Earlham and the

Richmond Community

Earlham College is deeply connected to the City of Richmond, sharing a history, values, and community spirit that continue to shape student life today.

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Earlham College and the City of Richmond share deep roots, both shaped by the 19th-century Quaker community that first settled the Whitewater Valley. Many of Richmond’s early civic leaders also helped establish what would become Earlham, setting the tone for a close relationship that continues today. From the beginning, the College and the city have grown together, grounded in shared values of community, curiosity, and care for others.

Today, Earlham is a Top 100 national liberal arts college known for its outstanding academics and value. Richmond is a city with personality and heart — a place where Midwestern friendliness meets creative energy. It’s down-to-earth in the best way, offering a welcoming environment that becomes a second home for our worldwide student community.

When you visit Earlham, take time to explore Richmond’s vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll find a micro-cinema, a coffee bar with a resident werewolf, a retro arcade, standout local theater, farmers’ markets, an independent bookstore, and ice cream made using an antique engine. And when you’re ready for a bigger-city fix — like seeing your favorite band on tour—Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton are all an easy drive away.

Thinking about scheduling a visit?

The Office of Admissions offers daily campus visits and special visit programs designed to help students and families explore campus, meet current students and faculty, and get a real feel for life at Earlham and in Richmond.

Schedule your visit

Investing in our hometown

Revitalize Richmond is a five-year effort led by Earlham College, in partnership with the City of Richmond and community organizations, to invest in and strengthen our hometown. The initiative focuses on revitalizing downtown through housing, public spaces, historic preservation, and economic development — deepening the connection between campus and city while creating new opportunities for students, residents, and visitors alike.

Learn more about Revitalize Richmond

Illustrated map of the eastern United States titled “Rooted in Richmond.” Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana is marked at the center. Nearby and major cities are labeled with approximate travel times from Earlham College, shown by car or airplane icons. Driving times include Indianapolis (1 hour 15 minutes), Cincinnati (1 hour 25 minutes), Columbus (1 hour 40 minutes), Chicago (4 hours), Detroit (4 hours 15 minutes), St. Louis (5 hours 10 minutes), Nashville (5 hours 35 minutes), Milwaukee (6 hours 19 minutes), Little Rock (3 hours 45 minutes), and Birmingham (3 hours). Flight times include Boston (2 hours 25 minutes), New York City (2 hours 10 minutes), Philadelphia (2 hours), Washington, D.C. (1 hour 30 minutes), Durham (1 hour 45 minutes), Atlanta (1 hour 40 minutes), Orlando (2 hours 15 minutes), and Minneapolis (2 hours). A sidebar lists restaurants around Richmond, Indiana.

Richmond is…

For the environmentalist

Explore hundreds of acres of nature reserves owned by Earlham College, both on and off campus, offering wooded trails, open fields, and abundant wildlife.
Visit Thistlethwaite Falls, a former power site turned community gathering spot with fishing areas, trails, and a rope bridge.
Recreate or volunteer at Hayes Arboretum and Cope Environmental Center, featuring forests, prairies, and year-round programs for all ages.
Bike or walk the Cardinal Greenway, a paved regional trail with easy access near campus and scenic views in every season.

For the athlete (or spectator)

In addition to biking and walking trails, Richmond is home to a lively roller derby team, with bouts hosted at The Skate—complete with food, drinks, and a fun, local crowd.
Richmond’s new summer collegiate baseball team, the Flying Mummies, is a nod to the Egyptian mummy on exhibit at Earlham’s Joseph Moore Museum.

For the musician or record collector

Catch live music throughout the city at coffeeshops, bars, and venues like New Boswell Brewery, known for open mic nights and live performances.
Browse Block Head Records in the Depot District, a beloved indie record shop carrying every genre and staffed by people who love to talk music.
Enjoy performances by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, including popular seasonal and sunset concerts.

For the creative type

Find supplies and occasional classes at Ply Fiber Arts, a downtown shop supporting nearly every kind of fiber art.
Visit the Richmond Art Museum, offering free admission, rotating exhibitions, public programs, and internship opportunities for students.

For the book lover

Stop by Two Sisters Bookstore in the Depot District for new and used books, literary-inspired teas, and cozy, character-filled spaces.

For the history buff

Tour the Levi Coffin House in nearby Fountain City, a key Underground Railroad site highlighting the region’s Quaker roots and abolitionist history.

For food lovers

Earlhamites love the many locally owned restaurants in the city, including Thai Thara, Gulzar’s Indiana Cuisine, Bad Dad Pint and Slice, Galo’s Italian Grill, and other national brands like Parlor Doughnuts, Smoothie King, Chipotle, Culver’s, and Starbucks.
Stock up at Fountain Acres Foods, an Amish grocery known for bulk goods, baked treats, and fresh-made sandwiches (cash only).
Grab a sub at Radford’s Meat Market & Deli, a local favorite with east and west side locations.
Browse the Richmond Farmers Market, featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, and local makers throughout the year.

For the latest updates on Richmond and Wayne County, Indiana events, visit the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau.