Travellers from all over the world appreciate Boonville attractions because of their surprisingly rural authenticity that I felt right away during the first walk through the old Main Street. The city, founded in 1816 and named after the pioneer William Boon, is embedded in the same-named Boon Township, which in turn represents a small part of the historical Warrick County in Indiana – a county named after the revolutionary hero Dr. Jonathan Warrick and has been the backbone of this region for over two centuries. I have to admit that I cannot fully understand the whole hype around the “small city with charm”, but the silent fields that line the surrounding area have something calming that you rarely find in the crowded metropolises.
When you arrive by car – I usually take the I‐64, leave it to Exit 5 and then follow the State Road 162 – you can immediately feel the interplay between rusty barns and well-maintained pre-gardens. The people here are friendly but not intrusive; a short chat with the owner of the local diner is enough to understand why the municipality is so proud of its history. I often wondered why Boonville is no longer advertised touristically, although the historic buildings from the 1800s and the well-preserved old town are almost an open-air museum. And that's exactly what makes Boonville's sights an underestimated jewel for me: they offer an honest, slightly cynical perspective on American country life, which is rarely found in guidebooks.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a place that tells more stories from the Stone Age than one would expect in every museum. I drove the 30 km from Boonville across the US-41, and parking was a children's game – a small, inconspicuous car park right next to the visitor center, where I almost felt like landing in a different time after a short grip on my mobile phone charger. The mound buildings themselves are impressive, and the museum also provides enough context to not feel you simply walk through a field. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about the “Mound Culture” completely, but the panorama about the Ohio River Delta landscape is really great.
A short detour to the south leads to Hovey Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area. There are more ducks than people, and that's exactly what I'm looking for on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The way to the main access is a little muddy after the rain – a small indication that this is not an overflowing amusement park – but that makes fishing and bird watching all the more satisfying. For the first time, I saw a rare black-neck diver there, and that was a real lucky handle, because otherwise I only see the usual ducks and geese. Parking is a bit tricky at the weekend because the hunting groups spread their trucks, but a short roundabout around the lake usually solves the problem.
Further north, almost in the city area of Evansville, this is Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. I spent the first time there a few hours because I thought a walk through an old forest was “relaxing”. What I hadn't expected was the feeling of wandering in a film by David Attenborough – huge beech, moss-covered roots and the occasional Rascheln that reminds you that you are not alone. The parking lot is well signposted, and the visitor center offers a map that does not mislead you – a rare consolation in the wilderness. I even watched a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a piece of nut while I adjusted my camera.
A bit further west, almost on the edge of the city, this is Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. I was skeptical because I'm not just a big fan of zoos, but the combination of small, well-kept animals and a lovingly landscaped botanical garden surprised me. The zoo is small, but that means that you don't have to stroll endlessly through crowded paths – a short stop at the Flamingo pond is enough to warm the heart. Parking is free at the main gate, and I even found a place while a local family trip filled the entire terrain. A little hint: the café serves surprisingly good homemade muffins that you should not miss.
For those who want to sniff a little culture, this is Reitz Home Museum a real secret tip. The Victorian mansion, which once belonged to the industrialist John Reitz, is a real jewel – from the artistic stucco works to the original furniture that still radiates the splendor of past times. I have seen a tour there with a very expert guide who knew more anecdotes about the Reitz family than an average historian. The parking lot is a small but fine place behind the house, and the museum is just about 20 km from Boonville, so a short trip that is worth it if you have a little time to admire the fine details.
Another highlight I didn't want to leave is that Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science. The museum is a bit like a Swiss pocket knife – art, history and science under one roof. I saw the permanent exhibition on the region, which remarkably well explained why the Ohio River region was so important historically. The parking lot is large enough to find a place even on busy days, and the café on the ground floor offers a good espresso if you need a little energy after the tour.
Last but not least, if you feel that you have enough of museums and nature, I recommend a trip to Evansville Riverfront. The river section is not only a popular place for walkers, but also houses the amphitheater, where concerts take place occasionally in the summer. I heard a little jazz quartet there on a lukewarm evening while the lights of the city glistened over the water. Parking is free on the main access at Riverfront Plaza, but on concert evenings it can be filled quickly – a short walk a bit further away solves the problem usually.
So next time you drive over Boonville, don't forget that the environment has more to offer than just the small shops in downtown. From prehistoric hills to quiet wilderness areas to charming museums and a lively river bank – the region has something to offer for everyone. And that's exactly what makes Boonville Sights to a surprisingly varied experience that you should not miss.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the small but self-contained Boonville, where every street corner has a bit more history than you would suspect at first sight.
I always start with the Old Warrick County Courthousebecause the building is not only an imposing piece of brick, but also the heart of the Boonville Sights is formed. The tower rises over Main Street, and when you stand there on a sunny afternoon, you can almost hear the rustling of the court records that were once decided. I took a photo there while a Ohio tourist spoke loudly about the “authentic” atmosphere – I had to sneak inside, because the only thing that is authentic here is the crunching staircase on the second floor.
Only a few blocks further Warrick County Historical Museumthat is hidden in the former courthouse itself. I have read more about the early settlers there than I have ever thought necessary, and the old railway model, which is exhibited there, has almost made me revive my childhood dreams of the locomotive leader. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the weekly flea market event blocks the road.
A short walk leads you to Riverfront at Ohio River. There is no exaggerated tourist path, only a narrow path, a few benches and the occasional noise of the water that reminds you that Boonville is not just a landline in the interior of the country. I once made a picnic there while a fisherman told me that he has been doing his best pikes here for 30 years – no joke, he even showed me a small but magnificent pike he had just caught.
If you want to sniff the real Boonville feeling, you have to Main Street check. There is the small café “Boonville Brew”, which I personally consider to be the best homemade apple cake – and this is not just my opinion, that is a fact that every local confirms. Right next to the café, Boonville Public Library, a charming red brick building that offers not only books but also a little rest. I once borrowed a book about local folklore and caught the librarian by secretly napping a piece of cake from the café – that was the most honest “crime” I have ever observed.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is the Boonville Water Tower. This rusty colossus is not only an orientation point, but also a popular photo pot for Instagrammers who believe they have found something “authentic rural”. I did a selfie there while a tractor passed, and the result was an image that looks more like “Midwest-Motto” than art – but hey, this is Boonville.
For those who like a little scary, there is old prison on the edge of the city, which today serves as a small museum. The cells are still provided with rusty bars, and a former guard told me that the ghosts of the former inmates allegedly knock the light at night. I have not seen the light, but I have the feeling that history here is as lively as the daily life in Boonville.
Finally, a hint for those who want to experience something all year round: Heritage Days in July are a true spectacle of traits, local handicraft stands and a lot of hot dogs that contain more fat than an average fast food meal. I once tried to find the “best” maize bread there and finally went home with a full belly and a slight dizziness – no joke, that was a real feast.
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