Visit Centerville Wayne Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the beautiful city of Centerville in Indiana! Experience the historic railway station and the old water mill. Eat traditional American food in the local restaurant. A beautiful resort is the T.C. Steele State Park with its magnificent landscape.
Honestly, when I think of Centerville, I immediately jump into my head the image of a small city in the heart of Indiana, which has hardly been freed of its original charm since its foundation in 1814. The whole thing is in the Center Township, Wayne County, and yes, that sounds like an address that you could easily overlook if you don't accidentally drive over the old road 1. I stopped the first time by train from Indianapolis from here – a short stop because the trains rarely hold, but that was enough to sniff the scent of freshly mowed hay and the quiet murmuring of the Little River.
I don't quite understand the hype about the “small cities with heart”, but the way people tell their story is really great. The old wooden houses from the 1800s are still standing, and every time I walk past Main Street, I feel like I'm strolling through a lively history book. When you arrive by car, take the State Road 1 – it leads you directly to the center where you immediately feel everyone knows. And yes, if you googlest to “Centerville Sights” you will quickly realize that the true highlight is not a museum, but the authentic everyday life that pulsates here. I could talk about the little cafes and the friendly faces for hours, but this can be better experienced when you are here – no joke, that's the real adventure.
So if you're the true heart of Centerville want to experience, first you have to Centerville Historic District the number one among the Centerville Attractions. I mean, the old brick houses from the 1800s have not only charm, they are literally screaming for a photo that you can post on Instagram later while you're wondering why you haven't been here earlier. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you are not looking for the weekly flea market on Saturday night – then parking becomes a small adventure.
A short trip from the headstone paver leads you to Centerville Public Library. I once borrowed a book about local history, just to find that the staff knows more about the city than any city tour. The library is an old building from the 1920s, which still looks like a small museum, and the WLAN works there better than in some larger cities. If you're lucky, you get a reading – not a joke, that's really great if you want to sniff a little culture without spending a fortune.
Now a little green: The Centerville City Park is what I call a “small paradise for families and dog owners”. I once spent half a day with my dog while my girlfriend made a picnic on the baseball field. The playgrounds are not exactly futuristic, but they keep what they promise, and the small outdoor swimming pool is a real secret tip in the summer. Practical: The toilets are clean, and parking is right at the entrance, so no stress.
If you have enough of parks, take a look at the Centerville Train Depot. The old railway station building is now a mini museum that documents the history of railways in the region. I remember studying the old schedules as a child there with my grandpa – that was almost like a time travel trip, only without the expensive tickets. The depot is easy to find because it is located directly on the main road, and parking is a small parking lot behind the building, which is usually free as long as you do not come to the annual train exhibition.
Another place I always like to visit is that Wayne County Historical Museum – yes, this is actually in Centerville, not in the neighboring city. The exhibition is small but compact and full of local curiosities, from old farm machines to photos from Centerville's founders. I once got a lead there with a retired teacher who had more anecdotes from the 1950s–day than any history book page. The museum has a small souvenir shop, where you can get a handmade key chain with the city coat of arms – a nice companion that doesn't smell like mass goods.
Finally, a short note on Centerville Community Center. The building is an old school house that is now used for sports, dance classes and occasional art exhibitions. I took part in a yoga course, and although the mats were somewhat worn out, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxing. The center has a small parking lot behind the building, and the staff is always friendly as long as you don't try to crack the Wi-Fi password – this is strictly secret here.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was Gennett Records Museum in Richmond, just half an hour drive from Centerville. I discovered an old record player set that still radiates Louis Armstrong's first recordings from the 1920s – a sound that reminds me of dusty rooftops, but somehow also the heartbeat ritual of a city that has never completely detached itself. Parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field before the museum becomes the battlefield of vans and family SUVs.
A short detour to Wayne County Historical Museum brought me back to the time when the railway was still the backbone of the region. I stood before an original 19-year old locomotive, which had more rust than metal, and thought: “Here someone really had the courage to keep history, while most of them only make selfies of Instagram filters.” The museum is located directly on the main square of Richmond, so pedestrian parking is practical if you are ready to wait a few minutes in the rain – a small price for what you see here.
The Whitewater River State Recreation Area is what I would call “Indiana’s underestimated natural spa”. I rented a kayak there and I paddled down the river, while the sun glittered over the trees – no joke, that was almost too beautiful to be true. There are a few simple pitches at the entrance, which are usually free, except during the annual Angelfest week, then you have to look a bit further towards the forest.
A little further south lies Hagerstown State Park, a small, but fine place that stands around a picturesque lake. I made a picnic with local cheese and apple products, because the park café is supposed to serve the best homemade apple cakes in the area – and that is true, at least to my taste. The parking lot is an open field that is quickly filled in the summer, but a short walk to the lake is still possible if you bring a bit of patience.
The B&O Railroad Trail is a narrow, asphalted path that swells through fields and small villages – perfect for a relaxed bike tour if you have enough energy to manage the 15 km. I discovered an old station building that now serves as a café; the staff there knows every visitor at the name, which sounds almost too cheesy for a small village life, but I must admit that the breakfast was really good. Parking at the trail entrance is usually an empty car park behind the old freight train station as long as you don't arrive on the first Sunday of a month when the local running club meeting takes place.
Another highlight is the Wayne County Fairgrounds, which becomes a colorful spectacle every year in August. I was there during the preparations and saw how exhibitors built their stands – a chaotic but charming image of people who proudly present their products. The approach is uncomplicated because the fairgrounds are located directly on the US route 27, and parking is virtually free as long as you are not lucky to be a tractor parade fan, then you have to buy an extra parking space.
So if you are looking for a little adventure outside of Centerville, these places – from the musical heritage in the Gennett Records Museum to the silent waters of Hagerstown State Park – offer a surprisingly wide range of experiences. I have found my favorite places that not only reflect the history and nature of the region, but also show that a bit of irony and an open heart get the best out of every trip. Thus, the objectives described here are among the best Centerville Attractionsthat you can discover in the surroundings.
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