Located 90 minutes southeast of Chicago, two hours northwest of Indianapolis, and less than two hours from Fort Wayne, Starke County is where nature and history collide. Nestled in rural northwest Indiana, the county’s railroad heritage runs deep with a visitor center located in a renovated train depot at the northern edge of Knox and the popular Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson. Part of the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad is now the Erie Trail, which runs from south of Bass Lake through the countryside into North Judson. It is part of the
trans American routes for the Great American Rail-Trail, the northern branch of the American Discovery Trail, and US Bike Route 35.
Learn more about Gov. Henry F. Schricker by visiting his home on Main Street in Knox. He served two non-consecutive terms as governor during World War II and the Korean War. The Starke County Historical Society recently transformed the Schricker home into a living history museum furnished with many of the family’s belongings.
Koontz Lake and Bass Lake are popular destinations for fishing, boating, swimming and lodging. Both feature several vacation rentals and nearby campgrounds. Round out your visit by dining in one of the county’s unique restaurants or enjoying a pint at a local brewery. It’s Starke Raving Fun.
SPRING
Enjoy the beautiful Starke County countryside with a ride or hike on the Erie Trail or book a trip on the Easter Train at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. North Judson’s recently renovated town park offers several recreational opportunities, as does Wythogan Park in Knox. If golf is your game, check out the Hamlet Golf Course and Chesapeake Run in North Judson.
FALL
Take a hike through The Starke County Forest to enjoy breath-taking seasonal color and tranquility. Don’t miss Knoxtoberfest the first Saturday of October in downtown Knox. Enjoy bands, shop local stores and vendor booths, and partake in activities for the entire family.
WINTER
Kick off the holiday season at the City of Knox Peppermint Parade and take a trip to Hensler Nursery Christmas Tree farm in Hamlet for a great selection of trees, gifts, and fresh greenery. Purchase a pre-cut tree or select and cut your own. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be there for photos with the family. Enjoy the sled run at Norwayne Field in North Judson. It was constructed by the Work Progress Administration in the 1930s. Warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa at one of the county’s quaint coffee shops.
SUMMER
Relax with your toes in the sand at Bass Lake Beach, enjoy an ice cream cone from nearby Scoops and Smiles or The Point Drive-In in North Judson, and cap it off with a movie under the stars at The Melody Drive-In Theatre. The Mint Festival over Father’s Day weekend in North Judson celebrates the community’s agricultural heritage, and The Yellowstone Trail Fest in Hamlet in mid-August honors Starke County’s contribution to early automotive travel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS, VISIT: visitstarkecounty.com
