Paragon is located in the middle of the rural Indiana and surprises with a mixture of wild nature and historical building substance. I like the city because it is not overrun and every light game tells a new story. For photography lovers there are numerous Sightseeing in Paragon, which are perfect for detail and panoramic views. The combination of quiet river banks and small districts makes the formation of moods particularly exciting.
I plan the shooting around the four most important light phases. The Civil Twilight the first city lights begin to glow – ideal for silhouettes. The Golden Hour provides warm, diffuse light that works particularly well at the old brick buildings. The Sunset over the few buildings creates dramatic shadows that are well suited for dusk compositions. In Blue Hour the calm waters of Burkhart Creek can be immersed in a deep blue with long exposure. The map tool by poi‐travel.de, which is embedded under this text, shows the position of the sun, the azimuth and the exact direction – a real time and space separator.
The park is the main attraction for nature and landscape photography in Paragon. The clear brook swells between moss-grown stones, especially in the Blue Hour looks impressive. The old wooden bridge offers a stable foreground for long-term exposures. Opening hours: daily from sunrise to sunset, free admission. Best time for photos: Spring when the foliage is still tender, and fall when the water is mirror smooth. Insider tip: A short walk to the right from the main road leads to a hidden viewpoint from which you can see the sunset over the forest.
This historic road is a real one Landmark for street and architectural recordings. The old headstone paver railway line, lined with trees, produces long shadows in the morning light. The road is freely walkable, but not driven so you can work undisturbed. Opening hours: around the clock, no entrance. Ideal for recordings during Civil Twilightwhen the first lights of the city appear behind the trees. Local note: On the weekend there is a small peasant market that brings additional colors to the picture.
The nature reserve is another topLandmark for nature photographers. Here there is a small lake ecosystem that looks like a mirror in calm weather. The route leads to an elevated view tower, from which you can see the surrounding hills. Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm, free admission. The best light hour is the Golden Hourwhen the water shimmers golden yellow. Insider tip: A hidden path leads to an old oak, which in autumn offers a spectacular color play.
This former military camp is today a popular place for urban and historical recordings. The remaining wooden and tent structures give a rough flair, which works particularly with weak light. The grounds are open to the public, free admission, opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For Sunset-Foto recommends the west side, where the light dips the old bunkers in warm red. Local note: On Friday night there is occasionally a small concert that provides additional light sources.
The museum is the central Landmark for historical and interior recordings. The exhibition on the historical peace treaty is housed in a restored brick building, which is well to photograph from the outside. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, admission 5 USD. The building shines especially during the Golden Hour** when the sunlight falls through the high windows. Insider tip: In the cellar there are old artefacts that create an interesting game of light and shadow in art light.
This Victorian mansion is considered the architectural highlight of Paragon. The elaborate veranda and the artistic woodwork make it a perfect Landmark for detailed and portrait recordings. Opening hours: only to visit from outside, accessible at any time, no entry. The best time is Blue Hour** when the house is immersed in a cool light and the windows show a warm light. Local note: Behind the house there is a small garden that is full of flowers in the spring – an additional photo pot.
The old iron bridge over the Burkhart Creek is a classic for long-term and night photography. The steel structure reflects the light of the city lights and produces interesting patterns. The bridge is freely accessible, free entrance, opening hours: 24 hours. For recordings during Blue Hour** recommends a tripod and an ND filter to emphasize the lights of the city in the water. Insider tip: On the left there is a small parking lot from which you can catch the bridge at a wide angle.
Paragon combines calm natural landscapes, historical buildings and open spaces that offer exciting light moods all year round. The Sightseeing in Paragon knows, easily find the perfect place for sunset, blue hour or city light recordings. The mix of little people and versatile photospots makes the visit a rewarding experience for anyone who wants to expand their image collection.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Paragon, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
| Phase | Characteristics | Top attractions in Paragon |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | Warm, diffuse light; ideal for reflective water surfaces and brick buildings. | Powell Preserve, Ten O' Clock Line Treaty Museum |
| Sunset | Dramatic shadow, intense red light. | Camp Hughes, Burkhart Creek County Park |
| Civil Twilight | First city lights, silhouette effects. | Old State Rd 67 West |
| Blue Hour | Cool, deep blue light; perfect for long-term exposures. | Burkhart Creek County Park, Dr. H.G. Osgood House, Secrest Ferry Bridge |
| Photos | Settings (ISO/Blende/Zeit) | Professional tip |
|---|---|---|
| Burkhart Creek County Park | 200 ISO / f/8 / 1/60 s | Use a tripod and an ND filter for long-term recordings during the Blue Hour. |
| Old State Rd 67 West | 400 ISO / f/5.6 / 1/30 s | Choose a light counterlight compensation to emphasize the long shadows in the Civil Twilight. |
| Powell Preserve | 100 ISO / f/11 / 1/125 s | Position yourself at the view tower to capture the golden water in the foreground. |
| Ten O' Clock Line Treaty Museum | 200 ISO / f/4 / 1/80 s | Use the warm light that falls through the high windows for detailed photos of the brick facade. |
| Camp Hughes | 400 ISO / f/5.6 / 1/200 s | Shoot the west side shortly after sunset to capture the red light on the bunkers. |
| Dr. H.G. Osgood House | 800 ISO / f/2.8 / 1/30 s | Use a light whitening in the image processing program to highlight the warm window lights. |
| Secrest Ferry Bridge | 200 ISO / f/9 / 30 s (with tripod) | Use an ND filter to smooth the reflective lights in the water during the Blue Hour. |
However, the surrounding area of Paragon is not exactly a tourist magnet, but a collection of small towns and natural areas that are well suited for spontaneous recordings.
Bloomington is quite relaxed, the Uni‐Campus architecture offers a mix of modern glass facades and old brick buildings. Especially in morning light, the light throws interesting shadows on the way.
Columbus is a bit overrun, but the modern architecture there is a real magnet for line and shape lovers. The buildings of Wright and other architects give every picture a structured touch.
The Hoosier National Forest is not far away. There are old trees that almost look like natural sculptures, and small streams that are particularly photogenic in rain.
Turkey Run State Park is okay, but sometimes something too full when the weather is good. However, an early visit is worthwhile – the deep valley and the weathered rock formations are a strong contrast to the flat fields.
Nashville, Indiana, has a small but charming main square. The old brick buildings there give a little retro feeling that can be easily combined with modern street shots.
French Lick is not only known for the casino, but also for the old thermal ruins. The combination of dilapidated structures and lush green looks almost cinematic.
Marengo is a bit off, but the wide fields and the old barn on the edge of the city offer a quiet backdrop that is rarely disturbed by tourists.
Indianapolis is of course the largest city nearby. For photographers who want to catch city life, there are many different neighborhoods – from industrial graffiti walls to well maintained parks.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
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