Visit Andrews Huntington Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the wonderful world of Andrews, Indiana: The "Madame C.J. Walker Museum" shows the life of the first African-American billionaire. Nearby is the "Indiana Dunes National Park", with beautiful sandy beaches and hiking trails. Enjoy the traditional "Shapiro's Delicatessen" and experience the wonderful culture of this city!
Honestly, if you think Indiana is just endless corn fields, then you haven't experienced Andrews yet. The small municipality, which was built in 1855 as a railway hub, is nestled in the tranquil Dallas Township of Huntington County and bears the charm of a city that could never completely decide whether to stay a village or become a mini metropolis. I usually drive over State Road 3, because the highway noise is almost calming here, and as soon as I see the signs “Welcome to Andrews”, you can feel the crunching feeling of history lying between the old brick houses. I don't understand the hype about the annual county fleet – too much ketchup, too little originality – but the small cafes on Main Street, where the barista serves you with an eye-catcher a “midwest store” are really great. And if you ask where you can park your car, don't worry: the free field behind the old grain silo is practically a parking lot with views of the open country. A short detour to Huntington, just 15 minutes away, gives you the feeling that you are not cut off too far from the rest of the world while feeling the calm pulsation of Andrews. I have the feeling that the true Andrews sights are not in brochures, but in the conversations with the locals who tell you at a sip of iced tea, how the village once dreamed of the railway boom and today is just happy that you're going to swing by.
I have to confess: my favorite place in Andrews is that Andrews Community Park. There is a small lake, a few old benches that have more rust than color, and a playground that looks like he had the 80s film Back to the Future survived. I made a picnic there in the summer, while an older gentleman clashed loudly over the “good old times” – a real highlight when you are looking for the flair of a small town criticism. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole neighborhood unpacks its barbecue parties.
A short walk further Andrews Town Hall, a brick building that breathes more history than most museums in the area. I don't quite understand the hype about modern glass door architecture, but here the old building has something unprecedented – a little creepy wooden staircase that reminds you that genuine decisions were made here before. The courtyard is a popular meeting place for local seniors who play chess there and at the same time explain why the weather is “as always” today.
If you are looking for a place where you almost feel guilty because you are not “authentic” enough, then look at them. Andrews United Methodist Church on. The church is not only a house of God, but also an architectural relic from the 1900s, complete with a bell tower that is ringing every Sunday at 10 a.m. – whether you are there or not. I took part in a church service once, just to test the impressive acoustics; the echo was so good that I almost thought I was in a concert hall, not in a small village.
A bit off the hustle and bustle Andrews Cemeterya cemetery that tells more stories than any city tour. I found an old tombstone there dating in 1883 and wondered if the person lying there had already dreamed of a smartphone. The terrain is well maintained, and parking directly at the entrance is practical because you don't have to drive around the block to find a place.
For the culinary thrill you may not expect, there is Andrews Diner – a small place that sells more burgers than you could eat in a whole month, and that with a portion of pommes that is so big that you could take them almost as a souvenir. I tried a milkshake there, which was so sweet that I briefly considered if I should forward the recipe to the FDA. The staff is friendly but not exaggerated heart – just what you expect from a place that does not try to convince you to buy more than you need.
Another must for those who wonder what to do in a city like Andrews is that Andrews Feed & Farm Supply. Here you get everything from chicken food to an old tractor that has more rust than metal. I had a conversation with the owner who told me that he was using the same cash for 30 years – a real witness to the analogue economy. Parking is right in front of the store, and you can easily load your purchases into the trunk of your car as long as you don't bring too much hay.
Last but not least, a short hint for those who google to “Andrews Sights” and hope to find something glamorous: The city may be small, but it has a charm that doesn't surprise you right away. Instead of glittering lights, there are honest faces, a bit of dust and the soothing feeling that you are not just a tourist, but a part of everyday life – at least for the duration of your visit.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was the Wabash River, which turns only half an hour drive from Andrews into a dazzling band of water and reeds. I rented an old, rusty fishing boat there – no joke, the part of the local fleet is actually a restored companion from the 70s – and spent the afternoon catching more flies than I could count. The river is not only a paradise for anglers, but also a silent witness of history: the old mill ruins on the shore tell of a time when the water has driven the economy. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole city flows to grill on the shore.
A short trip to Huntington leads directly to the Huntington County Historical Museum, which I almost accidentally discovered because I was looking for a café that is not operated by a baker who has sold the same donuts since 1998. The museum is a collection of old school books, yellowed maps and an amazingly well preserved collection of carriage bikes. I have to admit that I don’t understand the hype about the “Miller-Exponate” – a few old tools that supposedly formed the backbone of the community – but the atmosphere is really great, especially if an older gentleman from the 1940s suddenly starts to tell anecdotes about the old railway network.
Only a few miles further is the John W. Miller House, a Victorian mansion, which today serves as a museum and venue. I was there because I was a friend of mine, an enthusiastic historian, who persuaded me to visit the house while he was a seminar on the architecture of the 19th century. The last century. The house is not only a beautiful photo motif; the original wood panels and the crunchy parquet tell stories that you don't find in every guide. Admission is free when you are ready to wait a few minutes longer because the staff is always a bit too busy preparing a wedding.
For a short natural kick I recommend the Cedar Creek Park, a small but fine piece of green that is perfect for a picnic or a spontaneous Frisbee game. I made an improvised yoga session there with a few locals who were more interested in the sound of the grills than in the correct attitude. The way to the park leads over an old field path lined in the spring by wild flowers – a sight that is almost too beautiful to be true, but I still have the photo on my phone. The parking lot is a field with a few trees, so just stop and go.
Another highlight is the Huntington County Fairgrounds, which offers a collection of fairs, rodeos and farmer market events all year round. I was there in the summer when a local baker sold his famous plum-cobbler – a taste that almost made me leave the whole village and live there. The fairgrounds are easy to find because they lie on the main road and light a large sign with the word “FAIRGROUNDS”, which almost looks like a lighthouse at night. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come to the main event, then the field will quickly become a parking chaos.
The Wabash and Erie Canal Trail, a well-developed cycle path that leads through the rural idyll, is a must for everyone who likes to enter the pedals and at the same time want to feel the story. I turned half a day round there while I tried to decipher the many signs that tell of the old channels. The trail is wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and walkers, and most of the sections are well signposted – a small comfort if you otherwise lose yourself in the endless fields.
A little further north lies the Huntington Reservoir, an artificial lake that invites you to swim, boat and just hang out in summer. I rented a small inflatable there and drove with some friends over the smooth water while we exchanged on the latest city rumors. The lake is surrounded by a narrow gravel path which is ideal for a cozy walk after swimming. Parking is uncomplicated because there is a large parking lot right on the shore, and the water is surprisingly clear if you have not had too much rain in the last few days.
When you explore the surroundings of Andrews, you can quickly see that the region has more to offer than just a few field routes and a sleepy town. From the quiet banks of the Wabash River to the historic John W. Miller House to the lively events on the Huntington County Fairgrounds – there is something to discover for every taste. And yes, despite my slightly cynical attitude, I must admit that the diversity of Andrew's sights is definitely worth the trip.
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