What makes Decker's sights so special is the silent story that takes place between the old barns and the cartiful oaks. I remember how I first came across the dusty road from I-69 and immediately felt to stumble into a forgotten chapter of the Middle West. Decker, a tiny place in the heart of Johnson Township, was founded in 1855 when brave settlers colonized the fertile land of Knox County to escape the noise of the cities – a dream that is still noticeable today in the few but well-preserved half-timbered houses.
When you arrive here, the car is usually the only means of transport that takes you through the wide fields; the next bus stops only in the neighboring city of Vincennes, so better plan your own car. I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but the rest here is really great – a perfect place to turn off the cell phone and listen to the whipping of the field birds. The old post carriage, which once drove through the township, today only has a small monument that I look over again and again because I rather visit the local farms where the owners proudly tell their story. And yes, if you are looking for Decker sights, you should not only keep in mind the buildings, but also the people – they are the true heart of this sleepy spot in the Middle West.
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The first stop I always imagine is that George Rogers Clark National Historical Park on the edge of Vincennes – yes, this is not exactly a leisure park with carousels, but the open prairie and the small museum give you the feeling that you could suddenly land in a Western film if you don't think about the next parking lot, which is always a small battlefield on Saturdays.
A short trip down the main road leads to GrouselandThe magnificent estate of William Henry Harrison. I don't quite understand the hype about presidential houses, but the cracking parquet and the original furniture have something authentic that you miss in most modern museums – and the best thing: parking is almost always a clack, as long as you don't get to the high season, then the field in front of the house becomes a true test for patience.
If you have enough of historical facades, that is Patoka Lake a welcome contrast. The lake is located about 30 minutes east of Decker and is a magnet for anglers, boaters and anyone who does not confuse the word “Stille” with the city library. I once caught a huge pike fillet that was almost as big as my ego after a successful blog post – and that is not too exaggerated. The docks are well signposted, but the bathing station sign is sometimes a little too artistic so that you can only find the way to the water after the third attempt.
A little further south stretches Hoosier National Forest. There are more trees than people here, and that's exactly what I appreciate in such places: no crowded cafes, only the rustling of leaves and the occasional cracking of an aste that gives you the feeling that you are in real Indiana. The trails are well maintained, but the signs can sometimes be so cryptic that you ask yourself if the Rangers make an inside joke about GPS devices.
Back in the city, but not in the heart of Decker, lies the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vincennes. The church is an architectural jewel from the 19th century. Century that you do not miss when you happen to be nearby. I once saw a concert where the organ was so loud that I thought the building would take off immediately – a real highlight if you appreciate the acoustic quality of churches that you only know from movies.
A short walk leads to Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. Yes, a museum dedicated to a clown, and yes, it is actually more interesting than one would expect. The collection of costumes and props is a bit like a time travel trip to the golden era of television, and the staff has a dry humor that fits perfectly to my slightly cynical way. Parking is almost always a children's game, as long as you don't get to the weekend, then the small visitor center will quickly become the hotspot for comedy fans.
A little off but definitely worth a detour, this is Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area is located north of Decker and offers an amazing variety of bird species – a paradise for ornithologists and for me, who likes to build a bit of nature into everyday life without hitting a tent. The trails are well marked, but the visitor center unfortunately has no coffee machine, which is a small drop of wormwood for someone like me who always has an espresso in his luggage.
Whether you are looking for historical sites, natural paradises or scurry museums – the surroundings of Decker, Johnson Township, offers a colorful mix that attracts every traveler a bit from the comfort zone. And while most of the attractions are easy to reach, the true adventure, the own Decker sights to discover, always a little unpredictable.
This guide invites you to discover the hidden corners of Decker who sometimes overlook locals – and yes, I confess, I spent more time here than I love.
For me, the Decker United Methodist Church, a small brick building from the 1880s, which sprays more charm than any hip city church. When entering, it smells like old wood and a bit after the coffee fragrance that the church serves every Sunday after worship. I once sat with a church service because I had run away, and the pastor explained to me that the nave originally served as a school room – an indication of how closely everything is interwoven here. Parking is virtually right outside the door, except on Saturday afternoons, when the parish hall hosts a flea market spectacle and floods the street of stands.
Just a short walk away Decker Cemeterya quiet place that tells more stories than any museum. I found an old tombstone that dates back to 1902 and bears the name “Eleanor M. Harlan” – my great aunt who has never moved away from Indiana. The terrain is freely accessible, and parking is a little bit further where an old tractor stands, which apparently serves as an art object for years. Those who like to sniff a bit of history should stay here a few minutes, but please don't be too loud – the graves don't like loud visitors.
A little more life brings Decker Park, a tiny green stripe with a playground that offers more rusty climbing stands than modern attractions. I’ve seen my nieces there for the first time “swinging” and found that parking at the edge of the park is always a bit messy because the residents put their cars there to watch the children. On sunny afternoons, the field fills with picnic blankets, and this is the perfect excuse to taste some local snacks from the nearby feed store.
If you're looking for a little more action, the path leads you to St. Joseph River – a piece of nature that is surprisingly well preserved here. I rented a kayak there and I paddled upstream while I tried to ignore the squeaking ducks that seem to welcome every visitor. The access point is on Decker Road, where a small parking space is available for about ten cars; However, it can be full on weekends because the anglers have the same goal.
Another landmark I cannot conceal is that Decker Grain Elevator, a massive silo column complex that has dominated the landscape since the 1950s. Once there I met an old farmer who told me that the grain is still supplied by local farmers – no wonder that the “silo light” looks like a lighthouse at night. Parking is best on the field behind the silo, where an old tractor stands, which serves more as a photo motif than a functional vehicle.
A little administrative charm can be found in Johnson Township Halla brick building that is more than just an office. I visited a meeting of the citizens' initiative where the future of the local water supply network was discussed – an exciting topic that shows that there are still real decisions. The building has a small front garden where you will find some wild flowers in the summer; parking is right in front of the main entrance, but be warned: at the first Mondays of each month there is a “citizen breakfast” where parking is quickly occupied.
Last but not least, Decker Volunteer Fire Department forgetting that not only in emergency, but also as a local meeting place. I once participated in a “Fire-Truck‐Open-House” where I had the opportunity to sit in an old fire truck – an experience I will never forget. The building is located on the main road, and parking is practically always available, except when the department is currently carrying out a large deployment training and blocks the entire terrain.
All this together Decker sights to a small, but fine mosaic of history, everyday life and a bit of adventure – and if you drive through Johnson Township the next time, stop, grab a coffee from the local diner and let yourself be wrapped up by the mixture of rustic charm and surprising liveliness.
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