All in a Day’s Drive: Jackson County Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour

Schneider Nursery, one of the stops on the Jackson County Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour; Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Spend a day – or more – cruising around the Jackson County Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour to discover the scenic bridges, barns, farmland and friendly folks that inspired hometown rocker John Mellencamp to proudly proclaim the virtues of being born in a small town.

Located just an hour south of Indianapolis, Jackson County feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy urban area.

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“It’s a peaceful place,” says Arann Banks, executive director of Jackson County Tourism. “You’re going to find nice people, great cooking and beautiful landscapes.”

With a rich tapestry of outdoor recreation, history, fine arts and family-friendly festivals, it’s no surprise Jackson County is the fastest-growing rural county in Indiana. Known for producing everything from meat and fish to pumpkins and perennials, visitors can experience working farms and beautiful landmarks on a self-guided driving tour.

Another great reason to hop off Interstate 65 at Exit 50 is the delicious dining.

“One of the best parts of being an agriculture community is no matter what the restaurant, a lot of the food is locally sourced,” Banks says.

She adds visitors can take home farm-fresh goods from multiple family-run and community markets, such as the Seymour Area Farmers Market, with locally produced items for everyone, including treats for the family pup from Purple Shamrock Farm.

Start mapping out your journey with these highlights.

Shieldstown Covered Bridge; Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

1. Covered Bridges

Jackson County is home to two well-known covered bridges crossing the East Fork of the White River. In 1875, master bridge builder J.J. Daniels constructed the Medora Covered Bridge, located in Carr Township about a mile from Medora. Measuring 460 feet, the three-span covered bridge is the longest in the nation. The following year, Daniels built Shieldstown Covered Bridge, named for an adjacent village and mill just five minutes from Brownstown. At 331 feet, the two-span bridge is shorter than its Medora counterpart, but it showcases a rare variant of the Burr Arch Truss. With their white end caps and red siding, both historic bridges are Instagram-worthy.

See more: Parke County: The Covered Bridge Capital of the World

2. Hackman Family Farm Market

Throughout the summer, drivers can’t help but pull over to see what’s been picked fresh at this family-run roadside market. Farming for more than a century, the latest generation opened the market in 2012. Most famous for their Jackson County watermelons, they also have sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, green beans and more. The farm market is located between Vallonia and Salem on State Road 135.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

3. Stuckwish Family Farms

Just down the road, this fourth-generation family farm uses innovative methods, including Haygrove high tunnels to protect their tomato vines, extend the growing season and reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals. During the summer, the farm produces cantaloupe, watermelon, sweet corn, tomatoes, a variety of peppers and more. Visit the Stuckwish Farm Market for produce as well as local honey, jams and crafts. More than 3,000 square feet of greenhouses feature gorgeous annuals and perennials.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

4. Tiemeyer’s Farm Market

Tiemeyer’s is another large market featuring homegrown products and family fun. Located in Vallonia, the store showcases fresh fruits and vegetables farmed right on the property, along with honeys, jams, sauces, canned goods, soy candles and flowers. Mini golf, a petting zoo, and an on-site restaurant and ice cream shop make this a great place to stop, relax and refuel.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

5. Stuckwish Round Barn

Barns are always a colorful point on any driving tour, and Driftwood Township in Vallonia is home to a particularly picturesque one. The Stuckwish Round Barn is the last remaining round barn in Jackson County. Built in 1911, the barn has a double-pitch gambrel roof and is 60 feet in diameter. In 2020, preservation efforts shored up the barn’s structure and returned the building to its original red color.

See more: The Farm at Prophetstown Peeks Into the Past

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

6. Starve Hollow Lake

Nearby, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is a great option for a quick picnic or to stay and play on the 145-acre lake. Known for regular bald eagle sightings, the area is carved out of the Jackson-Washington State Forest. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings to enjoy fishing docks, a nature center, hiking and mountain bike trails, sports courts, and playgrounds. Spend time on the water swimming along the sandy beach or renting a boat or canoe during the summer season. Campsites and cabins are available for longer stays.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

7. Schneider Nursery

Even as a child, George Schneider was passionate about plantings to enhance the land. Today, Schneider Nursery in Seymour spans more than 500 acres with everything from garden flowers and shrubs to mature trees. The garden center features the colors of the season with the decor, accessories and tools to turn any thumb green. Throughout the year, the nursery hosts workshops and activities for both kids and adults.

8. Toast the Tour

Raise a glass to Jackson County’s skilled artisans who turn grapes and barley into delicious beverages. In Freetown, Salt Creek Winery creates both dry and sweet wines from grapes, blueberries, strawberries, pears, plums and more. In Seymour, the Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery features nearly 25 varieties of wines from their red and white grapes with free tastings daily. In the heart of downtown Seymour, the Seymour Brewing Company showcases multiple beers on tap, along with a full slate of musical artists throughout the summer.

See more: Make Memories This Summer on the South Shore Brewery and Winery Trails