Petersburg Pike Indiana - Top Sights 

• Petersburg Attractions – Washington Township, Pike County, Indiana
• Petersburg Sights & Attractions

Petersburg Attractions – Washington Township, Pike County, Indiana

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.

Petersburg Sights & Attractions

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”.