Country Squire Lake's sights are for me less a marketing gag than a silent testimony of a 1970's development, which formed a suburban nest for commuters from a former arable land patchwork – and in the middle of the tranquil Geneva Township, Jennings County. To be honest, the story here is not a Hollywood epic, but a sober mix of land purchases, water reservoir plans and the typical Mittwest dream of home with its own lake. I drove here the first time over the old County Road 250 when I was looking for a short trip from I‐69 and US‐31 – a bit like a road trip tour that suddenly ends in a place where every lawn is exactly cut and the neighbors celebrate their barbecue evenings like rituals.
What I really like is the paradoxical flair: on the one hand, a bit too perfect, on the other hand, a place where you suddenly listen to the quiet tassel of frogs during the walk at the lake, which reminds you that not all is made of concrete and fences. I don't understand the hype about the new residential areas, but the small local cafés are really great – a short stop to taste the local coffee before you get back to the city. And yes, when you arrive by train, you only have to take the bus 12 that takes you directly to the heart of Country Squire, where you can feel the authentic, slightly cynical flair of this little Indiana jewel.
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You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Country Squire Lakes, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop I do after leaving Country Squire Lakes is the huge Eagle Creek Park – a piece of nature that looks almost too big for the tranquil environment. The 1,400 hectares include not only a lake, but a network of hiking and cycling trails that even satisfy the most ambitious trail runners. I once tried to borrow a canoe, just to find out that the staff prefers to paddle with their own families on the weekend, so that the boat was reserved for me until the next morning. Parking is usually a children's game, as long as you don't arrive at the main entrance at noon, then the field becomes a small battlefield of uplifting cars.
A short jump across the street leads to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yes, this is the place where the “Indy 500” takes place, and yes, I don’t understand the hype around the loud circle of engines, but the museum is really great – a bunch of shiny helmets and a few old racing cars that tell more story than most history books. The parking lot is huge, but at racing weekends it turns into a labyrinth of tourist buses, so you should be there better early if you don't want to stand in jam while you try to shoot a selfie with a racing helmet.
Go on to Conner Prairie, an interactive history museum that tries to visit the 19th century. to make century alive. I took part in a day where a real blacksmith was on site – the sound of metal that hits the anvil is surprisingly soothing, considering that you're just close to Indianapolis, where the loudest noise is a starting engine. Admission is not cheap, but the experience of “handling” a piece of Indiana history is worth the price. And yes, parking is right next to the main entrance, so no stress.
A short detour to the north leads to the Spirit Reservoir, a popular spot for water sportsmen and sun worshippers. I rented a kayak there once, just to realize that most people prefer to lie on the lawn and sunbathe while I fought through the waves. Access is well signposted, and parking is usually free as long as you do not arrive at the weekend between 10 am and 2 pm – then there are a few paid places that do not ruin the whole.
Just a few miles further, Fort Harrison State Park is a former military ground that is today a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. I remember a sunny afternoon when I explored the old bunker and was almost surprised by a group of teenagers who held an improvised skateboard race there. The park offers several well-marked paths, and the visitor centre has a small shop where you can buy a cool drink – practical if you need a break after a strenuous tour.
For art lovers who are not only interested in asphalt and asphalt odor, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is a must. The combination of modern art, historical paintings and a spacious sculpture garden is a real contrast to the rather rural attractions around Jennings. I spent there a day where I lost myself in a maze of hedges – a perfect excuse to enjoy the quiet atmosphere while waiting for someone to find me. Parking is free and is located directly at the main entrance, so you don't have to look for a place long.
The Monon Trail, a rebuilt railway corridor, stretches through the suburbs and offers a welcome change for cyclists and joggers. I tried it once in the early hours of the morning when the sun just rose above the fields and the air was still cool – a perfect moment to escape the city noise. The trail is well maintained, and there are numerous stops where you can park your bike safely, although on weekends sometimes a few skateboarders disturb the tranquility.
A short trip to the city centre leads to White River State Park, where you can find the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art. I spent an afternoon there where I slipped back and forth between the elephants and the art installations – a strange but fascinating feeling that reflects the versatility of Indianas well. The parking lot is well signposted, and parking is usually sufficient as long as you are not there during a big event.
For families (or for those who want to feel like a child) the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a true paradise. I visited the “Dinosaur Exhibition” with my nephew and was surprised how much fun an adult can have when he goes around in a huge, interactive game area. The museum is huge, so plan enough time, and parking is in its own, paid area – a small price for the amount of fun you get there.
And finally the Indianapolis Zoo, which not only offers classic animal enclosures, but also an impressive aquarium and a botanical garden. I spent there a day where I almost went in the tropical hall because the paths were so angled. Parking is usually well organized, but on holidays it can be full, so better to come early if you want to observe the animals without crowds.
Those who travel to Country Squire Lakes will quickly realize that the environment has more to offer than just quiet suburbs – from natural parks to historical sites to cultural highlights there are plenty to discover. These Country Squire Lakes Attractions show that Indiana is surprisingly versatile, and they offer every visitor, whether nature lovers, history fans or art enthusiasts, something that makes the heart beat faster.
So, when you first in Country Squire Lakes I don't know. Golf course show – this is my personal favorite place, and not just because I stumble a bit over the lawn when I drink too much beer. The 18-hole course is located in the middle of the residential area, surrounded by trees that look a bit like a bad Instagram filter in autumn. I don't quite understand the hype about golf, but here the green is so well maintained that you almost feel you're playing on a set of films. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole neighborhood unpacks its rackets.
A short walk (or a quick sprint if you feel athletic) leads you to Marina-Pier. There you can rent a canoe – yes, that’s really there, and that’s no joke. Last time I tried to paddle a canoe while at the same time I ate a sandwich, and the result was a bit like a culinary inflatable. The boats are tidy on the ridge, and the water is so clear that you can see the ducks that make fun of the visitors. If you're lucky, you'll even see one of the rare beavers that occasionally appear here.
Directly next to the pier Community Center, a building that houses more events than I can count on a year. I remember a karaoke evening where a retired farmer sang “Living on a Prayer” and almost brought the ceiling down. The Center has a small kitchen where you can get a coffee, and a hall where the municipality holds its annual “Käse-und-Kuchen-Feste”. This is not what you find in guides, but here the true Indiana heart is beaten.
If you're looking for some rest, go to the Lake‐Views – these are the three artificial lakes that surround the neighborhood. Each lake has its own name (Lake 1, Lake 2, Lake 3), and they are all perfect for fishing, swimming or just for rumbling on a ceiling. I caught a huge rush there, which was almost as big as my bike, and that was the only time I felt I was a real outdoor hero. Most people think this is just a “water pool for the neighborhood”, but the sunsets here are really impressive.
A short detour leads you to Dog-Park, because of course I can't forget that my friend has a Labrador who turns the “Balle-jagen-und-back” round there every weekend. The park is fenced, has a few trees to the shade and a small water game that refreshes the dogs (and occasionally the adults). I once met a dog that had more style than myself – he wore a red scarf and looked like he was a model for a pet magazine.
For those who like to jog a bit, there are Walking trails, who wind around the lakes like a labyrinth. I tried the route once in a rainstorm, and that was an adventure that I didn't forget so fast – wet shoes, slippery paths and the quiet hum of the frogs, which seemed almost like a soundtrack. The trails are well marked and you can take a break at any time at one of the picnic tables to calm your lungs.
And yes, if you're looking for a short summary, just look at the Country Squire Lakes Attractions an – this is almost the keyword you enter into Google if you don't know where to start. I didn't steal this from a guide, but from my own experience, and that makes the difference. So, grab your stuff, bring a little humor with you and let this little Indiana jewel surprise you.
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