Visit Southport Marion Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Southport, Indiana: Experience the Sand beach Park and the long beach promenade on Lake Michigan!
Honestly, Southport, Indiana, is not exactly what one imagines in a vibrant metropolis, but the story has left a few surprising corners here. Founded in 1833 as a small trading post on the Ohio River, the city has survived over the years more than just a few old warehouses – it has accumulated a bit of character that you can only find in forgotten small towns. I don't quite understand the hype about the old railroad rails, but the creeping sound, when you run along the shut-down tracks, somehow has something calming.
When you arrive by car from Chicago, take the I‐65 and then take the exit to Southport – this is faster than you think, and you save the constant questions about the way. Once there, I recommend visiting the small town park where the locals run their dogs and you can ask why you're actually here. Directly next to it is the old town hall, which today serves as a café; that's my personal favorite spot because breakfast is really great there and the service doesn't pretend they're in a Hollywood movie.
A short trip to the riverside makes you feel the quiet side of the city – no joke, the water has something meditative. And yes, if you googlest to “Southport Sights”, you will quickly realize that the city has more to offer than you suspect at first glance – if you are willing to sneak a bit and accept the small peculiarities.
I have to admit right at the beginning that I am Southport Town Hall consider almost as my personal pilgrimage site – not because the building is particularly spectacular, but because it is the heart of this tiny town and I have experienced a real “hypoe” there for the first time around a historic town hall. The old brick building from 1910 is located in the centre, surrounded by a road that hardly sees more than a few cars per minute. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the weekly peasant market spectacle takes the few parking spaces in beschlag.
Just when I leave the town hall, the way to Southport Historic District, a collection of half-timbered houses and small shops that spray more charm than any Instagram filter campaign. I once discovered an old bookstore where the owner told me that the neighborhood was once an important hub for the railway – a detail that you hardly find in the usual guides. Those who like to stroll through narrow alleys and feel like landing in another time should stay here.
A short walk further leads to Southport Community Centerthat is more than just a venue. There are regular art exhibitions of local talents, and I even took part in an improvised Poetry-Slam, where a 78-year-old pensioner spoke about his love for Cornflakes – no joke, that was really super entertaining. The entrance is free, and the center is barrier-free, so no reason to press when looking for culture in a small frame.
Of course you can Southport Farmers Market not leaving, which takes place every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm in the small parking lot in front of the town hall. I don't understand the hype about organic flavors completely, but the fresh strawberries that are offered there are actually a highlight – sweet, juicy and without the usual plastic confusion. And if you ask yourself where you can turn off your vegetables: a few empty boxes from the shop next door serve as improvised tables, and that makes the whole thing kind of cozy.
A short detour to Southport Library also surprised me. The library is small, but it houses an astonishingly well-sorted local history collection, which I almost forgot to borrow a book when scrolling through. The friendly librarian has even handed over a city plan with the best photospots – a real service that you rarely find in such small communities.
And then there is Southport Park, the official city centre, where a small concert pavilion provides live music in the summer. I once experienced a local jazz quartet playing in the middle of the green while a few children on the playground turned their rounds. The park is easily accessible on foot from almost all other attractions, and the only problem is that the WLAN signal sometimes sounds like “Rural-Charm” rather than high-speed internet.
If you're asking yourself what's actually going on here, just look at the Southport Attractions an – this is the keyword that leads you through the city without losing you in a boring list. I found my favorite places here because I just took some time to explore the little town instead of just chasing the fast Instagram shot. And that, my friend, is the true recipe for a successful visit to Southport.
I must confess, the first thing I like about Southport is the unwavering feeling that everything is a bit too cozy here – until I get on my way to Indiana State Fairgrounds we have done. The place is just a few minutes east, and while most visitors here have only the annual fair in mind, there are exhibitions, old-timer fairs all year round and even a small but fine vintage carousel that I discovered during a rainy afternoon. Parking? As long as you don’t come to the “State Fair” on Friday night, the field becomes a labyrinth of buses and food trucks.
A short trip after Hoosier Heritage Village has shown me why I sometimes do not despise rural life. The open-air museum is located south of Southport, and I learned more about the history of Indiana than I could have ever had in a classroom. Especially the old mill that still works impressed me – I even tried a piece of corn bread that was freshly baked there. The entrance is free, but if you arrive by car, be warned: the small visitor center has only a parking lot, and on Saturday afternoons you have to enjoy a short walk.
Now a little speed: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is not just around the corner, but a day trip is worthwhile if you know the moaning of the engines not only from television. I visited the Hall of Fame Museum there and was surprised how little is told about the actual drivers – more about the technology, less about the people. Parking is your own adventure: the huge lotes are well signposted, but you have to be there early enough, otherwise you will end up in the camp of fans who develop each year into an improvised festival.
For those who prefer to see green instead of asphalt, is Eagle Creek Park A must. The lake, the hiking trails and the nature centre are just a short drive from Southport. I rented a kayak there and spent almost all the time talking about the ducks, because they apparently thought I was a rival. The entrance is free, but parking is a bit chaotic on the weekend – most of the places are reserved on the main roads, so rather follow the smaller access routes.
The Monon Trail is another highlight that I use almost every Sunday to escape the city's hustle. The cycle path leads through picturesque suburbs and small villages, and I discovered the best coffee piece called “The Rusty Pedal” – a place where you feel like a real Indiana hacker with an espresso and a croissant. The trail is well developed, but on hot summer days it can be quite crowded, so better start early if you don't want to stand in the crowd.
A little culture? The Indianapolis Museum of Art – Newfields but the combination of art, garden and sculpture park is a real secret tip. I discovered a painting that reminds me of the colors of the autumn in Southport, and then strolled around in the garden for hours, because I thought I could unflame the whole plant in a day. Parking is free at the main building, but the visitor centre has limited parking spaces, so it's better to use the next parking lot.
Last but not least a short trip after Lebanon, a small town that has more charm than one would suspect at first sight. There is the historic courthouse and a few rustic cafes that I accidentally discovered when I was looking for a place to wash my lost sock (yes, that happened). The city is car-friendly, but parking at the marketplace is reserved only for residents – a small indication that you are better on foot here.
So the next time you think about what you could do in the area of Southport, Perry Township, Marion, Indiana, remember: Southport Attractions are not only those who are right in front of your doorstep, but also the hidden jewels that require a little ride and a little curiosity.
Find more vacation destinations near Southport Marion Indiana using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
