Visit Morgan County is proud to join communities across Indiana and the U.S. in recognizing National Travel & Tourism Week, May 5-11, 2019, to highlight tourism's positive impact on our local economy. While you may think of tourism as something that only matters in communities like Las Vegas or Orlando (Who doesn't love Disney World?), the fact is that tourism matters in communities of ALL sizes. The local tourism industry is hard at work here in Morgan County as well. Tourism creates jobs, supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, and raises tax revenues that reduce the tax burden on our local citizens. Morgan County is fortunate to appeal to visitors almost year-round with the unique attractions, activities and natural resources that we enjoy every day as residents. As we celebrate Tourism Week, we invite you to appreciate all the wonderful things to see, do and experience right here in Morgan County, and across the state of Indiana. Make a pledge to "Be a Tourist in Your Own Town"... this week and all year long!
How do we know visitors love the unique experiences found in Morgan County?
Well, according to our most recent research, total visitor spending in Morgan County tops $22 million dollars per year. The bulk of visitor spending - more than 40% - is spent on food and beverage purchases, followed by retail shopping, then entertainment and recreation. We decided to take a quick look at exactly what draws visitors to the area, based on traffic to our website, visitmorgancountyin.com.
It's no surprise to us that area festivals and events are a big draw for visitors. In fact, our calendar of events is consistently the most visited section on our site. Here's a quick run down of the most visited event listings on our site in 2018:
- Morgan County Fair
- Martinsville's Fireworks Celebration
- Old Settlers Picnic & Fair
- Fall Foliage Festival
- Concert at the Morgan County Fair
- Mooresville's Fireworks Celebration
- Apple Festival & Craft Fair
- Festival of Lights at Jimmy Nash City Park
- October Fest at Anderson Orchard
- Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series
Aside from specific events, what are the most popular attractions in the area?
Well, according to our website traffic, parks and forests are the big winners there, along with the Martinsville Candy Kitchen and Link Observatory Space Science Institute. More seasonal attractions, such as Anderson Orchard and Willowfield Lavender Farm see a good bit of traffic as well during their open seasons. What's even better? So many of Morgan County's attractions are FREE, so you won't break the bank on a family visit!
So, how can you stay in the know about upcoming events, great dining options and things to do around Morgan County and beyond?
We'll be providing tourism tote bags to attendees at the Morgan County Farmers Market during their opening week, which conveniently coincides with National Tourism Week this year! On May 7, at the Friends Church in Mooresville from 3 to 6 pm, and on May 11, at The Main Connection in Martinsville from 9 am to 1 pm, stop by the Farmers Market Information Tent to pick up your Visit Morgan County tote bag filled with visitor information, then make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram as well for up to to the minute info on what's happening around Morgan County throughout the year.
Can't make it to the Market during opening week?
No problem - stop in any time at the Morgan County Visitors Center inside The Main Connection to pick up your visitors guide, state festival guide and more! We're always standing by to answer questions and make personalized recommendations. Visitors Center hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and visitor information is also accessible on Saturdays during the Morgan County Farmers Market.
