Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a small town in Southwestern Indiana.

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

Founded in 1839 by Father Joseph Kundek^{[dead link]}, 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.

Map of Ferdinand

Interstate 64 passes just to the south of Ferdinand, IN. Use exit 63, then go north on Indiana highway 162 to enter the Ferdinand town limits.

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

• 38.2253-86.8551 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.  

• 38.259-86.78031 Ferdinand State Forest, 6583 East State Road 264, ☏ +1 812 367-1524, fax: +1 812 367-2846, [email protected]. Six miles northeast of town on Route 264. Camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. $7/vehicle, ̩$5 for vehicles with in-state plates (charged when entrance gate is operated, mid-May thru Oct).  (updated May 2025)

• 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. 
• ^{[formerly dead link]} 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.

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