Peru, Indiana
The small town of Peru, Indiana was founded in 1834 by William N. Hood, also the forefather of the since-failed Model Automobile Company. Peru is located 67 miles north of Indianapolis and 33 miles from Indiana Wesleyan University. With a population of 12,484 and and area of 4.62 square miles, the town is best known as the winter resting place for several national circuses, including Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey. The Circus Winter Quarters may be found at 6125 US 31 South.
Video of a drive through Peru, Indiana
Peru’s claim to fame includes its namesake asteroid discovered on August 21, 2001: 32570 Peruindiana. In addition, the world’s only remaining manufacturer of the caliope, a musical instrument that carousels are often outfitted with, calls Peru home.
Film guru Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers famously referred to Peru when discussing comedic aspects of proposed scripts. He believed that any attempt at comedy should make sense to “the barber in Peru”. If any aspect was believed to be too intellectual or far-fetched, he would immediately nix it.
In 2008, the movie “The Little Big Top” was filmed in Peru, Indiana, which is also the tribal headquarters of the Miami Nation. Maria Rasputin, daughter of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, was attacked by a bear in Peru while traveling with the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Trailer for the film “Little Big Top,” filmed in Peru, Indiana
Every summer, on the third weekend of July, the Peru Amateur Circus features local amateur circus acts and parades, attracting visitors from across the nation. Other attractions exclusive to Peru, Indiana include the Cameron Balloon of Indiana, the Circus Hall of Fame, Grissom Air Museum, and the Miami County Historical Society.
