Honestly, if you think Indiana is just corn fields and endless highways, then you haven't seen Garrett yet. The city was founded in 1875, named after the railway engineer John W. Garrett, and has since then more than a few rusted tracks in the back. I like to sit in the old train station café and imagine how the steam locomotives once plunged through the small Keyser Township, while the farmers from DeKalb County started their tractors – a picture that somehow looks nostalgic and at the same time a bit cheesy.
A short trip by car (the route takes you across State Road 1, no drama, just a bit of asphalt) takes you to the heart of the city, where the historic town hall still forms the center of the happening. I don't understand the hype around the old town hall, but the sticky wooden staircase has something authentic that you would never find in modern glass buildings. And then there is the small park on Main Street, where the locals run their dogs on Sundays – a perfect spot to feel the true pace of Garrett.
If you ask yourself where to spend your time, just look at the local shops; most are family-run and offer more charm than any chain. And yes, if you googlest to “Garrett Sights”, you will find that the true highlight is not in a museum, but in the conversations you conduct with the inhabitants of Keyser Township while you drive over the dusty land roads of DeKalb County.
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The first stop I couldn't miss was that Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, which is only about 12 miles south of Garrett. I saw more classic bodies there when I saw gas stations in my entire life – and that's not a joke. The museum is a paradise for car lovers, but also for people who just want to sniff a little retro glamour. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the car park becomes a battlefield. I remember sitting between a 1929 Duesenberg and a 1936 corduroy, thinking that these cars have more style than most politicians today.
A short detour to the east leads directly to Pokagon State Park in Angola, about 15 miles away. The lake there is crystal clear enough to see your own feet, and that's exactly what I need after a long drive. I rented a kayak there – not a luxury, but enough to enjoy the calm water surface while thinking about life. The park offers numerous hiking trails; I tried the “Lake View Trail” that is not particularly spectacular, but perfect for a little fresh air and a few Instagram values. Parking is generous, but it can be tight at weekends, so it's better to come early.
Back to Auburn is the DeKalb County Historical Museum. I must admit that I don't fully understand the hype about small history museums until I was here. The exhibition on the railway history of the region really surprised me; I learned that Garrett was once an important hub because the rails crossed here. The museum is small, but the exhibits are well curated, and the staff is friendly though a bit too enthusiastic about old photos. Practical: The museum is located directly on the main road, so there is always a parking space nearby.
A little away from the known paths lies the St. Joseph River, which flows gently through the country and is a popular destination for anglers and canoes. I spent a few hours there to see if the water is really as clear as the locals claim. It is not spectacular, but the quiet atmosphere is a welcome contrast to the loud museums. Access is free and there are several public docks – a small note: On hot summer days the water can be surprisingly cool, so a bathing suit is not absolutely necessary.
A short detour to the north leads to LaGrange, Indiana, a tiny city that has more charm than one would suspect at first sight. The historic 19th building Century give the place an almost Victorian flair, and the small shops sell handmade soaps and local honeys. I discovered an old bookstore where I found a dusty copy of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” – a real treasure for readers. Parking is possible at the edge of the main road, but you have to drive a bit around the corner to find a free place.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, there are Hoosier Heritage Trail, which leads through DeKalb County and is perfect for a relaxed bike ride. I tried the route from Garrett to Auburn; it is flat, well-developed and always offers small views of the surrounding agriculture. The trail is free, and there are several drinking water points along the way – a small comfort when you get thirst for a few kilometers.
When you explore the surroundings of Garrett, you quickly discover that the region has more to offer than just a few old factory buildings. From classic cars to quiet rivers to charming small towns – the Garrett Attractions are a colorful mix of history, nature and a bit of local peculiarity that at least unleashes any modern traveller.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Garrett is Garrett Historical Museum is – and not just because I have a bit of nostalgia for old railways. The small, but fine museum sits in the original station of 1882, and when you get there, you almost feel like a forgotten sheepman from the era, when trains made whistling noises and not just came out of the screen. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't arrive on Friday night after the “Railroad Fest” you have to hit between a few vans and an old tractor.
A short walk down the main road leads you to the heart of Garrett – the downtown Historic District. Here restored brick buildings row together, each with its own history, and the shop windows are full of local craftsmen who sell everything from handmade candles to vintage linen. I don't quite understand the hype about “Hipster-Cafés”, but the little diner on the corner, which has been running since the 60s, serves the best milk coffee I've ever had – no joke, that's almost a cult object.
If you're looking for a break from the city bustle, look at the City Park on. The park has a small lake, a few hiking trails and even a disc golf course that I recently tried with a few locals – the guys there take the game seriously, but the laugh is contagious. The parking lot is right at the main entrance, and the only problem is that the bathroom sometimes smells "natural" in the summer, but that is part of the charm.
Another highlight I always mention is the Garrett Public Library. Yes, you have read correctly – a library that has more to offer than dusty shelves. In addition to a cozy reading corner, there are regularly readings of local authors and even a small craft workshop program for children. I once borrowed a book about the history of the region and accidentally discovered a flyer for the annual “Garrett Firemen’s Festival” – this is definitely an event that you should not miss when you are there in the summer.
A bit off the hustle and bustle St. Joseph Catholic Church, an impressive brick building from the early 20th century. The architecture is simple, but the stained glass windows tell stories you can only understand when you spend a little time. I took part in a choir sample there – that was a surprisingly good experience, and the acoustics is so that you feel you are in a small concert hall.
For those who wonder what else you can see in Garrett, here is a short overview of the Garrett AttractionsI personally consider it worth a visit: the historic railway museum, the charming city centre, the relaxed City Park, the inviting library and the venerable St. Joseph church. Each of these places has its own character, and the best thing is that you can reach them all on foot or by bike – this saves you the annoying search for parking, except of course, you want to go to the festival on Saturday night, then you need a little patience.
Finally, a small tip from my experience: if you want to experience the real Garrett, take an afternoon to stroll through the streets, to eat an ice cream from the local ice stand and listen to the people who live here. This is the true salt in the soup – no tourist guide can pack this for you.
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