Check out the Garfield Trail

A Day Trip on the Garfield Trail

Disclosure

Exploring while social distancing? Yes, it’s possible. Last week we enjoyed a unique day trip on the Garfield Trail in Grant County, Indiana searching for 14 Garfield statues as well as enjoying the charm of several small towns.

Garfield in Marion, Indiana, part of a day trip on the Garfield trail

What is the Garfield Trail?

Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis’s hometown is Fairmont, Indiana, so the county Fairmount is in, Grant, created a Garfield Trail. There are 14 Garfield statues all over Grant County, in towns such as Marion, Gas City, and of course, Fairmount. The weather was lovely, so we had a fun time hopping in the car and seeing how many we could find.

To participate, download the map from the visitor’s site. In addition to a map of the locations of all the statues, the addresses, and a short description are mentioned – it made it very easy to find each Garfield. Each sign also has a handy phone number to call to learn a little more about the statue as well as the location. Pretty cool!

The Grant County Garfield Trail

Insider Tip: Be sure to call or text the number listed on the map ahead of time so you can learn which statues are currently out for renovation – you don’t want to drive all the way to a location and find out the statue isn’t there. Talk about frustrating!

Garfield Statues in Marion, Indiana

We started our day in Marion as it was the furthest city North of Indy and we figured we’d work our way back. We checked out three of the four statues in Marion AND took some time to enjoy the beautiful Matter Park.

Visit Matter Park in Marion, Indiana

Matter Park is 101 acres with exciting playgrounds, several paved trails, lots of open space for picnics, and an enclosed area called the Gardens at Matter Park.

The Gardens contain a beautiful Koi pond, several secluded sitting areas, a butterfly garden, a number of statues, and of course, Garfield.

Garfield Statue in Matter Park, part of the Garfield Trail.

After checking out the Gardens and enjoying a picnic on the grounds, we headed south to Gas City.

💥 Related post: Pack the Perfect Picnic

Gas City Garfield Statues

Our favorite Garfield was found in front of Payne’s. Sadly we had just eaten or we would have been sorely tempted to try some of Payne’s famous fish & chips. This will definitely be a return trip. Their outdoor patio and menu looked inviting!

Garfield at Payne's in Gas City, part of the Garfield Trail.

Gas City is a charming small town with a number of antique shops, local restaurants, and even a speedway. The other Garfield statue we stopped at in Gas City was right in front of the local library.

Garfield in Gas City, Indiana. Part of  our day trip on the Garfield Trail.

The Fairmount Garfield Statue

Sadly it was time to head home, but we made a short stop in Fairmount to check out the Garfield in front of the Historical Museum. The museum wasn’t open, so I know we’ll be heading back to visit it in the future. In addition to Jim Davis, Fairmount’s other hometown hero is James Dean so when we return we can also visit the James Dean museum and gravesite.

Garfield Statue in Fairmount, Indiana

Just a few hours exploring a nearby county felt like quite the adventure! With a tank of gas, a full cooler, and a free afternoon, this is a day trip worth replicating! After all, we have more Garfields to find!

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FAQs about the Garfield Trail in Grant County

Where is the Garfield Trail in Indiana?

The Garfield Trail is located in Grant County Indiana.

Why are there Garfield Statues in Indiana?

Fairmount, Indiana is the hometown of Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield.

PIN FOR LATER:

Are you looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon? Take a day trip to Grant County in Indiana to explore the Garfield Trail! With 14 statues to find along with other fun things to discover, it's a lovely way to spend a summer day. #daytrips #garfield #garfieldtrail #ouradventureiseverywhere
Are you looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon? Take a day trip to Grant County in Indiana to explore the Garfield Trail! With 14 statues to find along with other fun things to discover, it's a lovely way to spend a summer day. #daytrips #garfield #garfieldtrail #ouradventureiseverywhere