Honestly, if you're looking for Brownstown landmarks, you need to understand that this little town in the heart of Jackson County, Indiana, has more history than one would expect from a place with less than 3 000 inhabitants. Founded in 1816, shortly after the foundation of the state, Brownstown was originally the administrative center of the newly educated Brownstown Township and served as an important hub for the cattle buoys that moved through the flat fields. I have the feeling that the old brick houses on Main Street cruise still carry the whisper of the pioneers, although most of us today only ask for the next gas station when we drive the Indianapolis road.
A short trip by car – or, if you feel particularly athletic, a cozy bike trip over the County Roads – takes you to the heart of the place where the town hall still has the same red brick roof that I thought as a child as “a piece of heaven”. I don't understand the hype about the annual County Fair, but the small café next to the town hall, which serves the best pancakes wide and wide, is really great and a must for anyone who wants to sniff the local charm. And yes, if you ask yourself how to get here: Interstate 65 is just a short trip away, and a short stop at exit 140 will let you appear in the center of Brownstown in a few minutes.
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The first place I have to mention is that Hoosier National Forest – a huge green piece that lays like an unground diamond around Brownstown. I walked there for half a day on the Trail of Tears, only to find out that the signs are more a mystery for itself; Nevertheless, the interplay of moss-covered trees and the occasional plough of a brook is worth it. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekends, when the families with their picnic baskets turn the forest into a mini leisure park.
A short detour to the north leads you to Patoka Lake, the largest reservoir in the southwest of Indiana. I spent a few hours there with an old friend in the kayak, while we argue about whether the water is too warm for fishing – no joke, the sun bangs over the whole year. The boat ramp is easily accessible, and parking at the main entrance is free as long as you don't arrive on Saturday night with a group of 20 people, then it becomes a real crowd.
Next south, almost directly at the border to Crawford County, lies Shakamak State Park. The lake there is not only a popular bathing lake, but also a place where I once accidentally landed in a group of teenagers who made campfires and loudly discussed the latest season of “Stranger Things”. The cottages are a bit expensive, but the swimming pool and the well-maintained hiking trails make this up again. If you're lucky, you'll even see some ducks who are bravely approaching the crowd.
A bit further east, almost in the shadow of the old Corydon railway bridge, is the Corydon Battlefield. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype about this small memorial – it's just a field with a few signs – but the history of the last battle of the civil war in the state has something calming when you stand there and hear the silence. The parking lot is small, so better be there early, otherwise you have to park at the edge of the field and run a piece.
If you drive a little further west, you'll hit Lincoln State Park by Ferdinand. Here there is a small museum that illuminates Lincoln’s youth years, and a hiking trail that leads through a piece of forest that is supposed to have been stripped by him. I made a picnic there, while an older gentleman told me that he often played hideouts here as a child – that gives the place an almost nostalgic note, which is missing in many other parks.
A short detour to Oolitic brings you to Blue Rivera river that stretches through the gentle hills and is very popular with kayaking. I once tried to take a few quick curves there, just to realize that the water flows away more comfortably – perfect for beginners, but for those looking for the adrenaline rush, rather a flop. Parking at the access point is free as long as you don't arrive at the weekend with a group of college students, then this becomes a little mess.
Whether you're looking for nature, history or a quiet place to relax – the surroundings of Brownstown have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. The above objectives show that Brownstown Attractions not only can be found in the city centre, but extend over the entire region and serve every visitor a piece of Indiana charm.
So, if you're going to Brownstown for the first time, I'll let you know Jackson County Courthouse put to the heart – this is almost the heartpiece that I always put in when I want to introduce someone to the city. The old brick building from 1872 dominates the cityscape, and yes, I don't quite understand the hype about historical court buildings, but here you have the feeling that the judges still decide about the fate of the city while you ask if you shouldn't rather get an ice cream nearby. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the local shooter party takes place in the court courtyard.
A short walk down Main Street leads you to Jackson County Historical Society Museum. I once met my big aunt who claimed she saw the first tractor from 1903 – and actually, the museum has a few old agricultural devices that have more dust than shine, but are somehow fascinating. The exhibition is not huge, but well curated, and the staff is so friendly that they almost give you the feeling that you are part of the story, not just a tourist. If you ask yourself if you need a ticket there: no, admission is free, but a small donation bag is like to be seen.
Now comes a place that I personally call the “green heart” of the city: the Brownstown Park. I made a picnic there on a hot July day, while an older couple played chess and discussed a few teenagers loudly “Fortnite”. The park has a small lake, a playground and a baseball field that is occasionally used by local teams. The best? There are enough benches to raise your feet, and parking is right at the entrance – no stress, just a short walk through a few old oaks.
If you spend the weekend and want some action, look at the Jackson County Fairgrounds on. I was there during the annual County Fair and must admit that I don't understand the carousels and popcorn, but the atmosphere is really a piece of midwest charm. The fairgrounds are located just outside the center, so plan a few minutes for the trip; Parking is huge, but on the main days it can still be narrow, because the whole city comes together to see the cattle stall.
There is a bit of culture for the readers Brownstown Public Library. I once found a book about the history of Indiana mines that I never read because I prefer to be out, but the library is a quiet retreat if you need a little silence after a long day. The staff knows everyone in the city and can even give you a tip where you get the best breakfast – that's almost a service you don't find anywhere.
A little secret tip I rarely mention is the Old State Road 62. This old rural road stretches through the rural surroundings of Brownstown and overlooks fields that shine golden yellow in summer. I spent half a day there with my bike because the road is barely busy and you feel like being in another time. There are no official parking spaces, but a few field routes offer enough space to park the bike and enjoy the landscape.
Finally, if you really want to work into the local scene, take a look at the Brownstown Fire Department Museum. This is a small space full of old fire helmets, hose reels and a few photos of brave men and women who fought the fire – and yes, that's a bit cheesy, but I think it's kind of nice that the city honors its heroes. The museum is next to the fire station, so parking is practically always available, and the staff will even let you try the old siren if you are lucky.
All this together Brownstown Attractions to a mix of history, nature and a little slanted charm – just what I love in small cities as long as you don't have to spend too much time searching for Wi-Fi.
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