Delphi is known for bacon, the historic canal and its community spirit
Named for the ancient seat of the oracles in Greece, Delphi is a rural city with its own connection to history. It was founded because of its position on the Wabash and Erie Canal, making it central at one time to the commerce of Indiana. Today, it is a humble small town, the "bacon capital of the state," with a strong sense of community. “People come to Delphi for the small-town living it offers,” says Realtor Cathy Russell of The Russell Company’s @properties, who has over 50 years of experience in the area. “Home prices are lower there in comparison to other places, and the houses are usually older, so you have a chance at earning some sweat equity and really establishing yourself in the community. And that sense of togetherness is what people really want when they choose to move there.”
The annual Indiana Bacon Festival draws crowds with cook-off and music
The Delphi Opera House downtown is the city’s main events venue. This historic building was completed in 1865 and has been renovated to accommodate modern performances by cover bands, local musicians and stand-up comedians. Delphi is also known as the Bacon Capital of Indiana, and the annual Indiana Bacon Festival celebrates this fact. Every summer, the smell of bacon sizzles through the city as chefs participate in the Backyard BBQ Cook-off. The festival also includes performances by prominent cover bands and an exhibition of local breweries and wineries.
Long-standing local businesses infuse Delphi with music and atmosphere
The Save A Lot on the west side of Delphi is the town’s main grocery store. The closest Walmart Supercenter is about 15 miles north in Monticello. Although it is small, several locally owned restaurants and businesses anchor Delphi’s downtown district. “Paretta’s Italian Ristorante is right next to the opera house, and they’ve been there for a very long time,” Russell says. “They also have a bar called the Dog House, which is a great little dive where the gimmick is you can bring your dog. They do live music on the patio there most nights.”
Greek Revival and Victorian homes populate this former commerce town
Delphi’s architectural styles were shaped by the town’s location at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Wabash River. “A lot of houses in town are these charming historic homes built back when the Wabash and Erie Canal was active,” Russell says. These can date as far back as 1840, often featuring Greek Revival architecture. Through the years, Victorian houses, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals have been added to the mix. They look out over small front lawns and sidewalks that are shaded by tall, mature trees in the summer. Prices for houses in need of repairs can range from $26,000 to around $75,000. Depending on build year, number of bedrooms and square footage, move-in ready homes can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $380,000.
The Wabash and Erie Canal Park has trails and a historic village
Delphi’s heritage as a canal town has left its mark on the community’s green space. “The Wabash and Erie Canal Park has hiking trails and a little village where people can take tours of historic buildings,” Russell says. The park also features an old canal boat that has been transformed into a jungle gym for children, complete with a plastic slide. Other recreation destinations include the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers, along with the Carroll County Golf Course.
Students attend schools in the Delphi Community School Corporation
Students in the city are served by the Delphi Community School Corporation, which maintains three institutions. Delphi Community Elementary receives a C-plus from Niche. Delphi Community Middle School earns a B-minus. Delphi Community High, the home of the Oracles, scores a B-plus and boasts famous alumni such as Amanda Overmyer, a contestant on Season 7 of American Idol.
Hoosier Heartland Highway connects Delphi to Lafayette and beyond
The name of Delphi’s major thoroughfare illustrates the road’s importance in connecting rural Indiana communities. “Hoosier Heartland Highway is going to be the most-used commuter route,” says Russell. “It goes right south to Lafayette, and all the way north to Fort Wayne, so it’s a good way to get from Delphi to pretty much anywhere else in the state.” This highway also provides the most direct access to Interstate 65, which heads south to Indianapolis. The closest medical center to Delphi is Indiana University Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello.
