Visit Markle Huntington Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Markle, Indiana: A sample for small-town America! Experience the charm and authenticity of the Tiny Town with the famous Hollenback Covered Bridge. Discover the historic Fort Wayne and enjoy traditional specialities at the local restaurant "Three Rivers." #USA #Travel Tips #MarkleIndiana
Markle landmarks attract me every time because they look a bit like a forgotten chapter from an Indiana-Roman – founded 1852, when the railway finally cut through the otherwise so quiet Rock Creek Township, and named after a little well-known railway director, who probably thought a bit of name advertising never hurts.
Honestly, the city is not just a magnet for big city heroes, but that's exactly what makes the charm. If you're coming from Huntington by car, you just follow State Road 5, then a short trip to County Road 300 – no GPS sense, just a little road that leads you through fields that have seen the same maize fields as your grandparents for generations.
I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here, in the heart of Huntington County, there is a small café that has more personality than some hipster shops in Indianapolis. The owner knows everyone who comes by and serves you a coffee that is almost as strong as the stories that the old farmers tell about the first trains.
A short walk takes you to the old town hall, which today serves as a community centre – a good example of how Markle sights are often anchored in their own history without trying. And if you're lucky, you hear the remote ratter of the train rails, a quiet echo from the founding period, which reminds you that something big was planned here once, even if it's a cozy stopover today.
I have to talk to you about the probably underestimated jewel of Markle – the Markle Community Park. Imagine you drive along the County Road 200 by car, the GPS spits “Markle, IN” and suddenly you see this green oasis that has more charm than some city park in Indianapolis. I made a picnic with some friends there on a hot July night, and while we complained about the weather, the kids played so loud on the newly renovated playground that I almost felt I was back in my childhood. Parking is usually a Klacks, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then the cars like sheet metal plates are at the entrance, and you have to run a few meters to find a place at all.
Right next to the park lies the Markle Public Library, a tiny building that houses more books than you could browse in half a day. I don't quite understand the hype about huge libraries, but here the librarian has a sense of humor that makes every visitor smile – she once recommended me a book about local history, which I borrowed from pure curiosity and which then informed me about Markle's old railway line for hours. If you happen to have a bike, you can use the small wooden stands at the entrance to turn off your bike; that is not officially signposted, but always works.
A short walk leads you to Markle Historical Society Museum, located in a former school building. I was there on a rainy Thursday afternoon and fought through dusty exhibits ranging from the establishment of the city to the local harvest festivals. The highlight was an old railway ticket, which I almost thought was a real souvenir – until the museum director told me it was just a replica because the original was unfortunately burned in the fire of 1972. The museum does not have a large parking lot, but a few free places at the end of the road are completely enough if you are not too late.
If you’re looking for something “authentic” shopping, then the Markle main road along. There is the “Markle Antik & Co.” – a shop that houses more curiosities than a flea market on a Saturday. I found an old radio there that still works, and the owner told me that she got the part of a peasant from the 1950s. It's not exactly a shopping paradise, but the flair is really great, and you get the feeling you're part of a small community that doesn't hide its history.
Another must is the United Methodist Church in the heart of the city. The building is made of red brick and has an impressive bell tower that you can hear from the street. I was there with a worship service because I was randomly in town, and the church has received me with a warm smile – no joke, that was one of those moments when you realize that small cities sometimes have more heart than big cities. There is a small parking lot behind the church, which is usually free as long as you don't come to Sunday Mass.
A little off the hustle and bustle Rock Creek Township Cemetery. I visited my grandparents buried here, and while I looked at the old tombstones, I noticed how well the city kept its history. The cemetery is open, and parking is practically right at the entrance where a few old trees donate shade – perfect if you are looking for a quiet place to think.
And yes, I must not forget: the Markle Fall Festival, an annual event that turns the city into a colorful drive. I took part the first time in autumn 2019, and between pumpkin stands, local craftsmen and a slightly overturned bouncy castle the mood was simply contagious. The festival area is at the end of Main Street, and parking is organized there – you just have to bring a little patience because the entrance can be a bit messy at peak times.
If you now think that this is too much, don't let yourself be fooled – the Markle Attractions are not exaggerated, they are simply what small cities are: a bit of history, a touch of community and a lot of opportunity to ask you why you were not here earlier.
The view over the calm water of the Wabash River, which extends only half an hour drive from Markle, is an underestimated highlight – especially if you look for a place where the only sound is the whistle of the current and not the constant sum of the city. I once spent a few hours with my old kayak, and while I tried not to paddle too much, I noticed that parking at the main entrance is almost always easy, except on hot summer days when the families with picnic baskets flood the shore.
A short trip to Huntington leads directly to Huntington County Historical Museumhoused in a charming, restored building from the 1890s. The exhibition about the local railway history is not exactly a thriller, but I understand the hype about the old locomotives – they simply have something romantic that you rarely find in the modern world. Practical: The museum is located in the city centre, so the car can easily be parked on the street, and a short walk leads to a small café serving surprisingly good apple cake.
Just a few miles away Wabash and Erie Canal Park, a piece of lively history that depicts the former waterway that connected the Middle West. I made a picnic there, while a guide explained how boats were gliding over the locks at that time – a bit dry, but the possibility of renting a small rowing boat makes the whole more bearable. The park is well signposted, and parking is a bit tight on weekends because the families with children want to visit the locks.
For those who prefer a height, this is Grand Rapids Dam worth a short detour. The dam not only offers an impressive view over the water, but also a small hiking trail that leads along the waterfront. I remember standing there in the fall and watching the reflections of the trees in the reservoir – a picture you don't see every day. Access is free, and a small car park at the end of the main road is enough for a car as long as you don't get to the main fishing season.
If you prefer to travel on two wheels, you should Cedar Creek Trail try. The approximately 12 kilometres long cycle path stretches through fields and small forests and is ideal for a relaxed bike tour. I used the trail once with my old mountain bike, and although the surface was not always perfect, the route offered enough variety to demand the legs without overwhelming. Along the way, there are several small docks where you can safely park your bike – a practical hint if you don't want to take everything.
Another must is that Huntington County Fairgrounds, which hosts various events all year round, from cattle shows to local music festivals. I was there in the summer when a regional blues act occurred, and the atmosphere was surprisingly lively for a place that would be overlooked easily. The parking spaces are large enough to accommodate a few cars, but on the main days of events there can be a small mess, so it's better to come early.
Last but not least a short trip to Huntington County Courthouse, an impressive red brick building that dominates the cityscape. Architecture is a good example of the late 19. Century, and the interior houses a small museum that documents the legal history of the region. I once had a random conversation with an old judge who told me that the court building used to serve as a meeting place for local festivals – an interesting fun fact that is not found in every guide. Parking is possible directly in front of the building, but there are often more police cars than free places on court days.
Whether you are looking for nature, history or a bit of both, the surroundings of Markle offer a surprisingly diverse range of experiences that go far beyond the small town. The places mentioned show that you can not only drive through the street, but actually discover something – and all this with a touch of local peculiarity that you can find only in the honest reports of locals. For all who Markle Attractions Watch out, this mix of river, museum, channel, dam, trail, exhibition grounds and historic court building is a solid starting point to feel the true heart of Rock Creek Township.
Find more vacation destinations near Markle Huntington Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
