discover
tradition, innovation in Central Indiana
Our rich history dates back to our founding in 1823, and includes being the birthplace of an Indiana governor, professional athletes, noted musicians and academic leaders.
With a population of approximately 25,000, our historic community features the beautiful Johnson County Courthouse, the outstanding academic institution of Franklin College, Victorian homes, tree-filled parks, miles of trails, a library and churches.
We have quaint shops and restaurants and modern, well-known grocery and hardware stores, restaurants and service companies.
Franklin is also a city on the move. It is home to state-of-the-art public schools, a bustling nightlife, a leading healthcare and hospital system and nonprofit groups that are committed to an outstanding quality of life. Our pro-business attitude and strategic location have attracted companies globally, including nine Japanese corporations.
Whether you live in the area or are just coming for a visit, Franklin has much to offer.
Franklin combines the best features of a small town and a suburban community 20 miles south of Indianapolis
read
what they say about Franklin, Indiana
"Inside the city, Franklin provides a balance between the old and the new. Our historic downtown square is right in the center of town, so you can easily access local activities and enjoy the unique character of Franklin. And throughout the city, Victorian-style houses line the main streets. Our homeowners and businesses have done a remarkable job renovating and maintaining all of Franklin’s beautiful historic buildings!"
- LifeInIndy.com
locate
the City of Franklin in Central Indiana
live
in beautiful neighborhoods
If you and your family are moving to Central Indiana, you should consider Franklin for your home.
The amenities are ideal for young professionals, business owners and retirees looking for a balance of work and life. We have historic neighborhoods and newly constructed subdivisions that appeal to every lifestyle. We also offer:
- Excellent public and private schools for your children
- A population of diverse cultures and religions
- State-of-the-art healthcare systems
- Access to all types of entertainment and restaurants
- Nationally ranked parks and recreation facilities
- Community events, including a new amphitheater in the downtown
- Affordable taxes and excellent utilities
- A wonderful public library system
visit
our Historic Downtown
Rich in historic tradition, Downtown Franklin is the economic, lifestyle and cultural hub of the city. It features a picturesque mix of traditional main street shops, coffeehouses and restaurants.
Two landmark buildings anchor the downtown:
The Johnson County Courthouse. Considered one of Indiana's most beautiful courthouses, it was built between 1879 and 1881 with elements of the Second Empire, Neo-Jacobean and Romanesque Revival style architecture.
The Historic Artcraft Theater. Built in 1922 featuring an Art Deco style, it was used for Vaudeville and silent movies. Today, it features favorite period movies and special events. It is owned and has been restored by Franklin Heritage. The theater was chosen as one of the "4 Favorite Restored Small-Town Cinemas" by Midwest Living.
learn
at our colleges, schools
Franklin College, founded in 1834, has been a leader in liberal arts education. With a tight-knit student body of 1,023 students and a highly involved faculty, Franklin College offers a wealth of opportunities with 55 majors in 24 academic disciplines.
Franklin Community Schools - anchored by a state-of-the-art high school - is committed to creating a rich culture anchored to individual student growth, transformative experiences, and world-class instruction.
Ivy Tech (Franklin) is part of Indiana’s only full-fledged community college, offering hands-on experience with some of the state’s most advanced technologies and training facilities.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School educates youth in grades preschool through 8. The school is fully accredited through the State of Indiana and the North Central Commission for Accreditation and School Improvement.
play
at our recreation facilities
This beautiful park has a large playground, full basketball court, 18-Hole Disc Golf course, wetland area with boardwalk, rentable shelter with restrooms, picnic tables and grills, as well as the Blue Heron Challenge Course, and connection to the Historic Greenway Trail.
Set on more than 50 acres, this park is home to a Dog Park, Aquatic Center, Arts and Culture Center, four rentable shelters, rose garden and gazebo, and is connected to the Historic Greenway Trail.
This park offers five ball fields, concession stand, open space, basketball court, playground, and picnic area, and is home to the Parks and Recreation softball league, Franklin Little League, Girls Softball and Franklin Boys & Girls Club T-ball league.
This state-of-the-art aquatic center offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a diving well, a 190-foot water slide, a new heated zero-depth pool with play structure including 16 interactive play features, water basketball, a concession stand and sun decks.
This offers 22,000 square feet of recreational space with two full-size basketball/volleyball courts. Court rentals are made available through Franklin Parks and Recreation.
This center offers 30,000 square feet of space for programs and activities offered by the Parks and Recreation department. The Mountain Dew Climbing Wall will challenge young and old alike. The center offers a newly renovated Fitness Center, locker rooms and shower facilities, walking/running track, space for dance/theater, creative arts and preschool programs. Learn more about family programs, children’s camp and reservations at Franklin Parks and Recreation.
Let your pup play with friends! Members may visit the Province Park Dog Park during regular park hours, from dawn to dusk. An annual dog park membership consists of a collar tag for each dog and a gate access card for the owner.
This skate park contains seven steel elements for biking and skateboarding, and is connected to the Historic Greenway Trail and offers ample parking.
Franklin is home to 6.2 miles of Historic Greenway Trail that connects many of the city parks and beautiful historic areas of the town together.
The Blue Heron course has 18 holes with a total distance course length of 5,001 feet. The Blue Heron Disc Golf Club plans to host tournaments.
enjoy
events, concerts, destinations in our county
If you want to find out where to spend your leisure time, check out Festival Country Indiana. We have lots of special events, concerts, great wineries and craft beer, chef-driven menus, family fun and destination shopping in Franklin and throughout Johnson County. The Visitor's Center in downtown Franklin is a great experience for children.
picture
yourself in Franklin, Indiana
watch
what they say about the Chamber
Young professionals learn and grow through opportunities offered by the organization.