Ferdinand

Ferdinand (pop. 2,300) is primarily a farming community, with a number of furniture factories.

Founded in 1839 by Father Joseph Kundek, a Croatian priest who was instrumental in the creation of several German Catholic communities in this area of southern Indiana, Ferdinand was named after the Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria.

Indiana highway 162, also called Main Street, is the main road through Ferdinand.

• 🌍 Monastery Immaculate Conception, 802 E. 10th St, ☏ +1 812 367-1411, fax: +1 812 367-2313. The Ferdinand Benedictines are one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States. Guided tours and souvenir shop, visitors welcomed to join in prayers or Mass. 

• Ferdinand State Forest, 6583 East State Road 264, ☏ +1 812 367-1524, fax: +1 812 367-2846. Six miles northeast of town on Route 264. Camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. 

• Fleigs Café, 905 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1310. Sports bar and tavern. Bar food, fried chicken, fish. Under $10. 
• Homestead Pizza, 1510 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1808. Family restaurant, pizza. 
• National fast food chains Subway and Wendy's are represented locally.

• Oasis Restaurant, 935 Main Street, ☏ +1 812-367-1250. Bar and grill, American cuisine. 

• Comfort Inn, 440 South Main Street, ☏ +1 812 367-1122. Close to Interstate 64, fast food, gas, Holiday World. 
• Harvest Moon Bed and Breakfast, 210 Main Street, ☏ +1 812 367-1881. A four-room bed and breakfast, conveniently located in the heart of town. 

Many areas, particularly near the convent, may not have cell phone reception.

• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial - Learn more about the 14 years Abraham Lincoln spent living in Indiana, from the age 7 to 21, during the years of 1816 to 1830.
• Santa Claus, a small village with a Christmas theme, is on Route 162 near the Lincoln State Park.