Visit New Paris Elkhart Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. New Paris, Indiana - Discover You the little town with the French flair! Stay in the beautiful parks and gardens or visit the famous Amish Acres Homestead. An unforgettable travel tip for nature and culture lovers!
New Paris attractions attract me every time I drive through the tranquil Jackson Township in Elkhart County, and I have to admit that I don't understand the whole “small city charm” buzz until I was here. Founded in 1833 by a few brave pioneers, who apparently were inspired by the French metropolis, the town kept its name, although the only boulevards I've ever seen consist of cobblestones and field roads. I remember taking the US-33 from Elkhart by car, then diverted to State Road 19 and suddenly the old town hall from 19th. The century appeared in the back mirror – a real piece of Indiana history that does not cries to tourist magnets, but for that it is honest.
A short detour to the nearby St. Johns Lutheran Church is almost a ritual for me; the simple brick construction works like a silent witness of the early settlers, and the quiet ringing of the church bell reminds me that there is still real community. If I want to leave the car, I simply jump into the bus that runs from South Bend International Airport to New Paris – practically if you don't have your own car. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the annual autumn festival, but the local snacks with freshly baked apple cake are really great and give the whole a sweet finish. So, that was my little tour – and that was only the beginning, because New Paris sights have even more to offer than you suspect at first glance.
So, next time you climb over Highway 35 and suddenly see the sign “New Paris”, don’t let the little place fool you – my favorite place, the old town hallis a real secret tip. The 1902 building has more charm than some hipster café in the city, and the best thing: parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't show up there on Friday night after the weekly Bingo, this will be a little adventure.
Right next to the town hall New Paris Public Library. I don't understand the hype about huge, modern libraries, but here you have the feeling that every book breathes a piece of history of the place. Last time I accidentally found an old photo album from the 1920s – that was a real look back, and the friendly librarians even offered me a piece of cake because I mistakenly bumped the album.
A short walk leads you to New Paris Community Park. The park is not just a huge greenland, but the baseball and football fields are always well maintained, and the small playground building has an old, crunchy climbing tower that leads every child (and every adult who feels youthful) to climbing. Parking is usually a children's game, except when the annual summer festival takes place – then you have to choose between a field full of picnic blankets and a crowded parking lot.
If you're looking for a little more nostalgia, look at this New Paris Fire Department Museum on. There is a restored, red fire truck from the 1950s, which looks like it could go on at any moment – although of course it is only visible. I once met a former firefighter who told me that the device was actually in use again when a tractor is tilted near the river. No joke, that was a real showdown between fire and water.
Another stop I can hardly overlook is the New Paris Cemetery. Sounds morbid, but the old gravestones tell stories you don't find in any guide. I discovered a particularly artistic tombstone from 1889 that carries a small, engraved heart – a romantic detail that reminds me of my grandparents buried here. The cemetery is located at the edge of the village, and parking is practically right in front of the entrance, as long as you are not there for the funeral period.
And yes, I have the word New Paris Attractions already seen in a brochure, but honestly, most of these brochures overlook the true heart of the place: people. The New Paris Farmers Market Saturday morning is a prime example of this. Fresh vegetables, homemade jam and a stand where an older gentleman sells his handmade wood carvings – this is what makes the village alive. I once tried a piece of apple cake there, which was so good that I almost forgot that I was looking for a souvenir.
Last but not least, New Paris Community Center Don't forget. The building is a gathering point for everything, from yoga courses to karaoke evenings, and the staff there always has an open ear for visitors looking for a place to relax. I once took part in a spontaneous Poetry-Slam – that was a bit embarrassing, but the crowd still spilled me with applause, and that reminded me that even in a small place like New Paris, life is never quite still.
The first impression I get from the area around New Paris is the inconspicuous stroller of the St. Joseph River, which gently slings through the country – a perfect spot for a spontaneous kayak adventure, if you have enough courage to underestimate the current. I remember the day I almost slipped off the shore after a failed attempt to catch a fish; that was embarrassing, but the clear water and the surrounding meadows made up the whole thing again. Parking here is usually a children's game, as long as you don't arrive at the weekend between 17 and 20, then the field becomes the battlefield around the last free places.
A short walk upstream leads to the Elkhart Riverwalk, one of these urban-rural blends that can only be found in Indiana. The promenade is lined with old factory buildings, which now house hip cafes – I drank a cappuccino there, which was almost as strong as the local working morning. The benches made of recycled wood are comfortable, but the real highlight is the occasional emergence of ducks, which seem to hold a secret meeting while passersby rush. Entry there is not, but a bit of patience is necessary if you want to get the best photo pot on the old railway viaduct.
Only about 20 miles south is the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend – a paradise for those interested in old cars and the history of the American industry. I spent more time there than I would like to admit, because I admired every model from 1902 to 1963 extensively; the highlight was an original Studebaker Commander who was so shining that I almost thought he was still ready to go. Parking is free at the museum’s main building, but on Friday night, the terrain turns into a magnetic field for car lovers, so you better get started early.
If you have enough engines, the road continues to Shipshewana, the heart of the Amish culture in the region. There is no Wi-Fi hotspot, but there is a market where you can buy handmade blankets and fresh apples – I have cuddled into a blanket that was so warm that I almost forgot that I wanted to go by for a while. The streets are lined with horse-drawn carriages, and the slow pace forces you to really see the surroundings instead of just flying them over. Parking is possible at the edge of the marketplace, but one should adjust to the fact that the places are quickly occupied when the peasants load their goods.
Back in Elkhart, the Elkhart County Historical Museum offers a surprisingly deep insight into local history – from the early settlers to the modern manufacturing companies. I have discovered an old photograph showing my great grandparents in a field that is today a shopping center; that was a bittersweet moment that reminded me of how quickly the landscape changes. Entry is free, but the museum has limited opening hours, so a spontaneous visit in the late afternoon is sometimes empty.
A short trip to Ligonier leads to the Ligonier Historical Museum, which is housed in a charming old school building. There is a collection of artifacts that I would personally call “the best excuses for not performing homework” – old typewriters that still crunch when you touch them, and an original schoolbook from the 1920s that contains more dust than knowledge. Parking is free at the museum grounds, but the real problem is the constant ringing of the church bells, which makes it difficult to think about the past.
For those who love the water, a day trip to the Indiana Dunes is a must, although the trip from New Paris takes almost half an hour. The dunes offer an amazing contrast to the flat fields of the environment – here you can hear the noise of the waves while walking over sand dunes that feel like a huge natural work of art. I did a picnic there that was interrupted by a group of joggers, which apparently organized a race with the gulls. Parking is paid at the main entrance, but the money is worth to enjoy the view of Lake Michigan.
Whether you’re looking for the quiet river, industrial history, rural Amish experience or wild dunes – the surroundings of New Paris offer a colourful mix that surprises every traveller. My personal favorites are the small details you only discover when you wander off the beaten paths, and that makes the New Paris Attractions to an incomparable experience you should not miss.
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