restaurant, pizza. National fast food chains Subway and Wendy's are represented locally.

Drink & nightlife

Oasis Restaurant, 935 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1250. Bar and grill, American cuisine.

Sleep

Comfort Inn, 440 South Main Street, ☏ +1 812 367-1122. Close to Interstate 64, fast food, gas, Holiday World. Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast, 210 Main Street, ☏ +1 812 367-1881. A four-room bed and breakfast, conveniently located in the heart of town.

Go next

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial - Learn more about the 14 years Abraham Lincoln spent living in Indiana, from the age 7 to 21, during the years of 1816 to 1830. Santa Claus, a small village with a Christmas theme, is on Route 162 near the Lincoln State Park.