Visit Redkey Jay Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Traveltip: Located in Rekindle Inn, Indiana, discover the nature and peace of the Hoosier National Forest.
Honestly, if you're wondering why Redkey sights are a topic at all, let me serve you a little story: The town was founded in 1888 when the railroad ran the prairie and the small village in the heart of Richland Township, Jay County, suddenly got a pulse. I don't quite understand the hype about old railway stations, but the crunchy wood and the rusty tracks here have something authentic that you're looking for in vain in the sparkling metropolises. Those who arrive by car find the route via the State Road 1 quite uncomplicated – a short trip from the Interstate 69, and you are in the center of the Middle West, where the fields reach almost to the horizon.
I have discovered my favorite places where the locals spend their lunch break at the old Watermill Park; this is not a museum, but the atmosphere is really great because you hear the sum of the grills and see the smile of the neighbors. And yes, the Redkey sights include not only what is in travel guides, but also the small diner on Main Street, which has served the same pancakes since the 50s – no joke, that is a culinary relic. If you do a detour to Jay, the county capital, you get the full picture: historical buildings, a bit of city flair and the same relaxed serenity that makes Redkey. So, grab the suitcases, leave the phone at home and experience the real Indiana I recommend here with a slightly cynical eye-catcher.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Redkey is old depot is – the crunchy red railway ship, which has been standing here since the 1900s and still flows away the scent of old wood and lubricating oil. I once met a lost tourist there who thought it was a museum of miniature trains; I then explained to him that this is the heart of the city where the trains came earlier and where I secretly sniffed the tracks as a child. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the annual “depot festival” starts and everyone tries to get a place next to the truck.
Directly opposite Redkey City Park, a small piece of green that has more to offer than one would expect from a place with less than 2 000 inhabitants. The playground is not exactly an architecture spectacle, but the swing is stable enough to carry you until the next summer, and the baseball field is played on Friday by a group of pensioners who still believe they could win the World Series. I once made a picnic there, while an older gentleman told me that the field has never been renovated since the 1950s – a real charm factor, I tell you.
If you're looking for some rest, go to Redkey Public Library. The building is a little like an old house that suddenly got a modern heart: shelves full of local history, a small reading room and a window that gives the view of the main road. I borrowed a book about the Blackford County History and caught the librarian as he secretly solved a crossword puzzle – no joke, this is almost a tradition.
A short walk leads you to Redkey Historic Districtwhere the old shop fronts are still in their original glory. Most shops are today cafés or small boutiques, but the facades tell stories about coal mining and railways. I found an old camera there that still worked and shot a photo of me in front of the old bank building – the result is now my favorite wallpaper.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Redkey Community Center. Here are the weekly Bingo evenings where seniors play with more ambition than most young people at an eSports tournament. I once tried a cake that the volunteers from the local supermarket have refined with a pinch of cinnamon – surprisingly good considering that the recipe has remained unchanged since the 80s.
And then there is the iconic Water tower by Redkey, a red monstrum that watches over the city. It is not only a photo motif, but also a practical orientation point when you lose yourself in the labyrinth of the country roads. I saw him for the first time at sunset and thought that was a work of art from another era – until I found out that he was in operation since 1915 and still supplies the water for the whole community.
Last but not least, a small hint for all who googeln after “Redkey Sights”: The city may be small, but it has a heart that beats loud when you walk along the old streets and hear the stories that every stone has to tell. And if you're close next time, don't forget to make a short stop at the depot – this is my personal secret tip, and I promise you you will not be disappointed.
The old Salamonie River, which swells gently through the rural Indiana, is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the surroundings of Redkey – and not just because I once fucked up with a lumpy canoe almost all day in the mud. The river is not exactly a tourist magnet, but a real secret tip for anglers and nature lovers; the shore is mostly free, parking is available at the small, inconspicuous gravel places along County Road 33, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then this becomes a real crowd.
A short trip to Portland, about ten miles east, leads to Jay County Historical Museum. The building itself is a little like a dusty family album: the facade looks like someone stopped the time while the exhibitions inside – from old land machines to handwritten journals of pioneers – are surprisingly alive. I remember discovering an old, crunching rocking horse there, which apparently once belonged to the founder's son; that was a real “Aha-Moment” considering that I would only dream of high-tech cases.
Only a few miles further north, hidden between fields, stands the Redkey Bridge, a rusty steel carrier that runs over the Salamonie River. Many guides praise them as “historical landmarks”, but honestly, this is more a piece of raw engineering art that you can cross without jumping your heart out of your chest. Nevertheless, the crunching of the metal plates under the shoes has somewhat calming, and I have sung my favorite songs there several times, because the acoustics in the open space are almost like a natural amplifier.
If you are already in Portland, you should Jay County Courthouse do not miss. The imposing Italian-revivalist building from 19th Century is a prime example of how small communities once wanted to demonstrate their power. I spent a few hours there because the interior is surprisingly well preserved and the high ceilings create an echo that blows every whisper to a dramatic monologue. Practical: Parking is almost always free at the rear entrance of the courthouse, unless a process is under way – then you can no longer overwhelm the private property shield.
A bit further south, towards Lagro, lies the Salamonie River State Forest. The forest is not a romantic fairy tale from the 19th century century, but a well maintained network of hiking and cycling trails, which lead through dense beech and pine trees. I made a half-day hike there, where I was almost surprised by a curious roe, which seemed to me to have disturbed his favorite place. The parking spaces at the main entrance are usually empty, except during the autumn holiday season when the entire region is overrun by photographers.
Another highlight I do not want to conceal is the annual spectacle on the Jay County Fairgrounds. The annual market, which takes place every August, is a colourful mix of rides, local artisan stands and a lot of people who are thrilled with a piece of corn and a bit of folk music. I won a pumpkin competition there – not because I am a master baker, but because I randomly found the biggest, slightly sloppy pumpkin that the jury considered “creative”. Parking is always possible at the edge of the grounds, but you should come early, otherwise this will be a fight for the last free places.
Lastly, Miller’s Farm Market mentioned, a seasonal peasant market that takes place in spring and autumn near Portland. There are fresh strawberries, homemade jams and the best apple cake I've ever tasted – and that's not exaggerated because otherwise I only eat cakes from the freezer. The market is small but charming, and parking is possible directly in front of the barn gate, as long as you do not come to the main selling time, then you have to walk a few meters further along the road.
Those looking for something special will find a colourful mix of history, nature and local lifestyle around Redkey – from the quiet beauty of the Salamonie River to the loud pleasures of the Jay County Fairgrounds. These Redkey Attractions show that the surrounding area has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance, and they invite any modern traveler to browse a bit off the mainstream.
Find more vacation destinations near Redkey Jay Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
