About Aurora
Welcome to Aurora, Indiana
A Place Like No Other
Aurora is the heart of Dearborn County, nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. Steeped in history, rich in natural beauty, and brimming with community spirit, Aurora welcomes you with open arms to experience all that our town has to offer.
With a history dating back to the 19th century, Aurora is a town proud of its heritage. As you stroll through our streets, you’ll discover beautifully preserved historic buildings, showcasing a blend of architectural styles that tell the story of our past. From Victorian-era homes to the iconic Hillforest Mansion, Aurora is a living museum, inviting you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryears.
We’re a vibrant and thriving community, embracing progress and innovation while preserving our small-town charm. Our residents, known for their warmth and hospitality, will greet you with a smile and make you feel right at home.
Nature lovers will be captivated by Aurora’s breathtaking natural surroundings. The Ohio River provides a picturesque backdrop, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic walks along the riverfront. Our parks, including the beautiful Lesko Park and 10 additional parks, invite you to explore the outdoors and connect with nature.
As you wander through Aurora’s streets, you’ll discover an array of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. From quaint antique stores to trendy boutiques, there’s something for every taste and style. Indulge in a delicious meal at one of our local eateries, savoring the flavors of the region and experiencing the true essence of our community.
Aurora is also known for its lively events and festivals that bring the community together in celebration. From the Aurora Farmers Fair, a cherished annual tradition, Main Street Aurora’s Light Up Aurora, Play Music on the Porch and Get Wine(d) & Dine(d) events there’s always something happening to fill your calendar and create lasting memories.
We invite you to explore Aurora, Indiana, and discover why it’s a place like no other. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, enjoy the beauty of nature, engage with the arts, or simply unwind in a friendly community, Aurora has it all. Plan your visit today and let Aurora enchant you with its unique blend of past, present, and future.
Education
Aurora is also home to South Dearborn Community School Corporation where their mission is SUCCESS DRIVEN “Grow, Excel, and Achieve.” Ranked within the top 35 schools of the Tri-State region, South Dearborn offers a wide variety of educational and extracurricular opportunites for K-12 education. From their “High Ability Program” that focuses on students performing at outstanding levels to their enhanced curriculum that provides students with dual credit in 2 and 4 year colleges, South Dearborn offers their students an education that focuses on tangible skills needed in the workplace or furthering their education.
Aurora is located 12 minutes from Ivy Tech Community College (Lawrenceburg Campus). Ivy Tech is a 2 year skills based college and IN’s largest public postsecondary institution. Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg provides students with an education that is employment centered. Healthcare, technology, and business & public services are all staples at Ivy Tech, allowing students to enter the workforce prepared or continue their education at a local or regional 4 year institution like Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati, Indiana University (East), University of Dayton, or Xavier University.
Industry
In Aurora, there are a wide variety of industry sectors. There are many small businesses in downtown Aurora that help keep the local economy vital and provide employment for local residents. Finance, real estate, insurance, retail, and general services account for a large majority of small business operations, providing our citizens with numerous and unique opportunities.
More importantly, Aurora supports local businesses and the important role they play to strengthen and bolster Southeast Indiana’s economy. Local businesses bring distinctive talent to the area, creating an environment in which the residents can enjoy living. Aurora also provides a range of small businesses, including salon and spas, toy store, soapery, clothing boutiques, floral shop, metaphysical and exceptional restaurants and bakeries.
Aurora has also proven itself as a leader in manufacturing. This dynamic sector is comprised of a variety of consumer and industrial manufacturing, including Matthews International (formally Aurora Casket Company), Stedman Machine Company, Consolidated Grain & Barge, and Kaiser Pickles. Aurora’s manufacturing companies bring vast amounts of employment and growth to the region and provide services that are unique to the area. With convenient access to numerous resources like the Ohio River, U.S. 50, and I-275, Aurora’s businesses will continue to thrive and prosper, providing a positive impact to the region.
Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
Venturing into downtown Aurora offers ample opportunity to enjoy attractions ranging from Hillforest Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark, as well as 11 other buildings designated on the National Register. Aurora boasts 11 parks such as Lesko Park, located directly on the Ohio River.
Residents and visitors can even head up to Veraestau Historic Site or over to Aurora City Park’s many facilities. Veraestau Historic Site is a great venue for weddings, receptions, and special events of all kinds. The Aurora City Park houses the Aurora Family Aquatic Center, Clayton Batchelor Pavilion, Leon Kelly Civic Center, Round Barn, and the Boy Scout Cabin which makes this park a focal point of community activity.
Sports & Recreation
Aurora offers numerous amenities to its residents that are enjoyed by all ages. Its partnership with Lawrenceburg has been fruitful, allowing both cities to achieve a 6.7 mile recreation trail on which you can find locals walking, biking, running, and rollerblading. The paved trail follows the Ohio River and runs parallel to many historic sections of Aurora and Lawrenceburg. As noted by Indiana Trails, the surrounding region and trail presents ”various points of interest to visit whether you’re inclined toward the arts, science, outdoor activities, pre-history and history, riverboat gaming, local eateries, shops, and/or farm markets (including pumpkin, berry, and orchard) sites.” It truly is a wonderful venture out into nature, providing residents with a great opportunity reconnect with themselves, others, and their wellbeing. Aurora’s focus on quality never stops, as we are looking to expand the trail down to Rising Sun.
Aurora’s own community center, the Aurora Recreational Community Center (ARCC), features numerous community themed activities for local residents. Whether residents are looking to shoot some hoops with their friends or take a group fitness class, the ARCC offers excellent workout equipment, a family atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, a convenient location, and a full court basketball gym. The ARCC is also located next to additional baseball and football fields where communities gather for peewee football and other events.