Honestly, if you ask yourself why “Bloomfield Sights” appear in your guide, this is not a hip Instagram filter, but a city that has collected more stories since its founding in 1829 than an average blogger likes. Founded by pioneers who claimed the land of Richland Township in the green Greene County, Bloomfield quickly developed into the administrative center – a bit like the heart that constantly poses while the rest of the body sleeps. I don't quite understand the hype about the old railway line, but the crunching track, which today only serves as a footpath, has a charm you can't google. When you arrive by car, take the State Road 54; the road leads you directly to the center where you get a feeling of time travel between historic half-timbered houses and the slightly weathered town hall – no joke, the building has more Patina than an old whiskey. And yes, the local diner I keep visiting serves the best coffee far and wide, although the city is barely larger than a large parking lot. I have often wondered why I return here, and the answer is probably in the small, almost overlooked corners: an old cemetery gate that whispers stories, a park where the squirrels are naughty as the tourists, and the unsightly smile of the locals that reminds you that “Bloomfield Sights” are not just points on a map, but simply feel a feeling of life.
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The first stop I put to every new man's heart is that O'Bannon Woods State Park – a forest piece that has more trees than an average Instagram feed likes. I once tried to make a campfire there, only to establish that the Ranger rules forbid the grilling on an open flame; that was a small damper, but the well-kept hiking trails and the views of the Lakeview Trail compensate more than enough. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come with a group of scouts on the weekend, then the field will quickly become a battlefield.
A short descent towards the south leads you to Hoosier National Forestwhere the nature of Indiana is to be seen in its raw form. I tried the Trail of Tears State Forest Trail there – a 3 mile piece that breathes more history than a history book, and the best: no crowds, only the occasional rustling of a roe that asks you why you are here. The parking lot at the entrance is small, so better be there early, otherwise you have to park a few kilometers around the forest and then fight through the underwood.
If you have enough of trees, jump over to Shakamak State Park. The lake there is so clear that you can see your own feet while you ask why you don't just want to spend a few hours on a raft. I remember a sunny afternoon when I rented a canoe with an old college friend; we talked about the “authentic” land life, while a swarm duck almost pushed us over the bow. The canoe rental switch is usually occupied, so a bit of patience, but this is part of the adventure, right?
For those who prefer something metallic than water, there is Linton Railroad Museum. The museum is located about 15 miles east and is a paradise for railway freaks and those who like to sniff in the past. I met an old diesel locomotive driver there who told me why the rails in the 1950s were the backbone of the region – and that while he offered me a piece of chocolate cake that was better than any train ride. Parking is available directly in front of the main entrance, and this is a rare luck in rural areas.
A little adrenaline? Then try the Blue River Canoe Trail. The river swells through the heart of Greene County and offers both quiet sections for beginners as well as a few rapids that remind you that you are not in an amusement park. I paddle the first time in the spring when the water was still cold, and that was a real wake-up call – but the noise of the river is unpaid. The docks are usually free except in the summer when the families with picnic baskets occupy the shore.
A little culture? The Greene County Fairgrounds is the epicentre of all local festivities, from the annual County Fair to small concerts in summer. I once visited a peasant market festival where I tried more of domestic honey when I was able to bear in my whole life – no joke, the stuff was sweeter than my last relationship. Parking is practically always sufficient because the terrain is large enough to accommodate an entire village.
Last but not least a detour into the almost forgotten Worthington, a ghost town that once lived from coal mining and now has only a few decaying buildings and a few curious visitors. I went there with my old off-road car because the GPS sent me to the big cities again and again, and then enjoyed the silence that was only broken through by occasional crows of a cock. The access is via an unconsolidated road that can be smoothed in winter – so better to drive in spring or autumn.
Next time you drive through Greene County, don't forget that Bloomfield's environment has more to offer than just a few old barns; from forests to rivers to historic sites – all that makes the Bloomfield Attractions to an underestimated treasure for anyone looking for a bit of adventure and a bit of history.
So, next time you roll over the highway to Indiana, let's stop in Bloomfield – yes, just the little town you probably only know from the GPS. My first recommendation, and that's not just because I ate my first pizza there, is that Green County Courthouse. The building is a real piece of Italian Renaissance that thrones in the middle of the city center, and I swear the dome has more character than some Hollywood star. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you are not there on Saturday night with the whole County Fair group – then parking becomes a little adventure.
Directly next to the court building Bloomfield Historical Museum. I found an old Tractor Helmet-Exponat there that reminds me of my grandparents who still drove through the fields with the horse car. The museum is not huge, but the collection of photos from the 1900s is really fascinating – no joke, you get the feeling that you stroll through a lively history book. Admission? Well, the museum lives of donations, so a small contribution is complete.
A short walk leads you to Bloomfield City Park. The park has a small lake, a few old benches and a playground that looks more like 80s design than modern minimalism. I once made a picnic there, while an older gentleman told me about the “good old times” when the water was even clearer. This is the perfect place to get some fresh air after a long day in the car – and parking is practically right at the entrance, so no stress.
If you are looking for a little more culture, take a look at the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The nave is a bit scary, but the stained glass windows are a real eye-catcher. I once had a small concert where a local jazz trio improvised – that was really great, especially because the acoustics in the old building are surprisingly good. The church is open to visitors and you can spit in at any time as long as you are not there during the Sunday Mass.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is the Bloomfield Farmers Market – a weekly market that in summer brings the heart of the city to its head almost every Saturday morning. Here there are fresh strawberries, homemade jam and the best honey I have ever tried (and that says someone who has already bought honey in three states). I once met an old farmer who told me that he had grown the same variety of tomatoes since 1952 – that's a real local treasure.
And because you are Bloomfield Attractions I have asked that Greene County Fairgrounds not missing. The fairgrounds are the epicentre of all annual events – from County Fair to the occasional Rock-Concerts. I was there in August when the weather was perfect and heard some local bands that had more talent than some acts in the big cities. The terrain is huge, so plan enough time if you want to explore the whole terrain. Parking? Of course, there is a huge parking lot, but it fills up faster than you can say “grain flowers”.
Last but not least a small secret tip: the Bloomfield Public Library. Yes, a library, but not some – the building itself is a historical jewel, and the staff knows every visitor by name. I've been through an old city archive there and found a photo of me as a child that I recorded in the city 30 years ago. That was a moment that reminded me of why I even travel – to find such small, unexpected connections.
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