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Knightstown
is home to the historic Hoosier Gym. In 1920, the community had no gymnasium and basketball games were held in Bell's Hall above Jolly's Drugstore or in the basement of the local church. A half dozen Knightstown businessmen came together and decided to build a new gym, which was completed in December, 1922. It served its purpose well, but by 1966, the gym had become obsolete and a newer facility was built that April. In the late 1980s a film crew descended upon the town looking for a place to film their movie titled “Hoosiers.” The Old Hoosier Gym was the perfect setting and the town gained notoriety with the film's release. Today the gym has been completely restored as a community center. Tours are available by calling 800-668-1895.
Two other major attractions in the community of Knightstown are Boondocks Farms and the CKS Railroad. Boondocks Farms is a 160-acre farm with a slogan “Preserving Nature While Educating Our Community.” Located just off State Route 109 on Grant City Road, this picturesque farm grows various crops and raises a wide variety of animals while offering unique agricultural experiences for school children and adults. Recently awarded the “Classified Forest” owner of the year by the DNR, tours of the farm are developed based on feedback from educators and students and are based on state standards. Other activities at Boondocks Farms include disc golf, hayrides and a corn maze in the fall and wagon rides in the wintertime. For more information, call 765-345-2020. The CKS Railroad (Carthage, Knightstown and Shirley Railroad) takes visitors on a nostalgic ride through corn fields, scenic woods and across the Big Blue River. The trains departs from the old New York Central Station at 112 W. Carey, where you'll also find a gift shop and assortment of antique railroad equipment.
Knightstown is home to several antique shops and malls and is known as the “western gateway to Indiana's antique alley.” Shops in Knightstown offer everything from Victorian furniture to primitives and collectibles. Golfers from all over the state, as well as western Ohio, have also discovered Knightstown, thanks to the challenging 18-hole course at the Royal Hylands Golf Club. This course is reminiscent of the Scottish links courses with its bent grass fairways and heather that surrounds the final eight holes. The Royal Hylands Golf Club is located between Knightstown and Interstate 70 off State Road 109. The Knightstown region offers many other outdoor recreational activities, as well. Several lovely parks are in the area , including Summit Lake State Park, which offers swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, tennis, picnicking, birdwatching and much more. Other attractions near Knightstown include the New Castle Motorsports Park and Mt. Lawn Speedway, which features racing from late April through September. For a more cultural experience, you'll find excellent restaurants in the Knightstown region, as well as opera and live theater in the nearby town of New Castle.
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