Where Nature and History Collide
Nestled in the northwest corner of Indiana, Starke County’s friendly communities and outdoor amenities offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Starke County’s amenities include Bass Lake and Koontz Lake, the Erie Trail, Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, the Starke County Forest, the Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area, Round Lake Nature Preserve, the Melody Drive-In Theatre and more.
Stop by the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn in Knox and pay your respects to the local men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. It’s within walking distance of Wythogan Park, which hosts events ranging from concerts, cruise-ins and movies in the park, to fireworks and sports tournaments. Bring your pickleball racquet and enjoy the new court or cool off in the splash pad on a hot day.
Head south on U.S. 35 and hop on the Erie Trail for a walk, jog, or bicycle ride through the idyllic countryside. It lies in the bed of the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad and is part of the trans- American routes for the Great American Rail Trail, the American Discovery Trail, and US Bike Route 35. The trail ends at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, which celebrates the community’s heritage as a railroad boomtown. Stop at The Point for an ice cream cone or at Fingerhut Bakery for a sweet treat, and enjoy them at Norwayne Field on a bench or the stone bleachers built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal.
If water sports are your speed, Bass Lake and Koontz Lake are your destinations. They offer boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, along with dining options ranging from fast casual to fine cuisine. Whatever your desire, make Starke County your destination.
