Roselawn Newton Indiana - Top Sights 

• Roselawn Sights – A Trip through Lincoln Township, Newton County

Roselawn Sights – A Trip through Lincoln Township, Newton County

Roselawn's sights are for me less a marketing term than an honest indication that this little town in the heart of Lincoln Township, Newton County, Indiana, has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance. Honestly, the story here is a bit like an old family photo album: founded in 1902, named after the rusty meadows that once surrounded the area, and since then repeatedly influenced by agriculture and the railway strike. I remember driving from Chicago to Valparaiso by train, then taking Highway 41 to the south and suddenly appearing between corn fields and a tiny sign “Welcome to Roselawn” – that was my first impression of this place, and it has not changed until today.

What I really appreciate is the way the locals are going to live here: a bit rough, a bit warm, and always ready to give a stranger a sip from the local lemonade. When you arrive by car, exit 12 from Interstate 94 is your best friend; a short detour to the County Road 12 takes you to the center where you can find the old town hall and a few well-preserved half-timbered houses – no joke, this is almost like a step back to the 1920s. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the annual Roselawn Churches, but the colorful driving next to the small park is just fantastic and gives you a real taste of what the municipality is.

Another Roselawn landmark highlight is the nearby Newton County Historical Society Museum, which is small but scores with original artifacts from the time of the first settlers. I found an old diary written by a farmer from 1910 – a real treasure for anyone interested in the rural heritage. And if you're looking for a place to just let the soul bangle, look at the quiet lake on the edge of the township; There you can find a bit of relaxation with a fishing rod trip almost every week without anyone asking why you are here.

Roselawn Sights & Attractions

I have to admit that my favorite place in Roselawn is not just a glittering tourist magnet – it is the Roselawn Golf Course, a modest nine-hole course that has more charm than some pretentious resort golf course. I came there on a lukewarm Saturday morning, the grass was still moist from dew, and the only sound was the occasional squeaking of an old golf car. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't come to the main playtime on Friday night, then the field will quickly become a parking mikado. I made my first birdie attempts there, feeling that the green is almost as smooth as the excuses of the locals when they are asked why it never rains here.

A short detour from there leads you to Lincoln Township Park, a piece of green that is more than just a playground for children – here there is a small but fine amphitheater that is occasionally played by local bands in the summer. I remember how I lost almost my voice in an open-mix evening, because the microphone stand was shaking like a drunk tourist looking for the next beer. The garage is practically an open field, so bring some blankets with you when you plan to picnic there; the weather in Indiana is known to be lukewarm.

If you're looking for something historical, look at this Roselawn Historical Society Museum an – a tiny building that houses more photos of old tractors than works of art. I discovered an old black-and-white photograph there that shows how the main road in 1950 was blocked by a single truck; that was a real look into the past, and I had to laugh because I wondered if the people at the time knew they were in the amazement. The museum has no fixed opening hours, but the volunteers are always ready to tell you a few anecdotes as long as you don't snore too loud.

Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the St John the Baptist Catholic Church. It is not only a place to pray, but also an architectural gem from the 1920s, which, with its red brick façade and the colourful glass windows, makes every visitor a bit revered – even if you are actually there only because of the acoustics to hear a bit of gospel. I watched a church choir sample there and was surprised how serious the singers were while secretly sipping on my sandwich in the background. Parking is right outside the door, but be warned: The church bells sound loud, so bring earplugs when you are sensitive.

For those who prefer something sweet, there is Roselawn Diner, a classic American diner that hasn't turned off its neon lights since the 1960s. I got the best milkshake in the region there – a thick, creamy mix of vanilla and chocolate syrup that was almost like a dessert that you should not share. The service is friendly, but a bit slow, because the staff obviously prefer to discuss the weather rather than pick up orders. The diner has a small parking lot behind the building; on weekends, however, it can get tight there, so be ready to walk a few meters.

A short walk leads you to Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, a place that tells more stories than one would suspect at first glance. I found the grave of a former mayor, whose gravestone is decorated with a small, hand-carved oak – a sign that the city has a bit of pride in its past. The terrain is well maintained, and parking is right at the entrance, which is practical if you are looking for a long day still a little rest.

Finally, I must not forget the Roselawn Community Center to mention that is actually the heart of the little town. Yoga courses, craft lessons and the annual “Roselawn Fest” take place regularly, where local farmers offer their fresh products. I was once at one of these festivals and tried some fresh corn flasks that were so sweet that I almost forgot that I was actually looking for a place to relax. The center has a large parking lot, and the building is barrier-free, so no reason to worry when you're on the wheelchair.

If you now think that all this is a little too much, let me tell you: Roselawn Attractions are not exactly a Michelin-Guide entry, but they have their own, slightly slanted charm that you only find when you are ready to walk a bit away from the exited paths. And honestly, that's exactly what I love on this spot Earth – it's not perfect, but it's real.

Other special sights in the vicinity of Roselawn, Indiana

The first stop of my little Odyssey was the Indiana Dunes National Park – a piece of untamed coast, which is like a forgotten painting on the shores of Lake Michigan. I drove the old US route 12, which turns into a narrow band of asphalt, which is suddenly framed by sand dunes. Park-Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't get in the weekend with the families from Chicago; then parking becomes a small survival training. I spent a few hours climbing the dunes, just to see that the wind is a self-contained compass – it almost always hurts you if you have just found the perfect view. Nevertheless, the panorama over the lake, the quiet noise of the waves and the feeling that you really stand at the edge of civilization here is really great.

A short trip to the west leads you to the Kankakee River State Park, which extends across the border to Illinois. The river swells here through a dense network of trees, and the hiking path system is designed so that you almost feel you would wander through a living painting. I remember building a small raft from an old tree trunk on a sunny afternoon – that was not exactly planned, but the water was so clear that I almost felt I could watch the fish while swimming. Parking is quite uncomplicated at the main entrance, but there is a small automatic fee that I always forget to feed because I was too busy fishing.

A bit further east is Valparaiso, which with its charming city centre and Valparaiso University almost looks like a mini-campus town. Main Street is lined with old brick buildings, which today house hip cafes and antique shops. I drank there a cappuccino in a tiny place called “The Old Mill”, which is housed in a former cereal store – the aroma of coffee blended with the light smell of old wood, a mix I will not forget. The university itself has a pretty campus with an impressive colonnade; a walk there feels like strolling through a historical film set. Parking is a bit a labyrinth in the city centre, but a free space behind the town hall is almost always to be found when you have a bit of patience.

Only about ten miles south of Roselawn is the small town of Kentland, which proudly presents its historic court building. The Newton County Courthouse is a classic example of the early 20th architecture Century – massive columns, an imposing clock tower and an inner courtyard framed by oaks. I made a tour there with a local historian who told me that the building once served as a meeting point for secret societies – a bit of haunting history that you don't have to believe everyone, but the atmosphere in the hall is definitely impressive. Parking is possible directly in front of the building, but there are only a few places, so better to be there early if you want to photograph the building from the outside.

Right next to the Courthouse is the Newton County Historical Society Museum, a small but fine museum that presents the history of the region in a series of lovingly curated exhibitions. I discovered an old diary from the 1880s that was handwritten by a farmer from the area – the entries are full of anecdotes about the daily life, the hay of cattle and the constant rings with the weather. The museum is free, and parking is virtually right next to the building where a small, unconsolidated parking is available. So who has a little time can feel the soul of the region here without having to fight through crowded tourist paths.

A little further north, almost on the border with Michigan, lies the small village of La Crosse, which with its historical St. John the Baptist Catholic Church looks a little like a forgotten relic from another time. The church, built of red brick, has an artful rosette window that throws a warm, almost mystical light through the benches at sunset. I once experienced a small concert from a local choir – the acoustics were so good that you had the feeling that the voices would come directly from the walls. Parking is a simple field trail behind the church, which is often revived in summer by picnic blankets and barbecue odours.

Conclusion

So, the next time you drive over the Roselawn roads, don't forget that the environment has more to offer than just fields and grain. From the wind whipped dunes on Lake Michigan to the quiet river landscapes in the Kankakee River State Park to the historical corners in Kentland and La Crosse – there is enough fabric for a long road trip. And yes, all that belongs to the Roselawn Attractionsthat you shouldn't just overlook if you want to experience the real Indiana.