Visit Spencer Owen Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Spencer, Indiana - the Halloween headquarters! Here you will find the largest Pumpkin Christmas exhibition in the world and many other nuisances. A must for all pumpkin and Halloween fans!
Spencer sights have fascinated me since my first trip through the rural Indiana, and I have to admit that I don't always understand the whole hype around small towns, but here are a few things that really blow me around. Founded in 1853 as County Seat of Owen County, Spencer is located in the heart of Washington Township and bears the name of the early settler William Spencer – a guy who probably had more land than charm, but that's enough for a bit of history that can almost be overlooked by passing on State Road 46. Honestly, the road is the most practical connection when you come from Indianapolis; a short trip north and you are in the middle of the charming chaos of old wooden houses and modern farms.
I often wondered why people here are so proud of the old town hall – it is not an architectural miracle, but the building has more stories to tell than some blog about metropolises. And while you are there, take a look at the small but fine monument at the marketplace; it recalls the time when the railway was still the backbone of the region. No joke, the feeling of standing here is almost like a short time jump back to 19. Century only that you have your cell phone and the GPS navigation does not let you down.
A short trip to the nearby Patoka River State Park is also a must – not because I am a nature lover (I am rather a city man), but because the view of the water and the possibility to paddle a bit round off the whole “rural-Charm” thing. And yes, that’s another reason why I repeatedly mention the “Spencer Sights”: they show that even the most inconspicuous places hide a bit of magic when you’re ready to drive a few kilometers away from the highway.
I have to admit right at the beginning that my favorite place in Spencer is not some hip café, but that Spencer County Historical Museum. The old brick building on Main Street seems to have heard more stories than I could ever find in a book. I saw an exhibition about the early pioneers there the other day – not a snuck, only real artefacts that give you the feeling that you could almost hear the crying of the steam locomotives. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the school classes move with their buses.
A short walk down the road leads you to Spencer Town Hall. The building is a bit like a dusty family photo: charming, a bit crisp, but with a certain pride that you rarely find in modern buildings. I took part in a general assembly there – that was less a political drama, more a local gossip, in which the neighbours discussed the latest construction plans, while the old stand clock ticked loudly. If you're lucky, you can see the original original Original City coats hanging on the wall, and that's a real eye-catcher.
Here's a little side move: I do not understand the hype about the “Instagram walls” in some cities, but the Spencer Main Street with its historical storefronts has something authentic that you cannot cover with filters. I've discovered an old bookstore that has more dust than books, but that's what makes the charm. And if you ask yourself where to put your phone short while admiring the shop window – the café next to the museum has free Wi-Fi that actually works, no joke.
A few blocks on, almost unnoticed, the Spencer Public Library. I once borrowed a book about the history of Indiana horse breeding, because I thought that was a bit too special. Surprisingly, the staff was super friendly and even offered me a cup of coffee while I sat in the reading room and heard the quiet sum of the air conditioning. This is the true “Spencer Sights” experience: small, intrusive places that make you feel part of a community.
If you're looking for something that offers a little more action, then go to Spencer Community Center. The swimming pool is not Olympic, but it is the only one that is open in summer, and the staff there knows you when you first touch the water. I once took part in a yoga course – that was a bit like an attempt to find the inner tranquility, while a 12-year-old jumps through the room with a squeaking gum. Nevertheless, the center also has a small gym, and parking is almost always a Klacks as long as you don't go to the main event there.
An absolute must for those who want to taste the real land life is that Spencer County Fairgrounds. I was there in August when the annual harvest was held. The stands with fresh corn, the carousels, the local bands – this is what Spencer is. I even tried a piece of apple cake there that was better than anything I've ever eaten in a big city. And yes, parking is a bit messy when the fair is in full swing, but this is part of the experience.
A last, slightly forgotten treasure is that Spencer County Veterans Memorial on the edge of the Fairgrounds. I stood there once after a long walk and read the names of the fallen. It is quiet, almost meditative, and reminds you that behind every small city there is a deeper historical braid. Next time you're in Spencer, take a few minutes to stay there – this is what makes a visit here from a mere tour to a small, personal adventure.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was McCormick’s Creek State ParkThat's just a few miles north of Spencer. I have to admit that I really understood the whole hype about the “smallest ravine of India” only after a misfortune attempt to photograph the waterfall – the noise of the brook is louder than that of my camera, and that makes the whole thing more authentic. The park offers a network of hiking trails ranging from cosy walks to challenging climbing areas; I tried the “Canyon Trail” which, after about 2.5 km, suddenly leads into a shady valley where the light dances through the leaves. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field full of caravans becomes a small battlefield.
A short detour into Hoosier National Forest brought me to one of the less well-known but more impressive paths – the Pine Hills Trail. There, between centuries-old jaws, I found an abandoned campfire that was apparently left behind by an enthusiastic camper who apparently forgot to remove his Marshmallow shoot. I've re-ignited the campfire in a short time, just to realize that the crack of the flames in the forest was almost too romantic to ignore it. The trail is well signposted, and parking at the main exit point is almost always free, unless a local hunter has decided to spend his weekend there.
Further north, almost on the edge of the forest, this is Shades State Park. There are no exaggerated numbers of visitors here, but a few really steep sandstone rocks that make anyone who has not just completed a climbing course amaze. I'm on the Ridge dares and almost lost the hold when a particularly curious roof pushed me from the side – a short moment in which I thought whether to use the animal for a selfie. The parking lot is small but sufficient, and the visitor center is occupied only during the summer months, which means that in autumn you are almost alone with the sounds of the forest.
A bit further east, almost like a secret tip for everyone who loves water, this is O’Bannon Woods State Park. The lake there is not huge, but the clear water has led me to unpack my old fishing – an attempt that ended in an almost empty net, but in an encounter with an extremely conversational duck pair that almost convinced me to an interview about the best fishing spots. The park offers numerous picnic areas, and parking is not a problem thanks to a wide asphalted area, even when you arrive with a fully loaded picnic basket.
Just half an hour southeast of Spencer, Patoka Lakefamous for its fishing friends and boaters. I rented a small kayak there and paddled over the quiet bay, while an older couple, beside me, loudly discussed the “good old time” – a real Indiana charm that made the water appear a bit smoother. The lake has several docks, and parking is usually easy as long as you do not get to the high season, then you can quickly be forced from a full parking lot to the next avoidance maneuver.
A little further west, almost on the edge of the known Turkey Run State Park, wait for the famous suspension bridge that leads over the deep gorge. I crossed the bridge while a swarm of birds suddenly moved over us – a moment that reminded me that I'm not the only one here looking for a little adrenalinkick. The park is well signposted, and parking is generously dimensioned at the main entrances, but it can be filled quickly on sunny Saturdays so that early appearance is recommended.
Last but not least a piece of local history: Cedar Creek Bridge, a historical building that leads over the brook of the same name and is listed by the National Register of Historic Places. I discovered the bridge in a walk when I was looking for a place where I could test my new camera. The old wooden structure cnarrted charming, and the water beneath it glittered in the late afternoon sunshine. Parking is practically not necessary here – a small side strip is completely enough to leave the vehicle and admire the bridge.
Those who feel that the usual city trips are too boring, I recommend exploring the surroundings of Spencer – from deep canyons to quiet lakes to historic bridges. The variety of activities and the relaxed atmosphere make the region an underestimated jewel in the heart of Indiana. And yes, if you follow Spencer Attractions search, then you already have a solid selection of experiences that you should not miss.
Find more vacation destinations near Spencer Owen Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
