The Essential Guide to Peru, Indiana

Most people associate Indiana with corn, racing, and basketball. But head about 75 miles north of Indianapolis, and you’ll discover a town with an entirely different claim to fame: the “Circus Capital of the World.”

Peru, Indiana, earned its title way back in the late 1800s when several major traveling circuses, including the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and the American Circus Corporation, made the town their winter headquarters. While the professional circus operations eventually moved on, Peru’s big top legacy stuck around, and the town has been home to the Peru Amateur Circus since 1960. Now, joining the circus is a rite of passage for many local children—every summer, the Circus puts on a show worthy of the audience it draws from across the Midwest. 

But there’s much more to see here than just circus nostalgia. Peru sits along the Mississinewa River in north-central Indiana, and has antique shopping, farm experiences, and outdoor recreation worth checking out any time of year. For example, you could browse vintage finds at a labyrinth-like mercantile, pet woolly alpacas, bike along a 40-mile rail trail, and then end the day by tasting local wines in Peru’s charming downtown.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Peru, Indiana.

Best Things to Do

For first-time visitors, I recommend starting with Peru’s circus heritage.

The Circus City Museum offers the most comprehensive look at Peru’s big-top history. The museum is packed with photographs, miniatures, costumes, and displays from over a century of circus tradition. Admission is donation-based, and it’s an easy stop if you’re curious about how this small Midwestern town became synonymous with the greatest show on earth and how they won a Guinness World record. 

If you can, plan your trip around the Circus City Festival, held annually during the third week of July. The nine-day celebration features epic performances from about 200 young people ages 7 to 21, who train all year to present aerial acts, juggling, and acrobatics. The festival kicks off weeks earlier with the crowning of Miss Circus City, an education scholarship program that’s been running for over 60 years. It wraps up with what Peru residents claim is the longest-running annual circus parade.

Just a few miles down the road, Pipe Creek Mercantile is a treasure trove that deserves an extended visit. This 11,000-square-foot antique market transforms with the seasons, hosting themed events year-round, including the Harvest Festival in fall, the Mistletoe Market during the holidays, and Spring Awakening when the weather warms up. Each quarter brings new decorations and a different atmosphere, so repeat visitors will find something new and fresh each time they visit.

To get a taste of Peru’s sweet side, head to McClure’s Market 159. You can sample McClure’s Orchard’s award-winning hard ciders, buy a bushel of apples, or pick up a bottle of pure local honey. While you’re there, don’t miss out on their homemade apple dumplings. The shop even offers other fun souvenirs like clothing, home décor, and gifts. Visit in the fall for quintessential activities like apple picking, a corn maze, and trolley rides.

For those with kiddos (or who are kids at heart themselves), Circus City Alpacas is an ideal stop. Here, you’ll be able to go on farm tours and even pet alpacas. Afterwards, you can browse yarn, gloves, and even alpaca teddy bears. You can also book private sessions to visit with the alpacas or pet the farm’s Scottish Highland cows. It’s a great option for families or anyone wanting a slower, more interactive farm experience.

Outdoor types should make time to explore the Nickel Plate Trail, a 40-mile rail trail corridor running through Peru, from Kokomo, Indiana, in Howard County, to Rochester in Fulton County. The Peru segment works for walking, running, and biking. The flat, paved trail makes for an easy outing in nature.

Where to Eat and Drink

From hearty comfort food to solid cocktails, Peru has a pleasantly surprising variety of eateries for a small town. The cozy Trading House Café inside Pipe Creek Mercantile is perfect for taking a midday break. Beyond standard coffee drinks and light bites, the café goes hard on seasonal specials like its pretty-as-can-be strawberry shortcake.

For breakfast, Gabriel’s Pancake House has been a local favorite since it opened in 2013. This breakfast spot along downtown’s main strip serves fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets made with locally sourced ingredients, and Gabriel’s skillet is my personal favorite. 

You’ll want to visit Legend’s Cocktail Lounge on North Broadway Street for dinner. The casual atmosphere might fool you, but the kitchen has some incredible dishes, including an ahi tuna steak. The bartenders are friendly and attentive, whether you’re stopping in for cocktails or settling in for a full meal of steak, burgers, or other American classics.

Club 14 Bar & Grill is another solid lunch or dinner option. The restaurant specializes in comfort foods like brisket, pizza, and pulled pork, with beer and cocktails on tap. They even have specialty appetizers like fried gizzards and livers for adventurous eaters.

Where to Stay

Since Peru is such a small town, there aren’t a ton of hotel options. There is, however, the Best Western Circus City Inn, which has clean, comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. There are plenty of camping options available around town, toom and there’s also talk of a new bed and breakfast in the works. However, the town is also a little over an hour from nearby cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, making it an easy and accessible day trip.