Marion is the birthplace of the late Hollywood icon, James Dean, whose spirit resonates across the globe. You may visit his birth site memorial at 4th and McClure St., and visit many historical sites in his hometown of Fairmount, also in Grant County.
Throughout Marion, you will find three of the twelve famous Garfield statues making up the Grant County Garfield Trail. The Garfield comic strip character was created by Fairmount native, Jim Davis.
Indiana Wesleyan University’s initial and main campus is in Marion. IWU is the largest private university in the entire state, and one of Marion’s biggest employers and economic boosters.
Marion is home to an award-winning private not-for-profit hospital. Marion Health is known for its Magnet status in nursing (achieved by only 7% in the U.S.), and in 2017 was nationally named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital.
The Marion Municipal Airport is a pristine regional airport, having received “Airport of the Year” by the Aviation Association of Indiana in 2015.
Marion is recognized by millions across the world for its Walkway of Lights, a magical family drive-through attraction in Matter Park displaying over 2 million lights spanning over two miles.
The Gardens of Matter Park are one of the most beautiful public sites in Marion, and are considered a Proven Winners® Signature Garden, a prestigious designation given only to a handful of professional gardens in the country.
In Marion, you’ll discover the internationally known Quilters Hall of Fame, preserving the home of the famous quilt designer and breakthrough entrepreneur, Marie Webster.
The historical coliseum in Downtown Marion was renovated into a state-of-the-art YMCA and event center, while restoring its original character.
Marion residents take much pride in the public school system. The Marion High School boys’ basketball team has won eight state championships.
Marion is the hometown of NBA star, Zach Randolph, who graduated from Marion High School.
Ivy Tech Community College has a state-of-the-art campus in Marion.
Through the display of pride in our schools and our citizens, the Marion community helped Mayor Alumbaugh establish the city’s slogan, “City of Champions.”