Visit Reynolds White Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Reynolds, Indiana: Discover the small, idyllic city with the impressive Reynolds Farmers' Market and the unique Carter Family Memorial Museum. Recreation in the parks and adventures at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari!
Honestly, if you think “Reynolds Sights” is just an advertising slogan for a leisure park couple, then you haven’t experienced the history of this tiny spot in the heart of White County. The church was built in the middle of the 19th century. Century, as the Chicago-Cincinnati-St railway line. Louis put a small stop here and a few brave settlers – including a certain John Reynolds, after which the village was named – decided to build the field. Since then, it has hardly changed, and this is kind of charming and at the same time a bit sad.
I usually drive over US‐30, which cuts right past Honey Creek Township; a short detour to the State Road 16 brings you to the village where you get the feeling the time would have taken a winter sleep. The next major station is located in Monticello, so when you arrive by train, plan a bit of patience (or a taxi you call before).
What I really like about Reynolds is the silent resignation of the old barns, which still seem to preserve the grain of the 1800s. No joke, this is the true “Reynolds Sights” experience: a place where you hear the noise of the fields while you ask yourself if you just landed in a movie from the Great Depression. And yes, the weather here is as moody as the locals – so, if you decide to taste the authentic land life, pack in an umbrella.
I have to confess that Reynolds Train Depot my personal favorite place is – not because it is a huge monument, but because there is the only building here that breathes a bit of history while most other structures smell more like cheap cement. I once met an old railway leader who told me that the last trains had gone off in 1972; Since then the depot serves as a small museum, and parking is almost always a Klack, except on Sundays when the whole city decides to arrange a picnic there.
A short walk further Reynolds Community Park. There is a playground, a few basketball basketball baskets and a small lake that is populated in the summer by ducks who seem to know more about life than I am. I did a campfire there in August with a few locals – no joke, we roasted marshmallows over an improvised grill, while the children were loudly discussing the latest season of “Stranger Things”. The park is freely accessible, and the only thing you need to consider is that the public toilet is sometimes blocked by the city for maintenance work.
If you are looking for a bit of spiritual food, look at these Reynolds Public Library on. It is small, but charming, and the staff knows every visitor by name – this is almost scary if you don't want to borrow a book about local history. I once found an old yearbook that documented the establishment of the city in 1875; that was a real find, because I never immersed so deeply in the past. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the road has only a small parking lot, but a short walk from the main road is not a problem.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that St. John Lutheran Church. The building is a real example of neo-Gothic architecture, and the windows are so clear that you almost feel the sun would flow through the roof. I was there at a church service because I happened to be in the city, and the church greeted me with a warm smile and a piece of apple cake – this is almost a ritual in Indiana. The Kirchhof is open and you can admire the old gravestones that tell more stories than some museums.
For those who ask themselves what else to see in Reynolds, here is a little hint: Reynolds Town Hall is another historical building that should not be missed. It is not particularly large, but the interior from the 1920s has a certain charm, and the town hall occasionally hosts exhibitions of the local historical society. I once saw an exhibition about the old honey bees industry – yes, that was real, and it was fascinating to see how important bees were for the region. Parking is always a bit tight here, because the town hall is located in the center, but a short maneuver is feasible.
And because I don't just want to tell what's to be found here, here's a short trip to the Reynolds Attractionsthe old railway museum, the park with its lake, the library, the church and the town hall. Each of these places has its own small character, and together they give the image of a city that is small but not without heart. Next time you drive through Honey Creek Township, stop breathing in the air and let people put you in a bit – this is the real souvenir you can take.
The first place I have to put to each visitor is that Tipecanoe River State Park – a piece of untouched nature, which is just a short drive north of Reynolds. I made a picnic there once, while a bear (or at least a very large raccoon) is curious about the campfire; That was a moment I don't forget so fast. The river swells through deep canyons, and the trails are so well marked that you can hardly walk – unless you want to do it consciously to feel a bit of adventure. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekends in the summer when the families with their caravans overrun the places.
A few miles further south, almost directly at the border to Monticello, waits this Indiana Beach – yes, a real amusement park on the water located on the shores of Lake Shafer. I don't quite understand the hype around the rollercoastery “The Screamer” because it offers a nostalgic roar, but the whole flair with the colorful lights and the scent of sugar candy is easy great. If you prefer to enjoy the water, you can simply use the park as a starting point for a boat tour; the laying is uncomplicated, and the staff is surprisingly friendly when you ask for a good fishing spot.
Only one cat jump further White County Historical Museum in Monticello, a small but fine museum that makes the history of the region alive. I discovered an old map that shows how the area looked over a hundred years ago – a real shop window in the past. The exhibition is not overloaded, and the staff even lets you hear some anecdotes from their own family history, which makes the whole much more personal. Admission is free, and parking is right in front of the building, but it can be a bit full on Saturday afternoon because the school classes have their excursions here.
The Twin LakesLake Shafer and Lake Freeman are the heart of water sports and sun worshippers. I tried my first round stand-up paddling there, and the clear water almost convinced me that I could become a professional paddler – until I was almost overtaken by a swarm duck. The two lakes are through the famous Monon Railroad Bridge connected, a popular spot for anglers looking for cash and zander. There are several public docks that are usually free, but on hot summer days there can be a small fight for the best places.
A short walk through the historical Monticello Courthouse Square lets you feel the flair of a small city from the 1800s. I once experienced a street musician’s duet that sounded between the old brick buildings – a moment that allowed the time to stand still. The architecture is impressive, especially the white court building with its imposing dome, which is on the National Register. If you want to take a photo, you should come early in the morning because the light is best and the crowds are still small.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is the annual White County Fairgrounds- Event in August. I was there last year and lost myself between sugar cane, beef upgrades and a bit too loud carousel – a real feast for all senses. The Fairgrounds are just a few minutes away from Reynolds, and parking is free on the grounds itself as long as you don't get to cars with the whole circus. The atmosphere is a bit like a retro summer party that reminds you of your childhood and gives you the feeling of being part of a living community.
Whether you're looking for nature, history, water adventures or a small festive flair – the surroundings of Reynolds offer a colourful mix that delights every traveler. These Reynolds Attractions show that even an inconspicuous place is in the heart of Indiana full of surprises, if you are ready to walk a little off the beaten paths.
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