Mitchell offers small-town living close to Spring Mill State Park
Mitchell is a small community about 10 miles south of Bedford, centered on a downtown district of antique stores and historic structures. Most of the town is quiet and residential, with a recently renovated high school and lots of nearby recreation at Spring Mill State Park. Vicki Cooper, a local real estate agent with RE/MAX Acclaimed Properties with over 30 years of experience, says that the park is a draw to the area. “They have all kinds of activities at different times of the year,” she says. “There are lots of people who come and visit the park and then decide they want to move here for the town. I’ve heard that more than once.”
Mostly one-story homes on spacious lots
Late-19th and early-20th-century cottages make up most of the town center, surrounded by midcentury ranch-style homes and manufactured homes. Though there hasn’t been much residential development since the 1990s, growth has picked up in the last several years with new ranch-style homes and bungalows. Regardless of age and style, homes tend to feature minimalist exteriors with vinyl siding and shingle-tile roofs. Quarter-acre lots are fairly common, with parcels sometimes exceeding a full acre. Home prices typically range from $100,000 to $330,000, though homes in need of extensive repair can sell for less.
Local parks, plus nearby camping, hiking and kayaking
For recreation close to home, Mitchell City Park has several playgrounds and fitness equipment, along with tennis and basketball courts. The park also has a seasonal public pool with a waterslide. On the other side of town, Unity Park has another playground and open green space. Spring Mill State Park is just east of town, located on its namesake lake, where settlers had set up several gristmills in the 1800s. These structures still stand as historical monuments to the time period, surrounded by miles of scenic hiking trails, campgrounds and nature preserves. Visitors can also take guided tours of nearby caves or rent kayaks and paddle boats to explore on their own.
Most businesses located on Main Street or near the highway
The town’s Main Street district is home to a small selection of antique stores and other locally owned businesses, including Railroad Café Lounge serving American fare with rotating daily specials. A few blocks away, Mitchell Opera House is a historical mainstay. Built in 1906 and restored in 2015, the venue hosts live concerts, including regional acts like the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra and touring artists. More restaurants are located along Highway 37, including fast-food chains and locally owned casual spots like Chicago’s Pizza. Ruler Foods is the area’s main grocery store.
Local schools with seasonal athletic programs
Hatfield Elementary earns a B from Niche, serving prekindergarten through second grade, while the C-plus-rated Burris Elementary serves third through fifth grade. The C-plus-rated Mitchell Junior High and B-minus-rated Mitchell High both offer volleyball, soccer and football programs. “The high school was just updated and built onto within the last three years,” says Cooper. These renovations include a new turf field and other updated athletic facilities.
Annual Mitchell Persimmon Festival in September
The Mitchell Persimmon Festival has been an annual tradition since 1947. Held downtown in September, the week-long festival celebrates the area's native fruit with games, carnival rides, persimmon-based cooking competitions and food vendors. On the final day, the festival closes out with a grand parade down Main Street with floats and tractors.
Connected to Bedford on Highway 37
Mitchell is about 10 miles south of Bedford, the seat of Lawrence County, on Highway 37. The town is 30 miles from Bloomington, and 60 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. Indiana University Health Bedford Hospital is about 10 miles away, and Louisville International Airport is about 70 miles away.
