Tell City is a welcoming community that is proud of its Swiss roots
Swiss and German immigrants settled Tell City on the banks of the Ohio River in 1857, a fact that Sara Zuelly, executive director of the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, says the city takes great pride in. Over the past 150-plus years, the community has become a place of belonging. “It’s one of those cities where people know each other by name, show up for one another and work together to make things better,” Zuelly says. With events ranging from Schweizer Fest to Silvesternacht, local businesses and several parks, there are plenty of things to do in Tell City. “People are only getting to discover and rediscover it again,” says Shiraz Mukarram, marketing and special initiatives manager at Perry County Development Corporation.
Local businesses range from barbecue restaurants to coffee shops
Mom and pop shops are popular in Tell City. “What makes all of these businesses stand out is the people behind them – you’ll find passion, familiar faces and warm hearts,” Zuelly says. Bill & Dave’s Smokin’ Pit is a barbecue restaurant that started as carry-out only but now can seat up to 200 people. The Pour Haus serves American fare and frequently hosts concerts. Locals can start their day at Behind the Times Bakery, where "they serve great coffee and baked goods, but more than that, they’re a gathering spot with a terrific atmosphere,” Zuelly says. Noble’s IGA is a grocery store in the city, and there is a Walmart. The Tell City Farmers Market is open on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings from June through early October.
Tell City is part of Make My Move
The residential streets of Tell City stretch from the banks of the Ohio River. Properties are close together, often on less than a quarter-acre of land. Oak trees dot the lawns, and there are sidewalks along most roads. The oldest homes, including National Folk styles with gable roofs and bungalows, date back to the early 1900s. Midcentury ranch-styles and bi-levels are common farther from the river, as are some New Traditionals. Depending on size and condition, prices range from $90,000 to $390,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $50,000.
Tell City is part of Make My Move, which incentivizes people to move to up-and-coming areas with a relocation grant. “We have added 18 new families from all over the U.S. who are moving to Perry County, and most of them are living in Tell City,” says Mukarram, who stays in contact with the new neighbors as they settle. Make My Move named Perry County one of the Most Welcoming Places in 2024.
Schweizer Fest is a highly anticipated celebration of Swiss heritage
People look forward to the annual Schweizer Fest, a weeklong event every summer. “It’s a celebration of our Swiss heritage, which we are extremely proud of, but it’s also a giant homecoming and reunion,” Zuelly says. The days are packed with Swiss food, pie-eating contests, live music, talent shows and the annual Golf Open. “It draws people back year after year – many even plan their vacations around it,” Zuelly says.
Other events include holiday celebrations like Christmas in the Park and Silvesternacht, which is how the city rings in the new year. Every fall, the streets close for the Farm to Table Dinner. “There’s a whole barn-type feeling where we throw dining tables on the street,” Mukarram says. “All of the food is locally farmed and raised.”
Recreation includes city parks, the Ohio River and a national forest
Sunset Park offers views of the Ohio River, with amenities like a playground and walking trail. It is one of many entry points into the river for kayaking, boating and fishing. “More and more locals are getting out on the river,” Zuelly says. “It’s a unique part of life here and gives you a whole new view.” At Hagehorn Park, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts and the Tell City Sports Complex, which has 12 ball fields. The nearby Hoosier National Forest spans over 200,000 acres and has over 260 miles of hiking trails. Members of Hoosier Heights Country Club can access the 9-hole golf course.
Tell City schools partner with Ivy Tech
Tell City – Troy Township School Corporation serves the community. Kindergarten through sixth graders attend William Tell Elementary School, which Niche gives a B-minus. At the B-rated Tell City Junior Senior High School, which teaches seventh through 12th grade, dual-credit courses are available through Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College.
Locals get around on foot, by bike or by car
Tell City residents often walk from place to place, especially downtown. “You can grab a coffee, pop into a boutique, stop by a park and attend an event without ever getting back in your car,” Zuelly says. Cyclists and drivers share the road, and ride solutions like SIRS Link-N-Go are available to those who need them. State Route 66 goes through the area. Perry County Memorial Hospital is in the city. While Evansville Regional Airport is about 65 miles away, many travel 80 miles to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
