What makes Petersburg sights so special is the way history can be felt here not only in dusty plaques, but in every barn and every small café. I remember driving over the old railway bridge for the first time – a relic from the 1880s, which still runs over the Patoka River and sprays more charm than some modern highway. The city was founded in 1815, and although it never went up to the metropolis, it kept its own, slightly defensive rhythm.
When you get out of Indianapolis by car, just follow the I‐69 to exit 31 and let the wide fields of the Washington Township calm down – a bit like a reset button for the soul. A short trip to the centre leads you to the old brick buildings, which today house cozy locals; I don't understand the hype about the hip food trucks, but the rustic diner on Main Street is really great.
A walk through the historic district lets you discover the traces of the early settlers, while the friendly residents tell you with an eye-catcher that everyone still breathes a bit of “Old-West feeling”. And yes, if you ask yourself where to get a drink in the evening, just look for the little pub behind the town hall – this is my secret favorite spot that I put to every visitor's heart.
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The first stop is Patoka Lake, a piece outside of St. Petersburg nestled in the vast Hoosier landscape. I spent a rainy afternoon there, while other tourists with their colourful inflatables glitted over the smooth waves – a picture that you only know from postcards. The water is surprisingly clear, and if you are lucky, you can grab a huge bass on the fishing, which is a real lucky handle for dinner. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the shore turns into a small battlefield of crowded pitches.
A short detour leads to Hoosier National Forest, a forest that offers more paths than you can count in an average Instagram feed. I have tried the Trail “Pine Ridge” that sounds through dense jaws and occasionally leads past small streams – ideal to turn off the phone and actually hear nature. The forest is well signposted, but the signs can be somewhat weathered in some places, so better keep a map in mind. For those who do not like to hike, there are numerous picnic places that are usually free, except when a local family trip is in full swing.
The Otwell Covered Bridge is another highlight that I almost accidentally discovered when I was looking for a café that is not overrun by tourists. This wooden construction from 19. The century stands proudly above the small creek and looks like it just saw the light of the world – a bit cheesy, but honestly a perfect place for a quick photo that shines on Facebook. Access is free, and parking is possible directly at the edge of the bridge, with a few bicycles to be hired in the summer.
Only a few kilometers further Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that attracts more birdwatchers than most people. I spent a few hours there to catch the rare Sandhill crows, and must admit that the quiet plundering of the river is almost hypnotic. There is a small visitor centre, which is rarely occupied, so better watch online for current information. The path to the main observation point is well walkable, but the terrain can become muddy after heavy rain – i.e. pack solid shoes.
Another must is that Pike County Fairgrounds, which hosts various events throughout the year, from year markets to local trade fairs. I was there during the autumn festival when the stalls were overcrowded with pumpkins and apple cake – a scent that immediately lets you converge the water in your mouth. The terrain is large enough to avoid the crowd, and parking is usually sufficient as long as you do not come to the main attraction “Riesenrad” then it can become narrow.
Last but not least, I recommend a detour Bicknell, a small town that doesn't seem to offer much, but it houses a charming historical museum that makes the history of the region alive. I saw an old photograph of a horse car there that reminded me of how quickly time changes – and how little changes are made to the people who live here. The museum has no entrance fee, and parking is right in front of the building, where you usually find a free place, as long as you don't get to school on weekends.
When you explore the surroundings of Petersburg, you can quickly discover that the region has more to offer than just a few dusty land roads. From the glittering waters of Patoka Lake to the quiet paths of the Hoosier National Forest to the historical corners such as the Otwell Covered Bridge – there is something for everyone who makes the heart beat faster, even if you are honest and don't understand the one or the other tourist crypt. And that's exactly what makes Saint Petersburg to a worthwhile destination for those seeking a bit of authenticity and a pinch of local irony.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden treasures of Petersburg, and I start with what I personally think of the Nonplusultra: the imposing Pike County Courthouse. The building dominates Main Street like an oversized, slightly superior uncle who still believes he is the center of the universe. The clock tower is not only a photo motif, it is also a reliable point of orientation if one is lost in the labyrinth of the old brick shops – what happened to me the other day when I tried to find the way to bakery and instead landed in an antique shop that had more dust than customers. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because the weekly “Petersburg Bierfest” blocks the street.
A short walk further leads you to the Petersburg Historic District, a collection of Victorian façades that would tell more stories than the local newspaper would ever admit. I once met an old man there who told me that every house once belonged to a “rich farmer” who is probably only living in the memories of his grandchildren. The cobblestone streets are not exactly a dream for the shoes, but this is part of the charm – and if you are lucky, you will stumble over a small café serving the best apple cake in the area (no joke, that's really good).
If you have enough of sweet temptations, stroll to the Pike County Museum, which is located in a former Carnegie library building. The museum is a bit like an over-ambited family album – it shows everything from old land machines to photos of mayors who had more hair than mind. I found an old tractor uniform there, which I tried from pure curiosity; the staff laughed, and I had to admit that I felt a bit like a real farmer until I realized I had no driving licence for tractors. Parking behind the museum is free, but be warned: The road is narrow, so drive carefully, otherwise you land in the garbage bucket.
Another highlight I cannot conceal is the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The church of 1865 is an architectural relic that has more candlelight than an average Christmas tree. I visited the fair once on a Sunday, just to find out that the municipality knows more about the latest history of the city than about the Bible. Nevertheless, the acoustics there is a dream for anyone who likes to sing – and this is a good reason to test the organ if you happen to have a musical talent.
For nature lovers there is the Patoka River, which is not exactly a national park, but nevertheless a beautiful place for fishing and relaxing. I spent an afternoon there, while I tried to catch a pike that refused to bite – a classic example of the fact that nature is as lucid as the locals. Access to the river is free, and parking on the small boat dock is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime when the local anglers exchange their “secret tips”.
An absolute must for those who want to experience the real “Petersburg” is the Pike County Fairgrounds. This is where the annual County Fair takes place, which has more rides than a small amusement park and still preserves the charm of a small town. I remember a year when I was stuck in an oversized sugar cane cloud and missed almost the whole feast because I lost myself in the snake for the giant wheel. The grounds are well signposted, and parking is free on the ground floor – a rare luck in this area.
Last but not least a short note to the Petersburg Public Library and the adjacent Community Center. The library is a quiet retreat where you can find old city chronicles between the shelves, which reveal more about the local peculiarities than any tourist brochure. The Community Center regularly hosts small concerts and art exhibitions that are often overlooked because they do not advertise loud enough. I heard a jazz quartet that was better than what would be expected in larger cities. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the center of Petersburg is not exactly known for its wide streets, but a short walk from the main road is enough to reach the destination.
So, next time you think about “Petersburg Sights”, remember that this city has more to offer than just a few old buildings – it has character, a bit of cynicism and a lot of stories waiting to be discovered by you. And if you don't see me anymore, you know where to find me: probably at the corner where the café serves the best apple cake while I think about the next “hidden jewel”.
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