BY RITA HOWELL
Have you skied on an 8,800-acre lake with smooth-as-glass water, taken a seventh inning stretch at a historic baseball stadium, or ridden the rails through scenic hills and valleys? Have you sunk a hole-in-one at one of Indiana’s finest golf courses, spotted a fantastic treasure from present-day or years past, laid eyes on wild game from around world, or listed to the cheerful sounds of orchestrions and player pianos? You can do all of this and more in Dubois County, Indiana.
As you stroll through the Dubois County Museum, Indiana’s largest county museum, feel the region’s proud German heritage, and see wild game from around the world in the new Safari Room. At Dr. Ted’s Musical Marvels, hear the sunny sounds of street organs and player pianos in this one-of-a-kind museum with a colossal collection of restored mechanical musical instruments.
“All Aboard!” the Spirit of Jasper for a scenic train excursion departing from the Jasper Train Depot on three beautiful, climate-controlled lounge cars. Enjoy an evening on the “Jasper to French Lick Express,” to the French Lick Casino and historic West Baden, or relax with a full meal aboard the “Ride & Dine” dinner train winding through the hills and valleys of the beautiful countryside.
Take in the sights, sounds and aromas of Dubois County’s festivals and the memories will last forever. Jasper’s Strassenfest (August) and O’Tannenbaum Days (December) along with Huntingburg’s Garden Gate Jazz, Art, Wine & Craft Beer Festival (April) and Christmas Stroll (November) are just a few of the festivities. The new Rosenvolk German Medieval Festival (October) complements Ferdinand’s Fold Festival (September) and Christkindlmarkt (November) and is the hot new event complete with masquerade, jousting and fire-breathing along with barbaric battle reenactments, live music, and imported German craft beer, mead and wine.
Close your eyes and image the beauty and challenge of a round at Sultan’s Run. Listed as the 2015 Indiana Course of the Year by the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association with 224 rolling acres of woodland, water, and wildlife, Sultan’s Run is breathtakingly beautiful. Ranked 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest, “The waterfall behind #18 takes your breath away..scenic, challenging, and worth the trip to Jasper!” -Golf Digest
Patoka Lake and Ferdinand State Forest are naturally perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With 8,800 acres of water encompassed by a 26,000-acre recreation area with nesting sites for bald eagles and ospreys. Patoka Lake is Indiana’s second largest reservoir. Ferdinand State Forest’s 7,640 acres surround one of the most beautiful forest lakes. From fishing, hunting, boating and swimming to hinting, bicycling, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking, every nature buff will find something memorable to do.
Call your own ball or strike at the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame. Dedicated to the sport of baseball and its Indiana heroes, the IBHF showcases memorabilia from high school, collegiate and professional athletes throughout the Hoosier State. Speaking of baseball, built in 1894 and renovated in the early 1990s, the historic Huntingburg League Stadium served as home field for the Rockford Peaches in the hit movie, “A League of Their Own,” featuring Tom Hanks and Madonna. Starring in the HBO movie, “Soul of the Game,” the Stadium is now home to the Dubois County Bombers collegiate baseball team, entertaining thousands of fans each summer. If you come to Dubois County in June or July, don’t miss the fun of a Dubois County Bombers game!
Huntingburg’s Historic Fourth Street Shopping District is a charming Victorian downtown with over two dozen specialty and antique shops along with interesting eateries. The brick-paved sidewalks and two-story Italianate and Victorian facades provide the perfect setting for finding antiques and present-day treasures. Whet your appetite for deliciousness at the famous Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper. With a national reputation for authentic German cuisine, the “Schnitz” ranks among Indiana’s top ten independent restaurants. Sample the brew at Basket Case Brewery and the Schnitz Brewery and Pub, or at St. Benedict’s Brew Works in Ferdinand. While there, visit the Monastery Immaculate Conception, known as the “Castle on the Hill.” Then enjoy award-winning wines at Monkey Hollow Bistro & Winery and experience the rich ambience of the Historic Wollenmann Home.
Other memorable attractions nearby include Amish Country, French Lick Casino, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Lincoln Boyhood National Museum & Living Historical Farm, Lincoln State Park, Marengo Cave, Paoli Peaks, and St. Meinrad Archabbey.
For more information go to visitduboiscounty.com or call 800.968.4578.
