Traveling north to south on US 41, once you cross the Kankakee River, you begin your journey through Newton County. Located directly to the west is LaSalle Fish and Wildlife Area, a 3,800-acre Indiana DNR property, offering hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities. In late spring and early summer, the uninterrupted vistas of new growth corn and soybean fields create a carpet for spectacular sunrises and sunsets on what was once the home of historic Beaver Lake, which was drained in the 1880s for agricultural purposes.
Newton County was fortunate to be chosen by the Nature Conservancy as one location for their bison conservation program. Today, the Kankakee Sands prairie restoration project is home to
more than 100 bison who roam this free range prairie. Stop by the Kankakee Sands Bison viewing area and be treated to the annual renewal of prairie wildflowers and native grasses that provide home to this large herd of free ranging bison. While there, visit the guest- friendly amenities and trails on Old Bogus Island and experience an up-close look at nature. Located to the southwest, within a short drive of the Bison overlook, is Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, a 10,000-acre Indiana DNR property that includes JC Murphey Lake, a 1,200-acre fishing lake.
Situated just north of Kentland, along the scenic Iroquois River, is the Punk’in Vine Fairground hosting one of Indiana’s premier 4H agricultural fairs. This year’s fair runs July 9-13, with newly developed campgrounds and a full schedule of events, exhibits and food. The area’s county seat is in Kentland, located at the crossroads of US 41 and US 24. Kentland is a charming community with three parks for visitors’ enjoyment. Mark your calendars for May 4, when they will celebrate a Ribbon- Cutting Dedication and Donor recognition for the Kentland Park system. The day includes a Rotary pancake breakfast, pickleball and basketball tournaments, children’s games and dedication of the donor tree acknowledging the donors of the parks project.
Robert and Jeannette Batton Park, in the center of town, is part of the “Thrive Campus” which features the new Autumn Trace Senior Living Community, a private pay senior facility. The newly- renovated park features a new pavilion including ADA access and an intergenerational playground equipment. The Blue Devil Lagoon pool draws more than 7,000 visitors annually, popular for its slide and water features for swimmers. Cast Park, with Dave’s Pond, is home to the restored 1912 Pennsylvania Railroad Depot. Wonder Park is a newly-developed park designed for 2- to 12-year-old children and is highlighted with fence designs conceived by South Newton students. All three parks are connected with walking paths and pass by the bold Newton County Mural showcasing significant features from each township within the county.
The small rural town of Kentland has long been a cradle of leaders including a former Indiana governor, state chairman for the Republican Party, the youngest sitting justice on the Indiana Supreme Court, president of the Indiana Tri Kappa philanthropic sorority, an internationally-renowned author, and current Indiana State Fair queen. The downtown area showcases ladies’ apparel shops, JP Style Co. and Simply Stylish Boutique, gift stores, Market 48, Cottage On Main and a number of other antique, resale stores, and other small businesses. Independently-owned dining establishments along US 41 and US 24 include Monical’s Pizza, Good Table Family Restaurant, Don’s Drive In and Si Senor authentic Mexican cuisine. For fine dining downtown, make plans to visit the Old Colonial Inn, housed in an iconic 1894 building and featuring a chef with James Beard experience. Also located in the town square is the Downtown Lounge and Trattoria offering Italian, Mexican, and American specialties with bar, indoor seating, and seasonal outdoor beer garden.
