Here’s Why You Should Visit Dubois County in the Fall

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Dubois County

The Monastery Immaculate Conception Church

Gearing up for a fall trip that’s perfect for the whole family? Set your sights on Dubois County. Located in southern Indiana, the county is home to a variety of must-visit destinations and attractions, and offers easy access to other can’t-miss communities.

“We’re pretty centrally located,” says Kevin Manley, executive director of the Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission. “Thirty minutes to the south [in Santa Claus], there’s a huge theme park called Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, and 30 minutes to the northeast, there’s the French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel. Combine this with all we have in Dubois County, and you’ll see there’s really something for everyone.”

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Dubois County

The Spirit of Jasper train

Learn Local History Through Fun Attractions

All aboard the Spirit of Jasper, a luxury passenger train that blends history and modern excitement through scenic excursions from the Jasper Train Depot, located in Old Jasper near the Patoka River. The depot is a replica of the original structure built in 1906. Three beautifully renovated, climate-controlled lounge cars take passengers on journeys to the French Lick Casino and historic West Baden, and provide the perfect setting for Ride & Dine excursions that cover 18 miles through the countryside. Guests can enjoy meals catered by Schnitzelbank, a locally owned, authentic German restaurant. The Fall Foliage Ride & Dines that take place in October and early November are especially popular, giving passengers the opportunity to experience beautiful autumn colors in a unique way.

For those looking to man their own vehicle, the Trail of Faith is a popular driving tour of 19 historic churches in and around the county. The trail includes the Monastery Immaculate Conception Church, known as the “Castle on the Hill,” which was founded in 1867 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built between 1915 and 1924 and fully restored in the early 2000s, the church features an 87-foot-high dome, 89 angels in the interior and hand-carved wooden ornamentation.

Dubois County

Also on the National Register of Historic Places, Huntingburg’s historic 4th Street shopping district takes visitors back to the late 1800s and early 1900s with walking tours that detail when the district’s original Italianate and Victorian structures were built.

In addition, the Dubois County Museum in Jasper – the largest county museum in the state – draws more than 12,000 visitors each year with over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, 14 murals, a model train display and a 17-room Main Street reminiscent of the 1890s.

Ways to Get Active

Dubois County has lots of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The community is home to several parks and scenic trails, and it lays claim to a portion of the 8,800-acre Patoka Lake – the second-largest reservoir in Indiana – which is surrounded by a 26,000-acre recreation area with nesting sites for bald eagles and ospreys.

Dubois County

Jasper City Mill

Covering more than 7,500 acres, Ferdinand State Forest is another top spot for outdoor recreation. The forest includes hiking trails, mountain biking trails and campsites as well as Ferdinand Lake, where visitors can swim, boat and fish.

In Jasper, Sultan’s Run Golf Club is a major Dubois County draw. The 18-hole course stretches across 224 rolling acres of woodland, water and wildlife, and it was named the 2015 Indiana Course of the Year by the Indiana Golf Course Owners Association. Golf Digest gives Sultan’s Run 4.5 stars and has named it a top golf destination in the U.S.

Additionally, baseball fans can catch a Dubois County Bombers collegiate game at Huntingburg’s League Stadium, which served as home field for the Rockford Peaches in the hit movie A League of Their Own. The stadium also was included in Soul of the Game, an HBO film starring Blair Underwood as Jackie Robinson.

Dubois County

Huntingburg’s League Stadium

How to Plan Your Trip

Learn more about Dubois County at visitduboiscounty.com, where you’ll find lists of local restaurants, shopping destinations, special events, lodging options and much more.

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