San Pierre's landmarks are for me less a marketing-buzzword than an honest indication that this small town has more to offer in the heart of Indiana than one would suspect at first sight. Founded in the 1840s, named after the French Saint Pierre, the town grew thanks to the nearby railway line – yes, the old Railroad-Gleis, which today serves more than a nostalgic path, the village once joined the rest of the state. I usually drive over US-30, because the road doesn't know any traffic, and if I don't sit on the wheel myself, I jump into the North Judson regional bus – it stops right in front of the historic town hall, which I always call a “unmistakeable example of pragmatic civil style”.
A walk through the Union Township lets you pass by old barns that tell more stories than some city tours in metropolises. The local library is a quiet retreat where I like to book the pioneering period, while the children ride outside with their bikes over the field paths – no joke, that is almost a mini adventure park. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the annual harvest festival parade, but the next barbeque on the marketplace is really great and a must if you want to experience the authentic side of San Pierre. The proximity to the Railroad Township in Starke County also makes it easy to plan a day trip to the surrounding lakes without overloading the car.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to Kankakee River State Parka piece of unfamiliar nature, which is only a few minutes east of the road and yet gives the feeling that one is caught in the heart of the Middle West. The way there is a narrow asphalt strip, which is suddenly flanked by a field edge of high maize stems – a typical Indiana panorama that is otherwise only known from commercials. I spent a few hours with my bike there, and that was no joke: The trails are well developed, parking is almost always a Klacks, except on weekends when anglers explain the shore to their personal bathing lake.
A short detour to the north brings me to Knoxwhere the Strong County Historical Museum residing in a renovated bank building. The exhibition is a collection of old agricultural machinery, yellowed newspaper articles and a curious collection of shields that once hung on the abandoned railways – a real treat for anyone who still appreciates the charm of past times. I must admit, I was skeptical if a small museum in a small town has anything to offer, but the lovingly curated exhibits have completely surprised me.
Just a few blocks on this Strong County Courthouse, an impressive brick building from the early 20th. Century, which with its dome almost reminds of a mini-capitol. I have observed a court appointment there – not exactly what one expects from a holiday resort, but the architecture is so impressive that one almost forgets that there is a legal dispute about an escaped corn field. Parking is a bit more tricky here because the town hall has a small parking space that is quickly full when the town hall is full.
When the summer is in full swing, it pulsates Strong County Fairgrounds in Knox formally before life. The annual County Fair is a spectacle of beef upgrades, carousels, and a lot of food stands that offer everything from sugar cane to deep-frozen corn pistons. I tried a piece of fried pork roast there that was so good that I almost missed the whole feast because I caught up in the snake. Otherwise, the terrain is well signposted, and parking is not a problem thanks to the generous open spaces – unless you are late in the evening, then the field becomes a labyrinth of cars.
A little further south, almost on the border with Michigan, lies this Indiana Dunes National Park. Yes, that's a bit further away, but the ride over the I‐80/90 is worth experiencing the endless sand dunes, the high of Lake Michigan and the distinctive aroma of pine trees. I spent a few hours walking over the dunes, and that was a real contrast to the flat fields of Starke County. Parking is well organised at the main entrance, but at the weekends it can be as full as at San Pierre Train Station.
An underestimated jewel is the Kankakee River Trail, an approximately 15 kilometres long hiking and cycling path that runs along the river and offers small piers for fishing at several places. I explored the trail on a cool autumn morning when the foliage lit in all earthy tones – a picture that you don't find in every guide. Access is free, and parking at the trailheads is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at lunchtime when the local families take the path for a picnic.
Last but not least a short trip to Old Grain Elevator on the outskirts of San Pierre, a rusty relic from the era when the railway was still the backbone of the region. I took a few photos there, because the decayed building is almost an artwork that symbolizes the transience of rural life. Access is via a small field path, and parking is a children's game there – an empty field path that is only driven by a few tractors.
So, San Pierre Attractions searching, will quickly realize that the true adventure is not in the city itself, but in the surrounding treasures that tell of nature, history and a little rural charm. From the vast river landscapes to historical museums to the sandy dunes of the Indiana Dunes – there is enough material for an unforgettable trip, even if you honestly stay a bit cynical.
I have to admit that my favorite place in San Pierre San Pierre Railroad Museum is not because it is a huge museum (it is rather a cozy cellar room full of old rails and rusty tools), but because it beats the heart of the city. When you arrive by car, you are best parked at the small car park behind the old freight train station; that is usually problem-free, except on Saturdays, when the locals unpack their own “free time scrap collections”. Inside you will find some original locomotive models, a few yellowed photos of the boom of the railway and a sign that explains why the rail has almost determined the cityscape here. I don't quite understand the hype about old locomotives, but the sound of a real steam locomotive, which is played quietly here in the background, has something soothing nostalgic – almost like a good old beer you don't drink too often.
A short walk down the main road leads you to St John the Baptist Catholic Church. The building is a real piece of Indiana history, built in the early 20th. Century, and the stone windows are actually still original. I visited a Sunday service there once – no joke, the acoustics is so good that you could hear the whisper of a fly in the rear benches area. If you ask yourself if you are allowed to take a photo there, yes, that goes as long as you do not insult the sacred statues with your selfie stick. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the small Kirchhof car park is quickly full, but a short walk from the main road is not a problem.
A little further, almost next to the town hall, lies the San Pierre Public Library. I spent more time there than I would like to admit – there is a small reading café between the shelves, which serves surprisingly good coffee, and the staff knows every visitor by name. This is not only a place to read, but a social center where you can find out more about the real Indiana when talking to a pensioner about the best fishing spots at the nearby Lake Wawasee than in any guide. Parking is practically right in front of the building, but on Friday night, when the weekly book club meeting takes place, it can become narrow.
If you’re looking for something “local” flair, simply stroll the Main street of San Pierre along. There are a few antique shops that sell more than just old clothes – I found an original 1950 radio that still works there, and a few handmade wood carvings that come from local artists. The shops are small, but that makes the charm; You can almost feel that you have landed in another time while entering a modern cell phone store next door. Parking is available in the back alleys, and this is usually a free place as long as you are not there at noon when the city dwellers do their shopping.
Another highlight I always mention is the San Pierre Town Park. The park is not huge, but it has a baseball court, a small playground equipment and a pavilion that is used for barbecue evenings in summer. I once made a picnic with friends, and we made fun of the “big” cities in the world while talking about the perfect size of a hot-dog sausage. The parking lot is right at the entrance, and this is practical because you don't have to drive through the residential area to get there.
A bit away from the usual tourist trails lies the San Pierre Community Center. There are regular art exhibitions, dance evenings and the annual “Railroad Days” festival. I was there last year when a local musician played an accordion solo that was so wrong that it almost sounded good again – a real insider moment you should not miss. The center has a small side parking space, but if you come by bike, it is even better because you can then enjoy the short paths between the different venues.
And yes, if you’re looking for a compact summary, simply tap “San Pierre Sights” into your search engine – you’ll quickly realize that the city is small, but each corner has its own, slightly self-willing charm. I have the feeling that most visitors are just looking by here to shoot a photo from the station, but if you take the time to discover the small details, you will notice that San Pierre has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. And this is actually what I love in this place: the mix of honest simplicity and a touch of unexpected charm that keeps you coming back.
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