What makes New Middletown sights so special is the unique mix of historical silence and the quiet drones of modern country roads that almost lets you forget that you are even on the road. I remember the first time I drove over the old railway bridge, which once formed the backbone of the small community, and immediately got the feeling of standing in a chapter that was made by pioneers and a bit of the excessively great satisfaction of the 19th. Century settlers were written.
New Middletown is located in the heart of Webster Township, a part of Harrison County, which since the 1820s has slowly evolved from a wild border to a tranquil agricultural and small industrial centre. The city itself was officially founded in 1835, named after a local inn that allegedly embodied the “middle-of-world” feeling – a bit cheesy, but hey, that’s Indiana.
When you arrive here, take the State Road 135, which leads you almost unnoticed through the flat fields, or grab the train that occasionally swings from Indianapolis to Louisville – a nostalgic trip that takes you directly to the village centre, where the old brick houses still radiate the charm of past days. I don’t understand the hype about the “rustic idyll”, but the weekly peasant market meeting next to the old post is really great and gives you a good impression of why the locals are so proud of their history.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to Corydon Capitol State Historic SiteThe former Indiana government seat. I only discovered the old brick building because a bored tourist showed me a photo of a rusty lantern – and then I suddenly stood in the middle of the 19th. Century. The courtyard still smells like old wood and a bit of dust, but this is exactly what makes the whole authentic. Parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you don't come with the whole school class on Saturday night, then the field becomes a mini-store.
A short detour to the south brings me to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Spencer County. I don't quite understand the hype about the little boy who later became president, but the museum has a few really well-preserved artefacts that let you almost believe that Abraham really did his first steps here. I found an old diary there – or at least a replica – that gave me the feeling of walking in another time. The path to the monument is lined with oaks, and parking is easy thanks to a small but fine pier.
If I have enough of history, I'll grab my kayak and paddle the Blue River down. The river is not exactly a tourist magnet, but that makes it my favorite place for a little rest. I once saw a bear (well, a very big raccoon) on the shore, staring at me with a look as if he wanted to say: “You are not welcome here.” Nevertheless, the water is clear, the flow is gentle enough for beginners, and parking on the launchpad is usually free – except for the hot summer days, there are spontaneous “boats’ poles”.
A couple of miles further Hoosier National Forest, a huge green piece extending over several counties. I spent a weekend in a rustic hut that had hardly more than one bed and a wood stove. The trails are well marked, and I almost ran because I followed a squirrel too much – the animal clearly had a better sense of orientation than I did. Parking at the Trailhead is usually an open field that you can easily drive by car as long as you don't try to start a picnic at the same time.
A little further east, almost on the edge of the country, this is Patoka Lake. I tried to fish there for the first time, and after an hour of walking around with the fishing rod, I finally caught a small cash – a triumph that I celebrated with a wide grin and a loud “no joke, that was my greatest catch of the day!” The lake is large enough that you can round almost the entire shore, and parking is a children's game thanks to several designated lots places, as long as you don't come on the first Saturday in July, when the whole county hosts a festival here.
A short detour to the west leads me to Hayswood Nature Reserve, a small but fine nature reserve that is maintained by local nature lovers. I have met a group of volunteers who were just about to remove some invasive plants – a bit of work, but the result is a beautiful piece of forest that invites you to stay. Parking is a simple gravel path that leads directly to the main path, and the whole is perfect for a quick walk if you need some fresh air after a long day in the city.
Whether you’re looking for history, nature or a quiet place on the water – the surroundings of New Middletown have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. My personal highlights range from historical sites to wild rivers to silent forests, and each of these goals has its own, slightly self-contained charm. So next time you drive over the road, remember that the New Middletown Attractions not only can be found in the city itself, but in the surrounding areas waiting to be discovered.
The history of New Middletown begins long before the first highway sign I've ever seen – it's in the dusty rows of fields that were still surrounded by the first settlers, and I feel that every old wooden beam here whispers a secret. I remember my first walk through New Middletown Community Center, which is more a collection pool for local peculiarities than an ordinary municipal house. The building is a collapsing brick box from the 1930s, but the walls are full of photos of market winners and yellowed documents that show the pride of a community that never gets comfortable in modern times. Parking is almost always a Klacks – a small parking lot behind the entrance area is enough as long as you are not there on Friday night with the high school fans, then this becomes a little adventure.
A short detour to St John the Baptist Catholic Church is almost obligatory if you are interested in architecture that has more charm than any Instagram filter app. The church was built in 1905, and its top roof rises like a venerable index finger into the sky. I accidentally stole the last piece of apple cake from the community kitchen at the Sunday divine service – no joke, that was the best piece I've ever eaten, and the pastor gave me a knowledgeable smile when I apologized. Parking is a bit trickier here, because the plot is surrounded by a small cemetery, but a few free places you can always find when walking around the old gravestone.
If you're looking for a little less sacral, look at this New Middletown Historical Society Museum an – a tiny building that has more dust than visitors, but is a real treasure box. There are old maps that show how the area was once covered by corn fields and small wooden bridges. I found a handwritten shopping list of 1912 that consisted only of “meal, sugar, eggs, a bit of hope” – that made me sneak because I always wondered how people survived at that time without online order. The museum has no own parking space, so you have to park your car at the edge of the road and run a few meters – but this is almost part of the experience.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Old Grain Elevator at County Road 50. This rusty steel and wood monstrum is a photo motif that will amaze even the hardest Instagram influencers. I once made a selfie there while a tractor passed and almost covered the whole picture – the result was an epic “I-and-the-Bauernhof” shot that I still have in my mobile phone gallery. Parking is practical here because the terrain around the elevator is an open field that you can drive as you like, as long as you do not damage the old chimneys.
For those who prefer to find something green and tranquillity, New Middletown Park That's right. A small, but well maintained place with a playground, a picnic table and a tiny lake where ducks roam. I have often invited my friends to barbecues in the summer, and the best thing is that the garage (yes, a tiny but working) is right next to the main entrance – so no stress to find the car when you arrive with a bottle of lemonade and a guitar. The lake is not deep, but the ducks seem to love it, and they sometimes give you a little company when you sit alone on the bank.
A little away from the usual paths lies the Middletown Cemeterya quiet place that tells more stories than a museum. The tombstones reach to 19. Century, and I discovered there the inscription of a former blacksmith who allegedly built the first railway signal in the area. This is not only an interesting fact, but also a proof that this small community has always thought a little bigger than its modest name suggests. Parking is a bit improvised here – you have to park your car at the edge of the road and walk a few steps over the grass, but this is almost a ritual that lets you immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
And yes, if you're looking for a summary, then these are the New Middletown AttractionsI personally recommend for a visit – from the church to the museum to the old grain silo. Every place has its own charm, and I have to admit that I don't understand the hype around some small town attractions, but here there are enough peculiarities to surprise even the brunette traveler. So, grab your car, let the GPS down a bit and just follow your belly – New Middletown has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight.
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