Cities and Towns in Brown County, Indiana
Founded on Feb 3, 1836, Brown County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Brown County was formed from Bartholomew County, Jackson County, and Monroe County. The city of Nashville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 13, Brown County has a population of 15,552 and area of 312 square miles (808 km²).
List of all cities in Brown County, IN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Annandale Estates, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Belmont, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Cloud Crest Hills, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Coffey Subdivision, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Elkinsville, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Gnaw Bone, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Helmsburg, IN | 47435 | 812 |
| Nashville, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Story, IN | 47448 | 812 |
| Trevlac, IN | 47448 | 812 |
Major Cities and Towns in Brown County, Indiana
Nashville
Location and History
Nashville, the county seat of Brown County, is located in southern Indiana, about 60 miles south of Indianapolis. Established in 1836, Nashville was originally a small, rural community serving the surrounding agricultural areas. However, the town’s fortunes changed in the early 20th century when it became an artists’ colony, attracting painters, sculptors, and craftspeople inspired by the region’s natural beauty. The town soon gained a reputation as a cultural hub, and tourism became a key part of its economy. Today, Nashville is known for its vibrant art scene, quaint shops, and proximity to Brown County State Park, one of Indiana’s largest and most popular natural areas.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 47448
- Latitude: 39.2073° N
- Longitude: 86.2514° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nashville is served by the Brown County School Corporation, with Brown County High School located nearby. Key landmarks include the Brown County Art Gallery and Museum, which showcases local art, and the historic Nashville House, a beloved restaurant and inn that dates back to the mid-1800s. The T.C. Steele State Historic Site, just outside town, honors the famous Hoosier Group painter who helped establish the area’s artistic reputation. Brown County State Park, with its scenic vistas, hiking trails, and camping facilities, attracts visitors year-round, offering a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences.
Bean Blossom
Location and History
Bean Blossom is a small unincorporated community located just north of Nashville in Brown County. The town dates back to the early 19th century and takes its name from a nearby creek. While small, Bean Blossom has become a significant cultural site due to its association with bluegrass music. It is home to the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground, named after Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass,” who made the area famous with his annual bluegrass festivals. These festivals have been held for decades, making Bean Blossom a mecca for bluegrass enthusiasts from around the world.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 300 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 46160 (shared with Morgantown)
- Latitude: 39.2753° N
- Longitude: 86.2411° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bean Blossom is served by the Brown County School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby Nashville. The town’s key landmark is the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground, which hosts the longest-running bluegrass festival in the world, the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. The park also includes a museum dedicated to Monroe and the history of bluegrass music. In addition to its musical heritage, Bean Blossom is close to several natural attractions, including Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Helmsburg
Location and History
Helmsburg is a small unincorporated community located northwest of Nashville in Brown County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a stop on the Illinois Central Railroad. Named after local resident Andrew Helms, Helmsburg became a small industrial center with sawmills and factories supporting the local economy. While its industrial prominence has faded, Helmsburg remains a quiet rural community with a strong connection to Brown County’s scenic beauty. The town’s proximity to outdoor attractions makes it a peaceful residential area for those looking to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 200 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 47435
- Latitude: 39.2556° N
- Longitude: 86.3231° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Helmsburg is part of the Brown County School Corporation, with students attending schools in Nashville. Key landmarks in Helmsburg include the nearby Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest, both of which offer hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The town is known for its rural charm, and its Helmsburg General Store, which has been in operation for over a century, serves as a focal point for the community. Helmsburg’s location near major natural attractions makes it a desirable place for those seeking tranquility and outdoor recreation.
Trevlac
Location and History
Trevlac is an unincorporated community located in the northern part of Brown County, Indiana. The town’s name is derived from a reversal of the name “Calvert,” a prominent family that played a key role in the area’s early development. Founded in the late 19th century along the railroad, Trevlac was once a small hub for local agriculture and timber industries. Although the railroad no longer defines the community’s economy, Trevlac remains a peaceful rural town surrounded by the scenic forests and hills that characterize much of Brown County.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Approximately 100 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 47448 (shared with Nashville)
- Latitude: 39.2870° N
- Longitude: 86.3144° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trevlac is served by the Brown County School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby Nashville. The town’s key landmarks include its proximity to Yellowwood State Forest, which offers excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Trevlac is also close to Lake Lemon, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding forests and hills make Trevlac a picturesque location, ideal for those who appreciate quiet country living and easy access to outdoor recreation. The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area continue to draw residents and visitors alike.
Cordry Sweetwater Lakes
Location and History
Cordry Sweetwater Lakes is a private, residential community located in southern Brown County, Indiana, near the town of Nineveh. Established in the 1960s, this community was designed around two man-made lakes—Cordry Lake and Sweetwater Lake—which serve as the centerpiece for this recreational haven. The development was created to attract residents who enjoy lakefront living and outdoor activities. Over the decades, Cordry Sweetwater Lakes has grown into a popular destination for weekend getaways and permanent homes, with many residents enjoying boating, fishing, and swimming on the lakes.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 46164
- Latitude: 39.2948° N
- Longitude: 86.1245° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cordry Sweetwater Lakes is part of the Brown County School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby Nashville. The community’s landmarks are its two lakes, which offer a range of recreational activities including boating, fishing, water skiing, and kayaking. The Cordry Sweetwater Conservancy District manages the lakes and surrounding land, ensuring the area’s natural beauty is preserved. The community hosts events like the annual Fourth of July boat parade and fireworks over the lakes, making it a vibrant and lively place to live or visit. Its serene, wooded setting and water-based recreation make Cordry Sweetwater Lakes a highly sought-after residential community in Brown County.
