Honestly, if you are looking for “Oaktown Sights”, you don’t get a tourist paradise, but that’s what makes the charm – a small piece of Indiana, which has hardly any of the honest roots of the ancient oaks that gave its name to the place since its foundation in 1857. I'm just sitting in the old Ford, who takes me from I‐69 to Highway 41, thinking about how Oaktown once was a quirl stop at the Evansville Terre Haute-Eisenbahn; Today hardly more than a few tractors pass, and this is kind of refreshing.
Busseron Township, which surrounds us here, is more than just an administrative term – it is the rural backbone that holds the fields and the few houses together. In the city itself there is a historic town hall that still beats the heart of the municipality, and a few old shops that have more character than some hip cafés in the big city. I don't quite understand the hype about the big metropolises, but the quiet street, lined with old oaks, has something really tranquil.
A short trip from the US-41 is enough for the arrival, and if you prefer the plane, the Evansville Regional Airport is only half an hour away. And yes, if you ask yourself where you get a drink in Oaktown in the evening – the local pub is not a secret tip, but it's exactly what you need to end the day without much lift. So, that was my quick tour – not a snuck, just what I personally consider worth a visit.
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Advantage:
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The first stop I couldn't miss was that George Rogers Clark National Historical Park slightly south of Vincennes – a place where history is almost tangible when you look at the old field signs and the small museum. I made a picnic on the meadow next to the monument, while a few curious ducks culminated me skeptical; that was probably the only time I had the feeling that nature would judge me. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't come at the weekend with a school class, then the field quickly becomes a car park chaos.
Just a couple of miles away Fort Knox State Historic Site, the actual fort named after the famous military base, but here is rather a quiet piece of land with reconstructed palisades. I felt a little like a time traveler there when I admired the old cannons and imagined how soldiers here in the 19th. century their rounds turned. The entrance is free, and the visitor center has a few nice brochures – a real place for bargain hunters who do not want to pay for expensive guided tours.
I liked a jump into the cool wet Patoka LakeThe largest lake in the southwest of Indiana. The lake is a magnet for anglers, water sportsmen and families who just want to chill on the shore. I rented a kayak there and explored the quiet bay, while an older gentleman, beside me, swung loudly over the “good old times” during bass fishing – a real earworm for the ears. At most docks there is enough space to put on, but on Friday night, when the grill parties start, it can be tight.
The Wabash River sounds majestic through the landscape and offers a little wilderness that you rarely find in the otherwise flat region. I have taken a short walk along the river bank, where the trees form a shady roof and smoothes the water. There are a few small docks suitable for canoes and small boats; Parking is usually easy as long as you don't get to the high season, then the places are like at the laces.
A little further south, near Corydon, this is Indiana Cavernsan underground marvel I almost missed because I thought it was just another tourist club. The dripping stones there are impressive, and the tour of the dark corridors almost made me forget that I was only in the area for a few hours. The number of visitors is limited, so you should come early, otherwise you have to settle into the queue – a small price for wondering about nature.
A short trip to Charlestown brought me to Lincoln State Parkwhere I was able to read a bit about the young Abraham Lincoln who worked here as a farmer. The park is a beautiful mix of hiking trails, picnic areas and a small lake where you can feed ducks without robing you. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekends in summer, when families with children flood the paths.
At the end of my little discovery tour Red Skelton Museum in Vincennes, dedicated to the famous comedian who was born here. I saw some old props that reminded me of the golden era of television, and had to sneak because I was never really a fan of slapstick – but the museum still has a certain charm, especially when you read the little anecdotes about Skelton's childhood.
So those who want to explore Oaktown's surroundings find a colourful mix of history, nature and a bit of curiosity – a real highlight for those who want to see more than just the city itself. The Oaktown Attractions offer enough variety to inspire even the most brewed travelers, and all this without great effort.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Oaktown is not some hip rooftop bar – this is simply not the case – but the crisp but somehow charming Oaktown Town Hall. The building from 1915 stands in the middle of Main Street and looks as if it had just decided the 20th. century to survive. When you get there, you hear the echo of old council meetings, which is almost as loud as the sum of air conditioning in the summer. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because the annual “Pickle Festival” blocks the street and everyone tries to get a place for the food truck.
A short walk on (I mean, you don't have a bump to sit in the car all day) leads you to Oaktown Public Library. The library is not only a place where you can borrow a book – that would be too banal – but a small cultural centre that regularly organizes readings and local art exhibitions. I heard a lecture about the history of the Maisfelder in Gibson County, and honestly, that was more exciting than some Netflix thrillers. The parking spaces behind the building are rarely occupied, unless you arrive at noon when the school classes look over for a project.
If you have enough of dusty shelves, look at this Oaktown Community Center that used to be the Oaktown High School. The old school building now has a gym, a small hall for weddings and – my personal favorite – a billiard table that has more stories to tell than most politicians. I once won a 2 hour tournament against the local mayor; he wasn't thrilled, but the audience was. The center has a free parking right outside the door, so no stress when you arrive by car.
A little bit of nature? Let's go Oaktown Park. The park is small, but it has a playground, a picnic pavilion and an old oak tree, which is so large that it almost decorates the city coat. I made a campfire there in the summer – yes, that is allowed as long as you fill out the local approval form you get at the town hall. The parking lot is a simple gravel path that turns into a slipping area in winter, so wear hard shoes if you don't want to look like a skater.
For those who want to make a little story, there is Oaktown Historical Society Museum in the former primary school building. The exhibition is not exactly spectacular, but the old school benches and the original preserved classbook from the 1920s give you the feeling that you just landed in a movie from the Great Depression era. I found an old camera there that worked – a real treasure for nostalgics. The museum does not have its own parking space, so you have to use the free street in front of the building, which usually works as long as you are not there on the first Saturday of the month when the “antik market event” starts.
A short detour to Oaktown United Methodist Church is worthwhile if you are interested in Gothic architecture – the church has a pointed window that in summer the light dips into an almost heavenly blue. I heard an organ concert there that was so good that I almost forgot that I wanted to look for a place for coffee. Parking is a bit tricky here because the property is small, but a few free places are always behind the cemetery.
And because I can't forget you're after Oaktown Attractions I have to ask Oaktown Cemetery mention. Sounds morbid, but this cemetery is a silent witness of the city history, with artfully carved gravestones from the 19th century. Century. I once found an old veteran whose inscription reminded me of the hard work of people here. Access is free, and parking is practically right at the entrance, because the terrain is not big – so no stress if you want to turn around after a walk.
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