Community outreach and lake access in rural Sullivan
Sullivan is a quiet community between the hundreds of acres of open fields and farmland in southwest Indiana. The lakeside town has a rural atmosphere and a close-knit feel without giving up easy access to supermarkets and other suburban amenities. “There has been a lot of community outreach and revitalization since the tornado came through in spring of 2023,” says Rachael Headley, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Capital Realty. “Locals have come together to rebuild and help their neighbors.”
Historic homes and fenced-in yards
The city’s peaceful residential streets are lined with ranch-style homes, farmhouses, bungalows and split-levels, with most built between the early 1900s and the 1970s. Houses sit close together on quarter to half-acre lots, and fenced-in backyards are common. Well-maintained sidewalks connect residents to nearby parks and businesses, and most homes are within a mile of downtown. Fixer-uppers range from $20,000 to $65,000, while move-in-ready homes range from $100,000 to $285,000.
Agricultural education at Sullivan High and local library programs
Most local students attend Sullivan Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche. The B-plus-rated Sullivan Middle School offers a variety of academically based extracurricular activities, including Science Olympiad, Robotics and Geography Bowl. Sullivan High School receives a B rating and has a unique selection of agricultural education courses, from advanced life sciences to landscape management. The Sullivan County Public Library has been serving the area since 1905, with thousands of books, educational materials, events and programs, including book clubs, art workshops and game days.
Local businesses, from sandwiches to vintage clothes
While Sullivan is largely residential and around 30 miles from a larger city, residents don’t have to leave town for a meal out or to do their weekly shopping. Historic downtown Sullivan has dozens of locally owned businesses surrounding Courthouse Square. “There is an active community of mom and pop-type businesses in town,” says Headley. Juicy offers smoothie bowls, pressed juices and wellness shots while, next door, Petty Pit Stop serves breakfast all day along with burrito bowls, salads and toasted sandwiches. A short drive north, La Pachanga offers classic Mexican fare. Jeremy Jo’s Treasure Trove sells vintage clothes, furniture and home goods, while Wild Roots Boutique has novelty decor and handmade goods. In town, grocery options include Baesler’s Market, Save A Lot and Walmart. “For a small town, we have a lot of amenities, but you’re also just 25 minutes from the south side of Terra Haute,” Headley says.
Recreation on Lake Sullivan and nearby sports facilities
Mature trees dot the 50-acre Sullivan City Park, which has a playground, picnic tables, an abundance of sports facilities and the Sullivan City Pool. On the east side of the park, softball, soccer and football fields host local youth leagues. “One of the big draws to the area is having access to Lake Sullivan,” says Headley. “It’s over 400 acres and allows motorized boats, which is uncommon for small towns in this area.” Sullivan County Park sits along the shores of Lake Sullivan, with boat launches, a beach and a disc golf course. The park also offers over 100 camp sites and is a popular fishing spot for bass, bluegill, walleye and crappie. Golfers can enjoy a round of nine by the lake or visit the Sullivan Elks Country Club for an 18-hole public course.
Annual events in Sullivan
The Sullivan County 4-H Fair is held each July on the east side of town. It features livestock shows, food vendors, a tractor pull and a junkyard racing show. The Heart of Sullivan civic organization puts on events throughout the year, including Taste of Sullivan, where people can sample food from local eateries while listening to live music.
Driving to Terre Haute or Bloomington
The larger city of Terre Haute is around 28 miles north via United States Route 150, while Bloomington is roughly 60 miles east.
![Jillian Pillow]()
Written By
Jillian Pillow
