What makes Ashley landmarks so special is the silent story that is hidden between the old barns and the barely driven country roads. I remember how I first came to the village founded in 1840, named after the early pioneer Ashley and since then a small but persistent piece of Indiana identity has been preserved. Smithfield Township, which surrounds the village, was once an important hub for livestock production and cereals export – a fact that most guides prefer to leave because it does not sound like Instagram material. Nevertheless, when you stand on a warm summer afternoon at the old cemetery, you hear the quiet rustling of the ears, which almost looks like an echo from the past.
I usually drive over the U.S. route 30, which cuts right past Ashley, and then park at the small oak-lined parking lot behind the post office – yes, the old building from 1885, which still sorts letters as if it were in 1910. From there I stroll along the main road, past the only pub in the city where the beer is as dry as the conversations about the next choice. Those who want to experience the real Indiana should not only unleash the well-known sights, but also capture the small moments: the smile of the oldest inhabitants, the crunch of the wooden bridges over the small creek and the occasional bells of the church bell, which silences the air for a moment. And yes, I don't understand the hype about big cities, but here, in Ashley, every street feels like it's a chapter from a book that you want to read again and again.
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The first stop I put to every visitor is that Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Who comes here expects shiny bodies and the scent of old leather – and that's exactly what you get when you stroll through the halls where the legendary Duesenberg models are polished to high gloss. I almost felt like a time traveler who accidentally landed in the 1930s; the staff patiently explains why these cars were not only status symbols, but also technical miracles. Parking is almost always easy on the main building as long as you do not arrive on Friday night after the city event – then the field in front of the museum becomes a battlefield for the last free places.
A short trip to Auburn continues DeKalb County Historical Society Museum. The small but fine museum is a collection of agricultural equipment, old school books and photos that show the rural Indiana in its rough splendour. I have to admit, I was skeptical if a museum in a small town has anything to offer – but the lovingly restored barns and the original school room from the 1900s have completely knocked me around. Parking is a children's game because the museum is located on a former farm, where the field still serves as a parking lot.
If you have enough of dusty halls, the path continues to Pokagon State Park – a bit further north, but the ride is worth it. The lake, the hiking trails and the famous “Treetop Trail” (a suspension bridge velcro course) offer a natural experience that you can hardly find in the flat surroundings of DeKalb. I spent an afternoon there, while a few young people spoke loudly about the latest TikTok video – a perfect example of how nature is not spared by the modern world. The park has several entrances; the northern parking lot is mostly free, while the southern one is quickly full on weekends.
Back in the city of Auburn the Auburn Riverwalk along the St. Joseph River. The path is lined by old factory buildings, which have been converted to art galleries and cafés today. I drank a coffee there on a sunny afternoon, while an older gentleman told me stories about the former river cruise – a piece of lively history that you only know from museum books. Parking is at the end of the Riverwalk a small parking lot, which is usually free as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime when the city takes its lunch break.
Another highlight for those who like to be active is the Auburn Trail, a rebuilt railway corridor that extends over several kilometres and attracts both cyclists and walkers. I once made a morning run there, while a tractor driver walked past leisurely and shouted “Good morning!” – a moment that connects the rural serenity with the modern gym. The trail starts at the old railway station, where there is a small parking space for bicycles; this is practical because you don't have to look for a free space here long.
An architectural jewel you should not overlook is that DeKalb County Courthouse in Auburn. The imposing brick building from the late 19. The century dominates the cityscape and houses not only court proceedings, but also a small museum about the local jurisdiction history. I made a guided tour where an older judge told me why the court building is still the heart of the municipality – a bit dry, but amazingly fascinating when you see the old wood panels. Parking is possible directly in front of the building, but there is always a small crowd there on Monday morning, because the city administration stops its weekly meeting.
Lastly, the annual spectacle on the DeKalb County Fairgrounds Don't forget. The fair, the cattle shows and the local crafts stands offer a colourful kaleidoscope of Indiana tradition and modern entertainment. I once tried a piece of apple cake there, which was better than anything I've ever eaten in the big cities – and that already says a lot. The site has several large parking spaces that will be filled quickly on weekends, so it's better to come early if you want to secure a good place.
All in all, Ashley's surroundings offer a colourful mix of automotive history, rural culture, natural experience and small urban highlights that can surprise and delight every modern traveler. So, Ashley Attractions search should not only keep the city in mind, but above all the surrounding area in mind – there is the true Indiana waiting.
This guide invites you to explore with me a small but surprisingly charming spot in the Middle West – Ashley, a tiny place in the Smithfield Township, Indiana, which has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight.
I must confess at the beginning that this sweetheart my Ashley tour is the old town hall. The building from 1910 stands proudly on Main Street, with its slightly sloping watch, which has shown reliable (or not) time for decades. Inside there is a small museum operated by the local Historical Society – a collection of old school books, photos of horse-drawn carriages and an original wooden prison cell that can hardly be imagined to exist. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don’t come on Saturday night, then the road turns into a park chaos, because the annual “Ashley Days” festival crashes the whole city into a colorful mess.
A short walk further lies the Ashley Public Library, an inconspicuous brick box, which is a true jewel for genealogy fans. I ran into dusty files there for hours to unravel the history of my ancestors – and that while I quietly enjoyed the sum of the air conditioning that was almost as calming as the noise of the nearby brook. If you happen to find a book about the history of the American railway, then you're lucky: The library has a special copy of the old Ashley railway line that once drove through the village.
A few blocks on, at the end of Main Street, is the Ashley Community Park. There is not only a playground that is a paradise for the children, but also a small disc-golf course that I once tried – and yes, I missed the first throw completely, but the laughing of the locals was unpaid. The park is ideal for a picnic, because the picnic tables are in the shade of ancient oaks, and the barbecue is almost a ritual here. Easy said, this is the place where I spend my Sundays when I want to escape everyday life.
Another highlight that I cannot conceal is the small but fine Ashley Fire Department Museum. There are old, cracking fire trucks from the 1920s, a wooden hose and a helmet that has more rust than metal. The voluntary firefighter, who supervises the museum, likes to tell anecdotes about lost cows that have been run into the fire station – a real laughter, considering that the village was never big, but is always good for surprises.
If you want to have a bit of local shopping, stroll along Main Street and visit the Ashley Feed & Farm Supply. The shop is a relic from the time when everyone was a tractor driver, and offers everything from animal feed to handmade wooden toys. I bought a hand-carved wooden puzzle that is now in my living room – no joke, the part is a real conversational material when guests come.
And yes, I must not forget to mention the Ashley Days, the annual festival that takes place in August. There is a flea market, local bands, and the highlight is the “Best-Pie-Contest” where residents unpack their secret recipes. I have eaten the best cherry cake piece of my life there – and that, although I'm usually sceptical about everything that has to do with sugar.
At the end of my small but intense tour through Ashley, I would like to stress that the Ashley Attractions not only consist of buildings and events, but of the people who live here and share their stories. So next time you drive through the Middle West, stop, breathe in the fresh air and let yourself be surprised by this inconspicuous village – I promise you it will not be boring.
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