Brookville

Small Town Breakdown

Brookville is a scenic small town tucked into the hills of southeastern Indiana, where the Whitewater River and Brookville Lake meet. Whether it’s the historic downtown, a walk along the river, or a day out on the lake, Brookville knows how to make a quiet first impression.

Fast Facts

📍LOCATION: Southeast Indiana

• Brookville is located in the center of Franklin County

• U.S. Route 52 and State Road 1 run concurrently through town, but US 52 heads west toward Indianapolis while SR 1 continues north to Connersville

• 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast of Indianapolis

• 20 miles south of Connersville

• 45 minutes northwest of Cincinnati

👥 POPULATION & RANKING

• 2,655 residents (as of 2024)

• Ranks as Indiana’s 188th-largest city

• Largest town in Franklin County

📏 LAND AREA

• 1.54 square miles

📅 FOUNDED

• Franklin County was formed in 1811 from parts of Dearborn, Clark and Jefferson counties.

• Franklin County was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin.

• Brookville was founded before the county in 1808, making it one of the oldest towns in Indiana.

• It sits both on “the first high ground” at the juncture of the East and West Forks of the Whitewater River and then 70-80 feet lower along the river plain. Locals refer to them as “the hill” and “the bottom.”

• The Whitewater Canal was completed in 1836 and connected Brookville to the Ohio River, helping turn the town into a regional trading hub.

🏥 MAIN INDUSTRIES: Healthcare, Retail Trade, Manufacturing

• Franklin County EMS is based out of Brookville

• White’s Farm Flea Market and Auctioneers was established in 1922

Brookville Lake

Brookville is best known for Brookville Lake, one of Indiana’s largest reservoirs. With 5,260 acres of water and thousands of acres of surrounding land, it’s a go-to destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and beach days.

On the lake’s east side, Mounds State Recreation Area offers scenic overlooks and plenty of trails. And on the north end with its own 200-acre Whitewater Lake, Whitewater Memorial State Park is perfect for horseback riding or a family picnic.

Brookville Bites

The family-owned Dairy Cottage has been around since 1958 slinging fried chicken dinners, sandwiches, hoagies, seafood and a full menu of sweet treats, including its classic Cyclones.

Coffee on Main is the spot for muffins, coffee, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. It has over 160 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating.

El Reparo is the local Mexican restaurant with big flavor. Its tacos, margaritas and prices are tough to beat, supported by nearly 800 Google reviews and a 4.5-star rating.

Governor Factory

Brookville has served as home to four Indiana governors, including three that served consecutively.

James Brown Ray was Indiana’s fourth governor from 1825-31. He was born in Kentucky, studied law in Cincinnati, and eventually established a legal career in Brookville before becoming governor.

Noah Noble was Indiana’s fifth governor from 1831-37. He was born in Virginia, moved to Kentucky during his youth, and later in 1816 to Brookville, where he worked in the land speculation business. While in office as governor, he played a major role in canal and road development across the Hoosier State.

David Wallace was Indiana’s sixth governor from 1837-40. He was born in Pennsylvania, moved to Ohio and then Brookville before going on to graduate from West Point in 1821.

Abram Hammond was Indiana’s 12th governor from 1860-61. He was born in Vermont but moved to Brookville when he was six years old.

More History

History buffs need to explore downtown Brookville’s antique stores and historic architecture that led to it being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. After that, head south of town on U.S. Highway 52 to check out the Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church that was constructed in 1812. It’s the oldest church in Indiana still standing on its original foundation.

A Broader View of Brookville

• The annual Franklin County Fair is held every July and is complete with livestock shows, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, flat drags, carnival rides, fair food and more.

• If you want a dining experience on Brookville Lake, Ainsley’s Cafe and Harbor Bar is your destination. Although it’s technically a Liberty address, Ainsley’s is located right on the eastern shoreline with live music, savory bites like burgers, seafood, steaks and wraps, and views of the lake and Indiana sunsets you can’t beat.

Take the scenic route the next time you’re headed from Indiana to Cincinnati and pass through Brookville, one of the Hoosier State’s most historic towns.

Check out Nate’s breakdown of Brookville ⬇️