When thinking of the Monon Greenway today, we think of people walking and biking in the great outdoors, but there was a period of nearly 100 years when the Monon Railroad was bustling with business in Carmel and throughout Indiana. That time in history, as well as the days before and after, comes alive once stepping inside the Carmel Clay History Museum at 211 1st St. SW.
With the support of Clay Township and the City of Carmel, the museum opened in November 2024 and celebrated the grand reopening of the Monon Depot in April 2025. However, the museum had been growing for decades in the hearts of the Carmel Clay Historical Society members who purchased a quarter acre all the way back in 1975.
Tracing the history of Carmel, which was first founded as Bethlehem in 1837 by four Quaker families from North Carolina, the museum chronicles all the growth and change in the area.
One of the biggest draws of the museum, according to Executive Director Debbie Gangstad, has been the children’s area on the third floor where parents and grandparents can bring kids to explore three playhouses: a cabin, a bank and a Dairy Queen.
And while the kids are learning, the adults with them are, too, as they stroll through the exhibits on everything from farming to schools.
“Inevitably parents say, ‘I didn’t know that,’” Gangstad says. “Even if you’ve lived here your whole life you’re going to learn something new.”
In less than a year, the museum has already welcomed more than 10,000 guests of all ages, from those who have grown up in Carmel to those who are just visiting.
This summer, guests can explore for free, as museum admission is waived to the public for the first year of operation. There is a $1 per child cost for accessing the play area to help with toy maintenance and upkeep.
Memberships are available for $50 for an individual and $125 for a family and include discounts in the museum gift shop, as well as a newsletter with details about the many museum events.
“It’s a donation in contribution to improve our museum and to make it the kind of museum that Carmel expects and depends on,” Gangstad says.
The museum provides ongoing programming.
“Whether it’s a new exhibit or community events,” says Director of Operations Meg Fuertges, “the best way to stay in the loop is to follow us on social media @carmelclayhistory or join our newsletter.”
Carmel Clay History Museum is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. Learn more at CarmelClayHistory.org.