This town was founded by German-speaking European settlers in 1840 and named after the Emperor of Austria. The area’s architecture was modeled after German buildings. You can take a walking tour to view some of the town’s historic structures, including the St. Ferdinand Parish. This church was built between 1845 and 1848—replacing two earlier log churches that needed to be expanded as more settlers arrived in the town. It was built as a stone building measuring 112 feet by 60 feet, and this structure still serves as the center of the current church. The Sonderman Store, which was established in 1893, is now home to the Ferdinand Antique Emporium. The antique mall features 12,000 feet of space for vendors selling antiques, local crafts, consignment furniture, glassware, collectibles and more.
If you’re in town in November, you can to kick off the holiday season at the Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt. This market celebrates the German tradition of selling holiday gifts and items in a festival-style setting. For those traveling for a family vacation, you may want to take a quick drive to the nearby city of Santa Claus to enjoy the thrills and excitement of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park.
Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting Ferdinand State Forest, where you’ll find the beautiful Ferdinand Lake. The forest contains 7,640 acres and includes picnic areas, grills, a swimming beach and more. Go hiking, boating, swimming, fishing and enjoy other outdoor recreational activities amidst the scenic landscape of southern Indiana.
Whether you’re traveling for a day, a week or longer, Choice Hotels in Ferdinand offer warm hospitality, friendly service and great value. Book your stay today!