Academy of Model Aeronautics: (5161 East Memorial Drive, Muncie; (765) 287-1256, website ) AMA is a self-supporting, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. AMA sanctions more than a thousand model competitions throughout the country each year, and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level. AMA is the organizer of the annual National Aeromodeling Championships, the world’s largest model airplane competition.
Cardinal Greenway: (700 E. Wysor St., Muncie; (765) 287-0399, website) A part of the organized rails-to-trails movement and Indiana’s longest rail trail on a former CSX railroad line. Both the Cardinal and White River greenway trails have asphalt surfaces and can accommodate multiple users. All rest areas and trail heads are handicapped accessible.
Muncie Children’s Museum: (515 S. High St., Muncie; (765) 286-1660, website) The Muncie Children’s Museum is located in the Horizon Convention Center, and provides educational-but-fun entertainment to the children of the community.
Muncie Sportsplex: (Northeast Muncie on Country Club Road, Muncie)Â This official sports complex consists of five softball diamonds, 11 soccer fields and a full-service concession booth. New to its website, www.munciesportsplex.net, is the ability to sign up for leagues and tournaments, along with the ability to check schedules, standings and results.
Ball State Planetarium & Observatory: (website)Â A part of the community for more than 30 years, the Ball State Planetarium and Observatory is equipped with a 70-seat sky theater that reproduces the night sky from virtually any angle. It also offers great programming from April through October, focusing on such topics as planets, galaxies, constellation patterns and black holes.
Christy Woods: (website)Â Characterized by 18 acres of winding paths, magnificent floral gardens and a mature forest of oak, hickory, ash, walnut, hackberry and maple trees, Christy Woods serves as an outdoor teaching laboratory for students and the community at large. Christy Woods is also home to the esteemed Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank.
Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank: Designated as a Plant Rescue Center, WOCSB is recognized as one of the finest facilities of its kind. Nestled within Christy Woods at Ball State, the facility allows visitors to view a simulated rain forest environment and two working greenhouses. WOCSB is home to more than 1,200 plants, and maintains more than 85 genres that are represented across 500 varying species and more than 100 hybrid orchids.
Atrium Art Gallery: (website)Â Located in the Art and Journalism Building at Ball State, the Atrium Art Gallery promotes the visual arts by showcasing the works of students, faculty and visiting artists.
David Owsley Museum of Art: On the southwest portion of campus, the David Owsley University Museum of Art is home to more than 10,00 original pieces of art. Its collection spans a variety of genres, including paintings, prints, sculptures and other works by such masters as Rembrandt, Edgar Degas, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam and Alexander Calder.
Sursa Hall: With its state-of-the-art acoustic equipment, Sursa Hall is Ball State’s newest and arguably most impressive addition to the musical experience of Muncie-Delaware County. Acoustics can be changed almost instantly to accommodate the size and style of music being performed, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the audience and a sense of pride for the performers.
Cornerstone Center for the Arts: (website)Â Established in 1999 in what was once a Masonic Temple, Cornerstone Center for the Arts in downtown Muncie draws in more than 90,000 visitors annually. Its arts programs enroll more than 1,000 students of all ages. The center also houses a number of thriving art organizations, including Third Age Theatre, Muncie Ballet, Masterworks Chorale, Heartland Stage Company, Westminster Orchestra and the Uptown Rhythm and Blues Society.
Muncie Civic Theatre: (website) Located down the street from Cornerstone is the Muncie Civic Theatre, a local staple in the area’s cultural vitality since 1931. This sophisticated, beautifully restored jewel box theater showcases local talent and offers workshops for youth and adults.
Moore-Youse Home Museum: (website) Encompassing family articles from three generations of Moore-Youse women within a circa-1850 home, the museum features such items as Muncie’s first piano and original artwork by J. Ottis Adams. Guided tours are provided by the Delaware County Historical Society. Directly next door, the Delaware County Historical Society’s Heritage Library Resource Center focuses on the genealogy and heritage of Delaware County.
(Sources: www.cityofmuncie.com; www.muncie.com)