Travellers from all over the world appreciate Westville attractions because of their underestimated mix of history and rural charm. I have to admit that I have never really understood why some cities are advertised with pompous posters, while Westville simply continues to live quietly and undirably. Founded in 1854, when the railway slit the prairie, the town grew around the Westville depot of the same name, which today is still a crunching relic from the era of steam locomotives. The whole is located in the New Durham Township, a part of LaPorte County, and has barely changed since the early days when the first settlers built their woodworks between corn fields and the glittering Lake Michigan – and that is somehow the best of it.
When you arrive by car, simply follow the US‐20, which leads you directly to the heart of the small place; the next major city, La Porte, is just about 15 miles south, and the South Bend airport is a short flight of about 30 minutes away if you prefer to get across the sky. I have discovered the local diners where coffee is stronger than the weather in autumn, and people here are still talking about the old family stories they seem to tell at every corner. And yes, if you ask yourself what Westville landmarks really do, then it's the silent promise that you don't lose yourself in a tourist trap, but immerse yourself in a real piece of Indiana history.
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The first place I don't miss is that Indiana Dunes National Park – yes, the huge sand sea stretching along Lake Michigan, just a short jump from Westville. I spent an afternoon there while I tried to find the perfect sand corn sound, and was overrun by a group of families with picnic blankets that apparently had the same goal. Parking is usually easy as long as you don't arrive on Friday night, then the field parking lot chaos is almost becoming an attraction in itself.
Just a few miles away Miller Beach, the official “Beach of the Year” label, which I personally think is exaggerated – the waves are rather lukewarm pleats, but the dune itself is a real eye-catcher. I discovered a small café that serves surprisingly good coffee, and the staff told me that the “Miller feeling” is actually just a marketing gag. Nevertheless, a walk at sunset over the dunes is really great if you can stop the wind.
A short trip to Michigan City leads to Bailly Homestead, a historical property that was built by a French-Canada dealer from the 19th century The century came. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about old wooden buildings, but the guided tour of the museum was surprisingly alive – an old man told stories about the fur trade, while I secretly waited for a spirit to emerge. Don't worry, it doesn't happen, but the atmosphere is still charming.
Back in the interior of the country, a short trip to La Porte, and one stands before the Old Mill Museum. The old mill wheel is still rotating, and this is kind of soothing in a world that is constantly getting faster. I found an old photo album there that the city in the early 20th. Century shows – a real look into the past that reminded me that not everything has only Instagram values. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the museum is in a narrow alley, but you can always find a few free places if you have a little patience.
Another architectural jewel is that La Porte County Courthouse. The imposing red brick building looks almost like a set of films, and I have discovered a small exhibition about local jurisdiction, which surprisingly explains why some laws in Indiana are still so obsolete. I wondered if the court still has real judges here or whether they only hire actors to impress tourists – a thought that made me sneak.
For those who prefer to be active, I recommend St. Joseph River Trail. The path stretches along the river, offers a few nice views and is perfect for a relaxed bike ride. I saw an old fishing boat there, which seems to be on the shore for decades – a silent witness of past times. The trail system is well marked, and parking at the entrance is usually easy, except for the weekends when the local joggers turn the field into a running studio.
Last but not least, if you have a little time left, it is worth a trip to Marquette Park in Michigan City. The park is not exactly a secret tip, but the combination of green space, playgrounds and a small lake makes it a nice place to represent the legs. I made a picnic there with a few locals who told me that the lake is sometimes overrun by ducks in the summer – a picture I don't forget so quickly.
All in all, the surroundings of Westville offer a colourful mix of nature, history and small urban surprises that appeal to every modern traveler – even if you don't want to spend the whole day on the beach. So those looking for authentic experiences should not only be limited to the city itself, but the diverse Westville Sights explore the surrounding area.
Those who come to Westville for the first time will immediately notice that the city has more charm than one would expect from a place with less than 2 000 inhabitants – and that without the usual tourist crowds, which are otherwise found in the guides.
I have to start with my favorite attraction: Westville Historical Museum. The small brick building on Main Street is a real treasure because it not only exhibits old school books and photo albums, but also the history of the railway that once drove through the valley. I remember standing there with my uncle as a child and admiring an original 1905 piece of “Westville’s First Locomotive” – a piece of metal that seemed to tell more stories than some bestsellers. Parking is usually a Klacks, there are some free places right in front of the museum, except on Sundays when the local senior group uses the site for their bingo.
A short walk further Westville Public Library, an inconspicuous brick building, which is a true paradise for book lovers. The shelves are surprisingly well sorted, and the staff knows every villager by name – no joke, I even borrowed a book about the local bird world that later helped me to observe the gravel bite in the city park.
The city park itself is another highlight that I always like to mention because it forms the heart of the municipality. There is a small lake, a playground, and in the summer the field next to the basketball basket turns into an improvised concert area when the local high school band plays their weekly “Sunset Jam”. I once made a picnic with friends while an older couple played chess – that was almost too idyllic to be true.
If you are already in the word “sightings”, you can Westville Water Tower not overlooked. This rusty colossus protrudes over the roofs and is the unofficial landmark of the city. I saw him for the first time at sunset when the light dipped the metal into a warm orange – a picture I've stored in my cell phone until today. The tower is not accessible to visitors, but a short stop at the edge of the main road is enough to shoot a good photo. And yes, parking here is always a children's game because the road is barely driven.
A little away from the center lies the St John the Baptist Catholic Church, a pretty brick building from the 1920s. The interior is simple, but the glass windows tell biblical scenes in bright colors. I once participated in a fair because I had run out, and the community welcomed me with a smile and a piece of apple cake – that is the kind of hospitality that you rarely find.
For those who like to catch a little fresh air and at the same time want to learn about rural life, the Westville Farmers Market A must. Every Saturday morning, local peasants expose their vegetables, honey and homemade jams. I tried the best corn bread of my life there that was baked by an older lady named Marge – she swears that her secret is a shot of apple cider vinegar. The market is located right next to the town hall, so there are always enough parking spaces as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime when the city administration stops its weekly “Bingo office round”.
Finally, a little hint for those who like to inhale a bit of nostalgia: the old Westville Schoolhouse, which now serves as a community centre. There art exhibitions and crafts courses take place regularly. I took part in a potter's course where I got more tone on my hands than on the cup I produced in the end – but the laughing of the other participants was unpaid.
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