Honestly, if you think Indiana has only endless corn fields, then you've never heard of Burns City – a tiny spot in Perry Township, Martin County, which has more history than you suspect at first sight. Founded in 1902 as a coal mine settlement, the town has kept a bit of its rough charm over the decades, while the chimneys have long since become ruins. I don't quite understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here, between the old railroad rails and the quiet roads, you suddenly feel like a discoverer in your own backyard.
A short trip by car over the State Road 64 takes you to the heart of the place – not an annoying parking, just a narrow car park behind the only diner that still serves the best pancakes I've ever eaten. And yes, that’s one of those spots you don’t find in every guide, but the “Burns City Sights” really make up.
If you want a bit of culture, take a look at the old town hall, which today serves as a community centre; the walls tell stories of electives and village festivals that even the most skeptical visitors can smile. And while you are here, take your time to cross the surrounding fields – this is the real highlight that no one would highlight in a brochure, but lets the heart of every real Indiana fan beat faster.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
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 Burns City, 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 couldn't miss was that Hoosier National Forest – a wild bunch of trees stretching over more than 200,000 hectares, giving almost every time the impression that nature has got a bit too much freedom here. I drove the State Road 145, which stretches through the forest piece, and immediately found a small parking space on the edge of the Trailhead; that was almost a miracle on a sunny Saturday morning, because most places are occupied by families with picnic baskets. The hiking trail to Hickory Ridge was surprisingly well marked, and I didn't have to ask too often whether I just landed in the forest or in a badly made Hollywood set. A short detour to the viewpoint offered a view over the valley, which was almost as impressive as the promise that there could be a bear's revolt anywhere – but I never heard a bear's roar, only the occasional crack of branches under my own feet.
A few miles further, towards the north, lies Patoka Lake, the largest reservoir recreational area in the south of Indiana. I arrived there on a late afternoon when the water glittered like an oversized mirror, and the parking was almost effortless thanks to the generous lottery spots on the western shore – apart from the weekends when the anglers turned the shore into a battlefield from boats and fishing rods. I let my kayak drive in the water, while I tried to ignore the countless ducks that incited me. The little kiosk at the pier sold “fresh” hot dogs, which I would rather call “sustainable” because they were clearly turned around a few times. Nevertheless, the food was amazingly good, and I swear that the water there tastes a bit sweeter when you combine it with a cool drink.
A short trip to the south leads directly to Lincoln State Park, named after the only president who has ever visited Indiana – a bit exaggerated considering that he spent a few days here, but the sign at the entrance is still quite proud. I walked the trail to Lincoln Memorial, where I was suddenly overrun by a group of schoolchildren who spoke loudly about the President's history. The car park was a small but fine wooden building that is almost always full in the summer, because the families come here to enjoy nature and at the same time swallow a bit of history. I found the whole thing kind of charming, although I wondered why you couldn't just build a museum that houses all year round.
If you drive to the east a bit further, you will encounter the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. This is a place where you feel that time has slowed down – not because it is boring, but because nature has its own pace here. I stood at the edge of the reed, watching a few rowers waiting patiently for their prey, and noticed that parking here is almost never a problem as long as you don't get to the high season. A sign indicates that entering certain areas is only allowed on foot, which I used as a welcome excuse to take off my shoes and punch a bit barefoot over the damp grass – an experience that I will not forget so quickly.
A small detour to Shoals, the real County Seat, brings you to Martin County Historical Museum. The museum is a real treasure box of old photos, tools and a collection of local legends that you can only hear in the pubs. I found an old diary that was handwritten by a farmer from the 1920s – a real find that made me feel like getting a piece of Indiana history in my hands. Parking right in front of the museum is virtually always free, because most visitors only look in here for a short time and then move on. I stopped there for a few hours because I just couldn't get enough of the stories that are presented so lovingly here.
Another highlight I didn't want to leave is that Martin County Courthouse in Shoals. The building is an impressive example of classic American architecture, which with its red brick façade and the high columns almost seems a bit pompous. I stood there while a court proceedings took place, and noticed that parking in the rear yard is mostly empty – a small lucky case, because the front car park is often overcrowded by lawyers. The interior is surprisingly well preserved, and the high ceilings allow the light to fall in a way that is almost spiritual. I spent a few minutes there to enjoy the atmosphere before I crashed into the open again.
Last but not least I have to Big Muddy River mentioning that does not flow directly through Burns City, but is just a short ride away and is a popular spot for anglers and nature lovers. I spent a few hours there to try to catch a pike – an undertaking that is more likely to fall into the category of “eptical failures” because in the end I only got a few small ash on the leash. The shore is wide and has enough space to make a campfire if you have the need to finish the day with a few marshmallows. Parking is practically always available here, as long as you do not get to the high season, and this makes the whole a relaxed retreat if you want to escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Whether exploring the dense forests of the Hoosier National Forest, relaxing on the glittering shores of Patoka Lake, exploring the history of Lincoln State Park, enjoying peace in the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, discovering local legends at the Martin County Historical Museum, admireing the impressive architecture of the Martin County Courthouse or just fishing on the Big Muddy River Nature – the surroundings of Blends City offer a colorful history. So, Burns City Attractions searches, is guaranteed to find.
I must confess that my first heart palp in Burns City always starts when I get to the Burns City Historical Museum think – the tiny but surprisingly charming museum, which is housed in the old school building from the 1920s. There are old photos of people I've never met and a dusty tractor display that looks more like a forgotten garage than after an exhibition. But if you want to sniff a little nostalgia, this is your spot. Parking is usually a Klacks unless you arrive on Saturday night after the weekly flea market, then the field in front of the museum becomes a battlefield.
A short walk further (and yes, this is a walk, not a marathon) leads you to Burns City Library. I don't quite understand the hype about libraries, but here there is a corner with an old wooden writing table where I spent more time than I would like to admit to browse the local newspapers from the 60s. The librarians know each regular guest by name – a bit scary, but also somehow soothing. If you need a WLAN signal that doesn't get out of the pub, you're gold right here.
Now comes what I personally call the “secret jewel”: the Burns City Park. A small, inconspicuous park with a playground that has more squeaking swings than modern climbing scaffolds, and a tiny pond where ducks lazyly turn their rounds. I once made a picnic that was disturbed by a horde geese that apparently did not know the concept of “private space”. But if you want to get some fresh air, this is the address. The garage is practically an open field, so bring your shoes with you.
A short detour to St. Mary's Catholic Church is almost obligatory if you ask yourself why such a small town has so many churches. The church is made of red brick, has a crisp wooden organ play and an altarpiece that reminds more of a painting from a second hand store than an artwork. I visited a Sunday worship service there, only to see if the villagers are really as friendly as they seem – Spoiler: They are, but they still look at you as if you wanted to steal the last piece of cake.
If you want to see a little more “local industry”, take a look at the Fire Department. There is a restored, rusty fire truck from the 1950s, which looks more like an art project than a working utility vehicle. The chief of fire brigade will let you do the siren – a short moment in which you feel like a movie hero before you realize that this is just a loud squeak. Parking is always a problem here because the property is practically a parking lot for the city.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Burns City Community Center. The building is a true chameleon: during the day a bingo house, in the evening a place for local bands trying to land the next big hit. I once experienced a karaoke event where an older gentleman “Sweet Caroline” sang in a voice that was somewhere between opera and Schlager – an experience you don’t forget. The entrance is freely accessible, but bring some small money if you want to buy something at one of the many sales stands.
And yes, if you're looking for a quick summary, here's a little hint: Burns City Attractions are not exactly the glittering attractions of a metropolis, but they have their own, slightly slanted charm. I would say this is what makes this place – a mix of honest simplicity and a pinch of unexpected stories you only get when you really sit down and spend a little time. So, next time you're driving through Indiana and enjoying something authentic, you'll stop by – you won't be disappointed as long as you have your expectations.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
