Brown County

Brown County

Brown County is located about 19 miles east of the Indiana University Bloomington campus, a short drive along IN-46. Known for its scenic hills and forests, the county is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, anchored by Brown County State Park—the largest state park in Indiana. The area has a strong arts and crafts heritage, with Nashville serving as a hub for galleries, studios, and local artisans. While tourism is a major economic driver, the county also supports small businesses and service industries that cater to visitors and residents alike.

With a population of approximately 15,600, Brown County communities include Nashville, Helmsburg, Story, Bean Blossom, and Gnaw Bone. Brown County will continue to leverage its natural beauty and cultural assets as part of regional development initiatives, making it a distinctive partner in efforts to sustain vibrant rural communities.

Learn more about Brown County:

Brown County to launch IU collaboration with Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative

Building on a century-long relationship rooted in the arts, public health, and environmental research, Brown County's partnership with the Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative will connect IU faculty and students with the creative, resilient community to advance local projects that reflect both resident and visitor needs.

Read the story

From Bean Blossom’s bluegrass roots to the artisan shops of Nashville, Brown County reflects the spirit of community. SHC gives us the tools to strengthen that spirit and shape what comes next.

Gary Huett, County Council President

Explore proposed projects

See what projects are currently open for partnership opportunities in the Airtable database.

Faculty: Connect your course with Sustaining Hoosier Communities and support projects in Brown County

Engage your students in meaningful learning experiences by connecting your course with Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC). Through SHC, you can incorporate community-engaged projects into your curriculum while contributing to priorities that matter to Brown County residents. Join faculty across disciplines in advancing student learning alongside the needs and strengths of rural Indiana. Explore currently proposed Brown County projects to discover opportunities that align with your course.

Need support to develop a community‑engaged course?

Apply for a Sustaining Hoosier Communities Course Planning Grant, designed to support faculty in planning courses that incorporate community-engaged learning for the first time through an SHC project.

Interested in learning more about Sustaining Hoosier Communities?

Download the SHC Faculty Resource Guide. This resource introduces the SHC program, outlines its collaborative impact, and shows how you can meaningfully engage in community‑driven projects.