#DESTINATIONMUNCIE
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Famed television painting instructor Bob Ross, known for his calm demeanor and empowering message, created the worldwide sensation The Joy of Painting in America’s Hometown—Muncie, Indiana. Experience the studio where Bob painted his pastoral landscapes for national audiences, get up close and personal with some of his artworks, and try his signature techniques for yourself in a painting workshop.
The historic L.L. Ball home on the campus of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, formerly the home of the WIPB television studios, has returned to its former glory as the Bob Ross Experience. Stand in the same spot Bob filmed the early seasons of The Joy of Painting, see his famous paintings up close, snag some exclusive merchandise, and make your own happy little accidents in a painting workshop with a Certified Ross Instructor.
Ball State PBS, formerly WIPB, was the home public broadcast studio for Bob Ross’ The Joy of Painting from 1983 until its end in 1994. The show continues to air on PBS stations across the country and has recently resurged as a global online phenomenon, spreading Bob’s message of empowerment and confidence to generations of audiences. Ball State PBS is proud to be “Bob’s Happy Home” and annually hosts the Happy Little Fest to celebrate Muncie’s —and America’s—favorite painter.
Find the perfect Bob Ross souvenir at the Destination: Muncie retail shop. While you’re there, check out our Destination: Muncie goodies, Garfield finds, and so much more! The team at Destination: Muncie is here to make your creative excursion to Delaware County the happiest little trip ever.
Feeling inspired by America’s favorite painting instructor? While you’re in town, visit the incredible arts and culture attractions at Ball State University with art from around the world at the David Owsely Museum of Art, or from cutting-edge art students at the School of Art Ned & Gloria Griner Gallery and Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass.
Once your creative juices are flowing, let inspiration spark at an art class or experience. Create some unique ceramics, paint some happy little trees, or develop your skills in music or dance at the Bob Ross Experience at Minnetrista, Made in Muncie Pottery, Happy Accidents Art Studio, or Cornerstone Center for the Arts.
Bob was a well-know animal lover and advocate for our furry friends. No happy little trip to Muncie would be complete without visiting, volunteering your time, and maybe even becoming a precious pet’s fur-ever home at the Animal Rescue Fund, Grateful Rescue & Sanctuary, and Muncie Animal Care & Services humane shelters.
Complete your Bob-themed excursion by taking in his favorite things: art and nature. Visit our variety of unique and engaging arts attractions and shops. Experience the natural beauty of east central Indiana through our parks, greenways, and waterways to gain inspiration for your next painting!
White River is fun, fresh, and alive! Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the White River in East Central Indiana while paddling on kayaks, fishing by the shore, or biking around its bends. Make memories in the scenic six-mile park that spans Muncie along the river’s north bank.
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105 S Broadway St, Albany
The Albany Glass Museum is a great place to learn about bizarre, ornate, and beautiful pieces of glassware throughout history.
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409 N Martin St, Ste 2, Muncie
765-284-2919
Art Mart is a locally owned art supply store, open 7 days a week, that has all the art supplies you could need whether you’re just starting out or a professional.
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1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie
765-282-4848
Experience The Joy of Painting in the studio where Bob Ross filmed his show, try your hand with a painting workshop, and take in original works in the gallery.
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700 E Wysor St, Muncie, Indiana
(765) 287-0399
Welcome to Indiana’s longest rail-to-trail paved trail spanning 62-miles in 5 counties from Richmond through Muncie to Marion. The paved asphalt trail is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is ADA-accessible.
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Riverside Ave, Muncie
765-285-2641
Christy Woods is a 17-acre forested property on Ball State’s campus with over 100 years of history as an outdoor teaching laboratory.
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520 E Main St, Muncie
765-281-9503
The Cornerstone Center for the Arts offers a variety of arts education classes for all ages and hosts regular community art events.
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2021 W Riverside Ave, Muncie
765-285-5242
The David Owsley Museum of Art is a world-class art museum on Ball State’s campus, housing more than 11,000 works of art from all continents and representing 5,000 years of civilization.
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224 E Main St, Muncie
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Art and Journalism Building (AJ) Room 401
Ball State University
765-285-5838
The mission of the Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery is the promotion and appreciation of the visual arts for studio artists, educators, and designers.
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9505 W Smith St, Yorktown
765-405-0305
Happy Accidents Art Studio is a transformative art studio for artists, beginners, and everyone in between to explore your inner artist with workshops, painting classes, art kits, and gift shop.
Located just east of downtown Muncie, off of N Gavin St.
The Wetland Nature Preserve began as a gift of land to the City of Muncie to honor John M. Craddock’s life-long public service commitment to saving and reviving the White River and the wildlife along its corridor.
