Hymera's sights are not exactly what you find in the usual guides, but that's exactly what makes the charm – a small town that was born out of the coal mine in 1904 and since then carries more layers of history than an average sandwich run. Honestly, the city is in the heart of Jackson Township, Sullivan County, and that means you're swinging between endless fields and the remains of old miners' houses that tell more stories than some Instagram influencers. I came by car over State Road 54 because the bus of Terre Haute is driving, but that's almost an adventure for itself. As soon as you leave the dusty road, you can feel the slightly acidic aroma of history that rises from the old stone walls of the former Hymera post office – a place that I personally consider to be the best photo motifs because it does not try to impress you, but simply exists. And while you're wondering why I don't understand the hype about modern shopping malls, you should make a detour to the nearby Patoka River State Park; this is not a classic “sight point”, but here you can enjoy nature without a sign telling you how long you can stay there. If you want to go back to the city, simply take the old road that leads you directly to the small but fine Hymera diner – no joke, that is the true heart of this place, and I promise you that you will hear more real conversations there than in any hipster café in the big city.
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The first place I have to put to each newman's heart is that Shades State Park – a piece of Indiana that looks like someone stole it from a postcard album. The steep rock gorges and the moss-covered wooden deck that spans the Little Blue River are a real eye-catcher, and the noise of the water almost makes you forget that you are actually just on the way to a small shop in Hymera. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't arrive at the weekend with all the families from Indianapolis – then the field becomes a battlefield quickly.
A short detour into Hoosier National Forest feels like jumping into a huge, unwritten sheet of paper. I discovered the Trail of Tears – not to be confused with the historical path of the Cherokee – a 4-mile loop that leads you through dense jaws, cracking suspension bridges and small, clear streams. The scent of moist leaves is almost hypnotic, and the quiet crack under the shoes reminds you that you are not in a city, but in the middle of the forest. A little hint: the phone loses the signal here quickly, so better take the card out of paper if you don't suddenly stand in the nowhere.
If you are looking for a place where you can throw out your fishing and at the same time sneak a bit of culture, then that is Patoka Lake That's right. The lake is just half an hour south and offers more than 30 miles of shore for walking, boating and, yes, also a bit of sunbathing – although the weather here is rarely cooperative, so always pack an umbrella. I once discovered a small café that serves surprisingly good coffee; that is almost a secret tip because most visitors only think about water sports.
A little story? The Sullivan County Museum in the city of the same name is a small but fine museum that makes the coal mining history of the region alive. I saw an old mountain helmet from the 1920s, which still smelled a little bit of coal – a smell that you don't forget so quickly. The museum is free, and parking is right in front of the door, so no stress if you want a little culture after a long day in the forest.
For those who prefer to stroll along the water, Lick Creek Trail an underestimated jewel. The path follows the brook of the same name, past small waterfalls and over old stone bridges, which look like they have worn countless generations of hikers. I met an older gentleman there who told me that he fished here since his childhood – a proof that some places are simply timeless. The trail is well marked, but parking can be scarce on weekends because the families with picnic blankets occupy the few places.
A short detour to Hymera Coal Mine Museum (yes, there is really) lets you feel the hard reality of the miners' time. The exhibition is small, but the original equipment and the handwritten diaries of miners give an impressive insight. I even saw an old conveyor belt there, which still slightly crawled – a sound that reminded me of the industrial roots of the region. The museum is located a few minutes outside the center, and parking is right in front of the building, so no problem.
Whether you are looking for wild nature, quiet lakes, historical depth or just for a place to escape everyday life – the environment of Hymera has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. These Hymera Attractions show that the small Indiana-Township provides a surprisingly diverse portfolio of experiences that both enthuse every modern traveler and bring a little to the snoop.
I must confess at the beginning that my heart for the Hymera Community Park not because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but because there the true life pulsates when the kids turn their rounds and throw the old gentlemen out their fishing rods. Parking is usually a Klack, except Saturdays after high school football, as the vans stack themselves like empty cans. I once made a picnic with a friend, and while we've broken over the latest Netflix series, a squirrel tried to steal our sandwich – a real natural spectacle I didn't miss.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Hymera Public Library. Yes, that's really a place where you can borrow books, and no, that's not a hipster café with Latte Art. The library is a small, but fine building, which is lovingly called the book box by the locals. I found an old city archive there that tells more about coal mines than any tourist brochure ever could. Parking right in front of the entrance is almost always free as long as you are not there at the same time as the weekly Bingo night.
If you are interested in history – and you should, because Hymera otherwise only consists of field paths and corn fields – then that is Hymera Historical Society Museum A must. The museum is located in the former school building, which formerly saw more chalk than works of art. I've discovered an old school bus that still leaves the rusty door squeaking when you open it. The staff is friendly, but slightly confused when you ask for the “best burger of the city” – that’s not their area of expertise, but they will be happy to show you the old photos of coal workers who look into the camera with a smile as if life was a continuous run.
A short detour to the east brings you to St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The building is a real jewel from the early 20th. Century, with a stone facade that has more stories to tell than most guides. I took part in a Sunday fair, just to see how the organ creates a sound that brings even the most sceptical visitors to the crowd. Parking is a bit tricky because the plot is small, but a short walk from the main road solves the problem.
A little further, on the edge of the town, lies the Hymera Bridge over the Patoka River. It is not exactly an architectural wonder, but it offers a perfect spot for a spontaneous photo if you feel that your Instagram feed needs to become a bit more rustic. I once met an angler who told me that the Patoka is famous for her trout – a hint that I couldn't ignore, so I threw out my fishing and actually caught a small cash. Parking is practical here because there is only a small parking space that is rarely full, unless you are at the hunting season.
Another little treasure I always mention is that Hymera Town Hall. The building looks more like a sober administrative block from the outside, but there is a bit of local pride that reflects itself in the hand-painted murals and the old city plans. I once observed a meeting of the citizens' initiative where the discussion on the new garbage collection was almost as exciting as a crime. Parking is a children's game because the town hall has its own small courtyard, which is usually empty.
Finally, I must not forget the Hymera Attractions in a sentence: They are a mix of tranquil parks, historical architecture and a portion of local peculiarity that reminds you that not every trip to the great metropolis has to lead to be unforgettable. Next time you drive through Indiana, take a look at the small signs that lead you to these places – and don't forget to schedule some time for the unscheduled conversation with a local, which is often the real highlight.
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