Honestly, if you ask yourself why Rensselaer is on the map at all, then you have to travel back to 1830 when a few ambitious pioneers founded the town in the heart of Marion Township, Jasper County. The city grew around the railway line, which later became the US‐30 – my favorite road when I arrive from Chicago and take the highway towards Indiana. The old brick buildings in the centre tell about a time when the grain was driving the economy and people still believed that a letter by horse mail was faster than a telegram. I don't quite understand the hype about the historical plaques, but the whole flair that still lies in the air is really great.
Now to the Renssela sights that I personally do not want to miss: The old courthouse, a little creepy, but with an acoustic that makes you think you're in a Western movie. Right next to that is the small but fine café I feel every morning because their coffee is better than any airport lounge dish. If you're on the road by car, just park at County‐Road‐4 place – it's big enough to grab your folding car, and you're in the center right away. And yes, the annual autumn parade is a bit cheesy, but the smile of the locals makes the whole thing bearable again. So whoever is looking for an authentic Indiana experience should definitely put Rensselaer on the map.
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The first stop I put to every newman is the Kankakee River State Park – a piece of untamed nature that extends just a few minutes drive south of Rensselaer. Here you can not only stab through dense beech forests for hours, but also light a campfire on the shores of the Kankakee River, if you are lucky to get one of the few permitted places. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't show up with the entire community on Saturday night – then the field becomes quickly a battlefield around the last free pitches. I remember a rainy afternoon, when I stabbed through the muddy paths in the raincoat and suddenly a deer jumped out of the thicket – a real photo moment I have not forgotten until today.
A short detour to DeMotte leads to the Train Depot Museum, a tiny but charming relic from the era when the railway was still the backbone of the region. The museum is hardly larger than an average shed, but the lovingly restored locomotives and the original ticket system make the heart of any nostalgic beat faster. The entrance is free, and parking right in front of the building is practical because you would otherwise have to look for a place in the narrow streets of the city – a small but fine test for patience.
If you have enough of rails and rivers, it is worth a detour to Winfield, where the historic city centre looks like a movie of the 1930s. The old brick buildings are now home to a café serving the best apple cake in the area – no joke, the particle of cinnamon is almost legendary. I met an old resident there who told me that the town hall used to serve as a meeting place for local flirt parties; Today it is more a place for council meetings, but the flair remains. Parking is a bit tricky here because the road is barely wide enough for more than two cars, so better to come early.
Another highlight I highlight every year in the calendar is the Jasper County Fairgrounds. The annual fair is a colourful collection of rumble, cattle shows and local crafts stands. Those who are there for the first time should not be deterred from the bright lights – the true gold lies in the small stands, where an older gentleman offers handmade wooden toys, which you find nowhere else. Parking is generous, but on the main days the terrain fills up faster than a popcorn bag in the microwave, so arriving a bit early never hurts.
For those who love the water, a canoeing trip on the Kankakee River is a must. The river winds through soft valleys and offers both quiet sections for beginners and faster speeds for adventure lovers. I once tried to drive the river at full moon – the light was so bright that I almost thought I was in the cinema, and the water was surprisingly quiet. In most places there are public docks where you can safely park the boat; a small hint: getting in and out is a real challenge with strong headwind.
Lastly, the old mill wheel at the edge of Rensselaer is mentioned, which today serves as a viewing point. The mill has been shut down for over a century, but the stone gears and the cracking wood give the place an almost mystical charm. If you can climb a bit, you will be rewarded with a panorama that shows the wide plain to the horizon. Parking is a little bit off here, but a short walk of about five minutes leads you to the destination – perfect for a spontaneous photo chat.
Whether you prefer the untouched nature of the Kankakee River State Park, the nostalgic flair of the DeMotte Train Depot Museum or the living atmosphere of the Jasper County Fairgrounds – the surroundings of Rensselaer offer something for every taste. And if you are looking for a place where you can experience all this in a relaxed day trip, then these are Renssela sights That's right.
I have to confess that Jasper County Courthouse in Rensselaer for me is the first thing I want to talk about – not because it is a monument of stone, but because it is the heart of the city that could almost be overlooked during the first walk through Main Street, if one does not look at the huge pillars that look like an oversized doorman.
If you have the courage to enter the building, you will find that the interior is surprisingly spacious – a bit too much space for a courthouse, but that gives you the chance to walk in the hallways and admire the artistic stucco works. Parking is usually a Klacks unless you arrive on Friday night after the local football game; then the road turns into a small battlefield from parked cars and honing drivers.
A short detour from there leads you to Rensselaer Public Library, a Carnegie library, which I personally label as the “cheer cafe” of the city. I spent an afternoon there because I thought I could borrow a book and find a bit of rest – instead I got involved in a conversation with a pensioner about the best pancakes in the county that took longer than my actual visit. The library has free Wi-Fi, so you can post your Instagram stories directly from the reading table, and parking is right behind the building where you almost never have to find a place except you are a fan of “Parking-Jagd”.
If you have enough of dusty shelves, simply stroll down the main road to Renssela's Historic District. This is where old brick shops line up, which look like they had just shaken the dust of the 1800s. I don't understand the hype about historic city centers, but the small boutiques selling handmade soaps and vintage caramels have their charm – especially if you're lucky to meet the owner who tells you about his youth in a cool beer. The road is car-free, so you can sound through the alleys without worry; a few parking spaces are available at the end of Main Street, but be warned: Saturday this is the place where the whole village comes together to visit the peasant market.
The Rensselaer Farmers Market is indeed a highlight that I underestimate every time I stand there and buy a freshly picked peach jar that tastes better than anything I have ever found in the supermarket. The market is only on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm, and parking is a bit of a gamble – you can park your car at the edge of the city and then take a short walk through the city centre to enjoy the full experience.
A bit further north, on the banks of the Wabash River, lies the Renssela Riverwalk. I once watched a sunset there while I tried to make a photo that doesn't look like a blurred image from a bad phone – the result was an artwork that I now hang proudly in my living room. The path is well maintained, ideal for a short run or a cozy walk with the dog. There are a few benches where you can rest, and parking is usually easy as long as you don't plan a picnic there at noon with a group of teenagers playing their music loudly.
If you're looking for a place to relax for all this, I recommend Rensselaer Community Center. The building is modern, has a swimming pool, a gym and a small room where local bands occasionally occur – I was there at an open-mix evening where a 12-year-old boy played a saxophone solo, which was better than what I heard in most of the city's jazz clubs. The Center has a free visitor park behind the building, which is usually empty, except when a large community event takes place.
Last but not least, Rensselaer City Park forget a small green piece that has more charm than one would expect from its size. I once made a picnic with friends, while we discussed why the city is so little talking about its history. The park has a playground, a few picnic tables and a small monument to the founding family – a perfect place to raise your legs before you fall back into the city life. Parking is available directly at the entrance, and the whole is free, so no reason to overlook it.
If you're a little confused now, Renssela sights you should even visit, then just take what appeals to you most – I have listed a few of my favorites here, but the real adventure is to decide which corner of the city surprises you most.
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