What makes Saint Joe's sights so special is the silent story hidden between the old field roads and the few but proud buildings. I remember the first time I came to the small village, which was founded in 1830 by German immigrants and has hardly lost pace since then – a bit like a forgotten chapter in the Indiana history book, which you only find when you leave Highway 33 and turn into the rural veins of Concord Township.
The people here have a dry humour, which almost becomes a landmark: When chatting in the only diner of the place, the owner tells that the old post office once was the heart of the trade before the railway bypassed the city and made Saint Joe a quiet retreat. I feel that time is slower here – not because it is romantic, but because there is little to do.
If you arrive by car, take the US‐20 until the exit for DeKalb, then take a few kilometers of road north; the sign for Saint Joe is barely overlooked because hardly anyone needs it. And yes, the Saint Joe sights are not to be found in a guidebook, but that's exactly what makes the charm: a place you've discovered because you've lost yourself, not because it's on every list.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Saint Joe, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop I put to every visitor is that Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. I spent more time there than I would like to admit – not because I am a car nerd, but because the brilliant classics are simply a magnet for my nostalgia. The museum is located just about 15 km south of Saint Joe, so a short trip over County Road 2, and parking is almost always a Klacks as long as you do not collide with the local car lovers on Saturday night. I remember standing in the shadow of the Duesenberg-Stelen as a child, and I thought that these bodies have more style than most people today.
A short detour to the east leads you to Pokagon State Park – yes, this is a bit further, but the 30-minute ride is worth it. The lake there is crystal clear, and I have tried more than once to feed a few ducks, just to realize that they think I'm more of a snack. The park is famous for its treetop eiling bridge, which I tried with strong wind and almost felt I was in a bad action film. Parking is available at the main entrance, but it can be tight at the weekend, so better be there early.
Back to Saint Joe, but off the city, this is DeKalb County Historical Society Museum in Auburn. I found an old photo album there that shows my great-grandparents how they drove over the fields with a horse car – a picture that reminds me that this area has more to offer than just corn fields. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are hand-picked, and the staff is so friendly that they almost gave me the feeling that I am part of the story.
If you're looking for a place to let the soul grow, then grab your walking shoes and follow this Cedar Creek Trail. The path stretches through gentle hills, past small streams, and is perfect for a quiet picnic. I once organized an improvised barbecue festival because a neighbor suddenly had a desire for sausages – the result was a slightly burned sausage and a loud laughter that echoed over the forest. The trail is well signposted, and parking is free at most accesses as long as you don't arrive with a motorhome.
Another highlight that I cannot leave is the Auburn Riverwalk along the St. Joseph River. The promenade is ideal for a relaxing walk after lunch, and I have often used the opportunity to watch a few local artists who unpack their sketchbooks. The water glitters in the sunlight, and if you're lucky, you'll see a few ducks who dare to dare the shorestones. There are a few small parking spaces at the beginning of the walk, but on sunny days they fill up quickly – a good warning signal if you don't want to end up in traffic.
For those who want to sniff a little culture, this is Auburn Community Theatre a real secret tip. I saw a piece that was performed by local high school students and was surprised how professional the whole thing was. The theater is in the heart of downtown, and parking is a bit tricky there – you have to run a few blocks to find a free place, but this is part of the adventure, right?
Finally, if you feel that you need a little more “local” flair, then take a look at the Auburn Downtown Historic District. The old brick buildings, the small boutiques and the café, which always serves the best coffee in the area, have something I can't put into words – a mix of history and modernity that calms and excites you at the same time. I met an old man there who told me he grew up here and still visited the same bakeries as 50 years ago. This is the true heart of DeKalb County.
Whether you’re a car fan, nature lover, history-interested or just looking for a cozy café – the surrounding of Saint Joe offers a colorful mix of experiences that can surprise any traveler. And if you have experienced all this, you will understand why the Saint Joe Attractions take a special place in my heart.
This guide invites you to explore with me a small but surprisingly charming spot Indiana, which I lovingly call Saint Joe – a place that has more to offer than you would suspect at first glance.
I start with the St. Joseph Riverfront Parkbecause the water here is the only one that is not clogged by the city administration. The river swells gently through the heart of the city, and the park area is a perfect mix of picnic tables, a small boat rental and a walk that winds along the shore. Parking is usually easy, except on sunny Saturday afternoons when the families with barbecue equipment occupy the field and turn the whole into an improvised festival.
A short walk further (and a bit over the bridge that I always think is “the old, crunching”) leads to St. Joseph River Trail. I have gathered my best thoughts for the next chapter of the book – this is not only the slight gradient, but also the occasional signs that tell the story of the river. The trail is well marked, and the only thing you should note is that the asphalt sections can become a smooth slide in winter, so solid footwear is a must.
If you have enough of nature, I recommend a trip to St. Joe Public Library. The building is a real piece of jewelry from the 1920s, with high windows and a wooden staircase, which gives a light sound when climbing and descending – an acoustic sign that history still lives here. I once found an old city archive that tells about the founders of the city, and that was a real Aha moment because I immediately refuted the myth that Saint Joe is always just a passage.
A little further down the main road, where the old shop fronts still radiate the charm of past times, lies St. Joe Fire Department Museum. Here, the volunteer firefighters keep old engines, helmets and a few photos that show how the fire would almost swallow the whole town. I have to admit, I don't quite understand the hype about old fire brigades, but the sound of the old siren, which occasionally penetrates from the museum, has something almost romantic – at least for me.
Another highlight that I cannot leave is the St. Joseph Catholic Church. The church is not only a place of prayer, but also an architectural gem with a stone facade and colourful glass windows that create a kaleidoscopic light play in the summer. I took part in a Sunday worship service, just to taste a freshly baked apple cake in the municipal house – a real secret tip that the locals rarely award.
For those who want to enjoy the urban drive a little longer, there is Saint Joe Community Center. Here, flea markets, art exhibitions of local artists and even a small jazz evening regularly take place when the weather plays. I once discovered an old record player who still works there, and that was the highlight of my evening – no joke, the cracker of vinyls has raised the whole atmosphere to a new level.
And yes, if you are looking for a compact overview, just type “Saint Joe Attractions“in your search engine – you will quickly notice that most lists call only the obvious points, while the real treasures here are kept by the locals.
At the end a small note: The city is small enough that you can reach almost anything on foot, but a bike is practical if you want to fully cost the trail. And next time you're in Indiana, remember that Saint Joe is more than a stopover – it's a place where history, nature and a bit of unique charm come together to provide you with a real Midwestern experience.
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