Honestly, if you're looking for a place where history isn't suffocated in dusty plaques, then you're right at the "Dubois Sights" – at least from my slightly cynical point of view. Dubois was born at the end of the 19th century. Century when the railway broke through the wild forests of Marion Township and created a small commercial center in the heart of Dubois County. The founders, a bunch of hard-working immigrants, had more courage than money, and this is still felt today when you stroll through the narrow streets lined by old brick houses that tell more stories than any tourist book.
I usually drive the US-231, because the country roads have more charm here than a highway parking lot, and this is also good – there is no annoying traffic here, just the mowing of a cow that reminds you that you have landed not in a metropolis but in a real small town. The people here are proud, but not overwhelming; they like to talk about the weather that has the same mood for centuries, and about the annual festival that offers more beer than culture – and that is kind of refreshingly honest.
So, the next time you think about what “Dubois Sights” you want to see, forget the usual tourist cliché and let yourself be surprised by the rough authenticity of this place. I promise you you will learn more about the real Indiana than you would find in every guide.
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The first place I could not miss was the glittering Patoka Lake, which stretches only half an hour south of Dubois – a true paradise for anglers, water sportsmen and all who like to sit on the shore and enjoy the quiet strollers of the water. I remember the day when I glided over the gentle waves with my old kayak and suddenly a swarm duck crossed my route; that was almost too cheesy to be true, but that's what makes the charm. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you do not come on Saturday night, then the field before the main peer becomes a small battlefield of cars and caravans.
Only a short trip leads to Grand Rapids Dam, an inconspicuous building that still offers a surprisingly good photo motif, especially at sunset when the light turns the water into an orange band. I once tried to make a selfie while at the same time I pulled a fish out of the water – the result was a blurred picture that I now lovingly call “artwork of nature”. Access is free, a small car park is located directly at the foot of the dam, and a short walkway leads to a viewpoint from which you can overlook the entire valley.
A bit further north Hoosier National Forest, a huge forest area that spans several county boundaries. I explored the section of the Trail of Tears, a historically significant path that leads through dense jaws and moss-covered stones. The silence there is almost tangible, and I have had several times the feeling that the trees whisper to me, whether I choose the path correctly – a bit too much romance for my taste, but the view from the view tower on the edge of the forest is really great. The forest offers numerous free parking spaces, but in the autumn there can be a little more traffic in Laubfall.
If you have enough trees, it is worth a trip to Lincoln State Parkabout 45 minutes east of Dubois. The park is named after Abraham Lincoln, who worked here as a young man as a lumberjack – a bit of history that you do not experience every day. I made a picnic at the lake, while a little boy tried to catch a carp, and splashed more water on himself than the fish itself. The park has well-signed hiking trails and a small visitor centre, which is rarely overrun, so you almost feel like having the whole green for yourself.
A little further south, almost at the border to Kentucky, this is Angel Mounds State Historic Sitean archaeological jewel that preserves the remains of a pre-Columbian city of the Mississippian culture. I was there with a friend who turned out to be a hobby archaeologist, and we spent hours exploring the earthy hills while a Ranger told us about the old inhabitants – I don't understand the hype about such places, but the silence and feeling of returning over a thousand years is fascinating. The parking lot is small, so better be there early if you don't want to be in traffic.
A short jump to the west leads to Patoka River State Parka hidden jewel for hikers and nature lovers. The river swells through deep canyons, and I spent one day stabbing over the wooden ridges, while a curious raccoon inspected my snacks – no joke, he was quite three times. The park offers several free parking spaces, but the main camp is often full in the summer, so it's better to arrive a bit earlier.
Last but not least, if you like the underground, you should Indiana Caverns visit Corydon, about an hour drive from Dubois. The dripstone caves are impressive, and I have seen a guided tour there with a somewhat too enthusiastic guide that called every time a drop, according to “A miracle of nature!” – that was almost funny, but the formations themselves are truly stunning. The entrance has a small parking space, and the visitor centre offers a café that serves surprisingly good pastries.
So if you're looking for a mix of nature, history and a bit of adventure, you'll find the surroundings of Dubois, Marion Township, Dubois, Indiana. These places show that the region has much more to offer than the small town itself – from glittering lakes to ancient paths to underground wonder worlds. For those who plan their itinerary, these are the Dubois Attractionsthat you should not miss.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Dubois is not some hipest café, but that Dubois County Fairgrounds – yes, the old-worthy terrain that turns the city into a colorful mess every year. If you are there in August, you will be greeted by a mixture of sugar cane fragrance, squeaking carousel and the unmistakable sound of country hits from the 80s. I don't quite understand the hype about the huge giant wheel attraction, but what really enthuses me is the small, almost overlooked wooden swing that has been there since the 60s and triggers a little nostalgia every time it turns slowly. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then you have to decide between a parking lot full of tractors and a field full of hayballs.
A short walk from the Fairgrounds St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a real jewel from 1885. The red bricks and the pointed bell tower roof almost look like a relic from a Western film, only that here instead of cowboys a choir of seniors sings. I missed the fair once on a Sunday because I was hanging too long at the Fairgrounds coffee bar. Instead, I stood in the church, listened to the echo of the organ and thought: “Here you could almost believe that time is slower.” The interior is surprisingly well preserved, and the artistic stained glass window above the altar casts a warm light that brings even the most sceptical visitors to wonder.
If you're looking for a place to feed your brain cells, see them Dubois County Public Library – Dubois Branch on. I found my lost keys there more than once – not because the staff raised them, but because I lost myself between the shelves and discovered the best local novels. The library is small, but cozy, with a reading chair that has almost already become its own character. And yes, Wi-Fi is faster than what you get in some big cities, so you can post your Instagram story there about the fairgrounds without the image being pixelated.
A bit further outside, but still a must for anyone who really wants to know Dubois is Patoka Lake. The lake is not located directly in the city, but it is the only large water nearby that attracts both anglers and families. I rented a canoe there and drove over the water with an old fisherman, while he told me stories about “the good old times” – and even though I had just explained to him how to use a GPS device. The lake is clean, the shore is lined with picnic tables, and the water reflects the surrounding trees so clearly that you almost feel you are in a postcard motif.
Back in the heart of Dubois, you can Dubois County Veterans Memorial not overlooked. It is a simple but impressive granite monument that bears the names of over 200 veterans from the region. I once met an old veteran who told me he was on the 11th every year. November comes here to enjoy the silence and to eat a piece of cake that baked his wife. The atmosphere is respectful, and the quiet rustling of the leaves in the wind gives the place an almost meditative tranquility.
Another little treasure I always like to mention is that Dubois County Fairgrounds Pavilion. While most visitors are looking at the large festival grounds, they often neglect the simple but well-preserved pavilion building that serves as an open-air cinema in summer. I once saw a classic film from the 70s, while a light summer wind easily moved the curtains – an experience I can hardly put in words because it was just too perfect to plan it.
And because I don't just want to tell you a real picture of the Dubois Attractions I would like to add one last hint: if you are in town the next time, take your time to stroll through the main road. The small shops, the old barns and the friendly faces of the locals give you the feeling that Dubois is more than just a point on the map – it is a place where history, community and a bit of slanted romance come together.
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