Visit Boonville Warrick Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the old mill of Boonville in Indiana! The historical monument offers an interesting insight into the history of the region. Nearby attractions are Wabash & Erie Canal and Harrison-Crawford State Forest. Good food at the local restaurant "The Mule Deer Inn".
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.
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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