Visit Walton Cass Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Grissom AFB, Indiana: Historical Site and Rocket Museum! Experience the history of space.
Grissom Air Force Base places of interest have fascinated me since my childhood because they pack a piece of American military history in the middle of Indiana flatland. In 1942, as Naval Air Station Bunker Hill, later renamed in 1968 to an Air Force Base in honor of Astronaut Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom – yes, the same who died at Apollo 1. Today the area is located in the tranquil Pipe Creek Township, Miami County, and despite its size almost looks like a quiet neighbor of Miami, Indiana.
When you arrive by car, grab the US‐31 that leads you directly to the southern edge of the base; a short detour to County Road 25 takes you to the heart of the township, where a small diner with best pancakes awaits you – no joke, this is my favoritebreakfast after the aircraft noise. The train does not stop directly, but the local bus to Miami makes the journey almost as relaxed if you want to avoid the traffic.
I don't quite understand the hype about the huge hangars, but the adjacent field with the old B-52 rubbles is the highlight for me – a perfect spot for photography nerds that like to capture rusty nostalgia. And yes, the museum nearby is not the first thing to visit, but the view from the view tower over the wide training grounds is really great and gives you the feeling of floating over Indiana while you think about history.
I must confess at the beginning that my first love Grissom Air Force Base not the loud moaning of the jets was, but the simple, almost cheesy sign at the entrance, which in pale green bears the words “Welcome to Grissom Air Reserve Base” – a small taste of what expected me later. Right behind this shield is what I personally call the heart of the plant: Grissom Air Museum. I don't understand the hype about huge, shiny airplane museums, but here, between the old hangars, you have the feeling of touching a piece of history that is not overwhelmed by tourist masses. I saw an old B-57 “Stratofortress” there, which had more rust than metal, and yet the sound that he gave away when opening the hatch was a real highlight – no joke, that was almost poetic.
A short walk (or better said a short sprint because parking on Saturday night is a real drama) leads you to B‐58 Hustler, the only preserved Supersonic bomber ever built in the USA. I saw the plane for the first time at sunset; the silver metal glittered like an overpriced jewelry store. Many visitors are just staring at it and doing selfies, but I sat down, touching the cool metal construction and wondering why we put so much money in such machines. Nevertheless, this is a must – if you're here, don't miss it, otherwise you feel like missing something important.
A few meters further, almost hidden behind a bush, that stands C‐130 Hercules in all its slightly shameful splendour. I visited the plane from the inside because a friend from the reserve had just a maintenance exercise. The cockpit smells like old leather and lubricating oil, and the seats are so hard that you feel you sit on a board. Nevertheless, this is the true “Grissom Air Force Base Sights” – not a glitter, only pure, undefeated military technology.
If you're looking for a place where you can let the soul dangle, see the Memorial Chapel on. I was there on a rainy Tuesday when an old officer held a brief devotion. The benches are made of dark wood, the walls are covered with photos of fallen comrades, and the light falls through a small, dusty window. It's not what you expect from a base, but that's exactly what makes the charm – a quiet place where you can stop for a short time before returning to the loud driving of the planes.
Another highlight I always mention is the annual air show. I stood there for the first time in 2019 when an F‐16 made a loop over the audience’s minds and broke the crowd into a collective “wow”. The show is a bit touristy, but this is the only time in the year where you can see the whole spectrum of Grissom's flight capacity – from old propeller machines to modern jets. And yes, parking is a nightmare, but this is part of the experience, right?
For those who prefer walking, there is the Pipe Creek Traila narrow path that swells through the green heart of the base. I once experienced a sunrise while I ran after my dog, and that was one of those rare moments where you notice that you are not just a tourist but a part of the place. The trail is not signposted, so bring a GPS with you, otherwise you will end up in circles – a little hint from my experience.
Last but not least, old hangar-1 forgotten, which dates back to the 1940s. I found some old training plans on the ground there, and the sound of the cracking metal doors has put me back to the time when the base was still a secret. The hangar is not open to the public, but if you're lucky and have a friend in the service, you'll get a look behind the scenes – and that's better than any brochure.
So, next time you ask about Indiana and ask yourself if you should make a detour, remember: Grissom is not just a place for military enthusiasts, but a collection of history, technology and a little unexpected charm. And if you ask yourself where to park your car – just park at the main entrance, but be ready to fight a bit on Saturday night. This is the true Grissom experience, and I wouldn't want to have it any other way.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was the imposing Logansport Courthouse, a real piece of Indiana history that you don't miss when you ride the area around Walton. The brick building from 1882 dominates the cityscape of Logansport and looks as if an architect from the Victorian era had built a small palace for the local bureaucracy. I spent a few minutes with an old city archivist who told me that the court building once served as a meeting point for local policy discussions – a bit like a café, just with more judges. Parking is usually a children's game at the main square, as long as you don't come on Friday night, then the pavement becomes the battlefield zone.
A short walk (or better a short sprint if you want to test the Wabash River Heritage Trail) leads to the Logansport Riverwalk. There a narrow path stretches along the mighty Wabash, lined by old warehouses that today host chic lofts. I made a picnic there with a local baker from Walton – his cinnamon chicks are not a joke, and the noise of the river makes it almost meditative. The trail is well signposted, and the bicycle rental switch at the end of the bridge is usually occupied, except on hot summer days, if the locals prefer to plan in the water.
A few blocks further lies the Cass County Historical Society Museum, a place I like to sign as “the treasure chest of forgotten stories”. The exhibition is a patchwork of old maps, photographs of horse-drawn carriages and a collection of tools that are only seen in museums today. I remember finding an old diary in a dusty corner that was handwritten by a farmer from the 1890s – a real reading pleasure when you can decipher the manuscript. The museum is free, and parking is right in front of the door, but there is no large parking space, so better to come early if you don't want to drive in circles.
If you have enough of dusty halls, the path continues to Mississinewa Lake, a popular destination for anglers, boaters and families looking for a bit of water action. The lake is located about 20 km south of Walton and offers a well-preserved beach area, where I once won a spontaneous beach volleyball match with a few teenagers from the area – I was the old rabbit, but the 16-year-old team brought me to sweat properly. Parking at the main entrance is usually free except for long weekends when you feel like landing in a camping paradise.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, the Cedar Creek Trail is a real secret tip. The asphalted path leads through gentle hills, past old barns and small farms that still hold their own chickens. I straightened there for half an hour while a tractor slowly crossed the road – an image that impresses because it is the perfect mix of rural idyll and modern recreational culture. The trail is well marked, and parking at the starting point is a small, but fine parking, which is rarely full as long as you do not arrive on Saturday morning.
A little further north, almost on the border to Tippecanoe County, is the Tippecanoe River State Park. The park is a bit further away, but the ride is worthwhile if you want to experience nature in its ungrounded form. I spent a few hours on the river there, igniting a self-made campfire (of course only at the designated fire points) and enjoying the quiet water plunder. The trails are well maintained and the visitor centre offers maps that even a GPS refuser can understand. Parking is free at the main entrance, but the places are limited, so better appear early if you don't have to park in the circle.
If you want to explore the tranquil Walton and look a bit beyond the city boundaries, you will find a colourful mix of historical architecture, vibrant river banks and relaxing natural areas. These places give a good impression of what the environment has to offer and show that you can also gather exciting experiences off the well-known paths. For those looking for authentic experiences, these spots are a must – and all this is just a cat jump from the Walton Attractions removed.
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