Top 15 Attractions in Logansport, Indiana

On a peninsula at the junction of the Wabash and Eel Rivers, Logansport emerged as a manufacturing center following the arrival of the Wabash and Erie Canal in 1837.

During the early 20th century, it served as a hub for the nascent automobile industry, hosting now-obscure brands such as Rutenber and Revere.

The Cass County Historical Society Museum, which has recently inaugurated a new facility in downtown Logansport, proudly displays a Revere automobile manufactured in the city over a century ago.

France Park provides an oasis for leisure activities at a spring-fed former quarry, while Riverside Park features a historic carousel, intricately hand-carved and painted more than 120 years ago.

1. France Park

Situated on the grounds of a former quarry, France Park offers a remarkable natural retreat a short distance downstream from Logansport.

This park is characterized by the attributes of a resort, featuring a beautiful beach and facilities for diverse activities, including scuba diving, fishing, disc golf (24 holes), and zip-lining.

Visitors can admire a scenic waterfall, with the park’s spring-fed waters being strikingly clear and blue.

Additionally, seven miles of marked trails meander through the park, which serve as cross-country ski paths in winter. For those wishing to camp, the park offers 200 modern and primitive campsites.

2. Riverside Park

Located along the Eel River, this 13-acre community park has been a favorite gathering place since 1887. Visitors on the River Bluff Trail can access Riverside Park via the Cole Bridge, designated for cyclists and pedestrians.

The primary highlight of Riverside Park is its vintage carousel from the early 20th century, which will be discussed in greater detail later.

A historic miniature train, relocated from San Francisco in 1970, operates during the summer on Fridays and weekends.

The park also features a miniature golf course and a riverfront trail that extends westward to Race Street.

3. Downtown Logansport

As Logansport’s population declined in the mid-20th century, the central business district experienced the most significant impact, resulting in the demolition of numerous monuments, including the grand old courthouse.

Despite these losses, the Courthouse Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, continues to feature around 80 contributing structures. Among these are exquisite examples of Late Victorian and Romanesque Revival architecture.

These historic buildings form a backdrop for a downtown that has revitalized its vibrancy, showcasing public art, cultural institutions, a variety of dining options, and unique shops specializing in home design, musical instruments, jewelry, and handcrafted gifts.

4. The State Theatre

As a cornerstone of downtown Logansport’s arts district, this elegant Art Moderne theater has been a notable landmark since the early 1940s.

Prior to this period, the structure hosting the State Theatre had been utilized for retail, originally accommodating a dry goods store followed by a furniture establishment before its redesign.

For the majority of the past 80 years, the venue operated primarily as a movie theater; however, after its closure in 2012, it was revitalized as a live performance space, initially known as The Shindig and rebranded as The State Theatre in 2019.

The venue is undergoing restoration to recapture its sleek 1940s sophistication, making it an ideal location for enjoying live music, comedy, theatrical performances, or regular classic film screenings.

5. Cass County Dentzel Carousel

A designated U.S. National Historic Landmark and one of only three of its kind, the carousel in Riverside Park was crafted by the Dentzel Carousel Company at the beginning of the 20th century.

Featuring intricately hand-carved horses, deer, giraffes, a tiger, and a lion, along with four two-seater chariots, this carousel ranks among the oldest surviving menagerie carousels produced by the company.

This remarkable artifact is believed to have been constructed for an amusement park owned by the Fort Wayne Consolidated Railway Company, later relocated to Logansport in 1919 following the park’s closure.

The carousel underwent restoration in the 1990s and is accessible to the public during weeknights and weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

6. Cass County Historical Society Museum

At the time of this writing, the Cass County Historical Society was transitioning to a new facility located at 421 E. Broadway in downtown Logansport.

The previous headquarters, the Jerolaman-Long House (1853), an elegant 20-room Italianate residence, will continue to function as a museum.

The historical society, which dates back to 1907, operates an outstanding research and genealogy center, soon to be established in the new building.

Its extensive collection includes Native American artifacts, a historic log cabin from 1863, military uniforms and equipment, works by local artisans, and an exquisite touring automobile manufactured by the Revere Motor Company, which was based in Logansport in the post-WWI years.

7. River Bluff Trail

A significant asset for Logansport, the River Bluff Trail is a shared-use path, managed by the Memorial Hospital Foundation, which runs along the north bank of the Eel River.

Spanning approximately 2.5 miles, this trail is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring it is free from vehicular traffic. It leads to a canoe/kayak launch, winding through woodlands and crossing several bridges along the Eel River.

This trail connects to a small network, linking Riverside Park and the scenic Huston Park.

8. US 24 Speedway

Recognized as Indiana’s fastest micro sprint track, the US 24 Speedway is a short dirt track where spectators are never far from the action.

Racing at this venue has a history dating back to the 1950s, and it is acknowledged as a breeding ground for talented drivers progressing to higher tiers such as INDY Cars, NASCAR Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and USAC Midgets and Sprints.

The racing season extends from mid-April to late October, featuring weekly races on Friday and Saturday nights.

Concessions are available with a ballpark-style offering, and the close seating to the track may warrant the use of eye protection.

9. Myers Sport Bowl

This classic small-town bowling alley is locally owned and well-regarded for its quality service and the excellent condition of its lanes.

With 24 lanes available, Myers Sport Bowl features a snack bar, pool area, and a spacious lounge serving craft beer.

The establishment remains open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and, typical of contemporary bowling alleys, offers cosmic bowling with blacklights and upbeat music.

In addition to pizza, the snack bar offers a variety of menu items, including gourmet loaded cheeseburgers served on pretzel buns.

10. Muehlhausen Aquatic Center

The public outdoor pool in Logansport operates for a two-month season that aligns with the summer break, running from early June to early August.

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, children can enjoy the splash pad. The main amenities at Muehlhausen Aquatic Center include a lap pool with multiple configurations and a long, winding water slide.

Stay informed about a full calendar of events, featuring water games and activities to celebrate July 4, along with “Dive-In” movie nights and Doggy Days to conclude the season.

11. Air Indiana Skydiving Center

If you have ever been intrigued by skydiving, the most accessible and swift method for beginners to experience this thrill is through a tandem jump.

This entails jumping from a plane at an altitude of 5,000 to 6,000 feet while securely harnessed to a qualified and certified skydiver. The experienced instructor will oversee the jump, while providing you with the opportunity to control the parachute during descent.

Based at Logansport/Cass County Airport, Air Indiana Skydiving Center offers tandem skydiving experiences for recreational purposes, as well as for students aspiring to undertake solo jumps. These adventures are available from April to October, contingent on favorable weather conditions.

12. Huston Park

The River Bluff Trail features a connecting pathway leading to Huston Park, a peaceful green space situated slightly away from the Eel River bank.

Huston Park primarily serves as a recreation area, highlighted by a 1.4-mile looping trail that traverses wooded regions where deer may be spotted.

The combination of Huston Park and the River Bluff Trail allows for extended walks or bike rides through the center of Logansport, devoid of road traffic.

Amenities at Huston Park include two playgrounds for children and a spacious pavilion suitable for outdoor birthday celebrations and family gatherings.

13. The People’s Winery

For a significant portion of the late 20th century, this charming Italianate structure adjacent to the State Theatre fell into disrepair.

Originally established as a bank in 1868, this building was subsequently sold to a local group that formed the People’s Bank, which only operated for a brief period. Subsequently, it was repurposed for storage by an electrical appliance dealer and later utilized by the Salvation Army.

Since 2011, this historic landmark has revitalized its purpose as the People’s Winery. Contrary to its name, it functions more like a wine bar, offering an extensive selection, including numerous regional wines.

The venue provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate Logansport’s artistic community, featuring works by local artists on its walls and a dynamic lineup of live music events.

14. Dykeman Park Golf Course

For those seeking a challenging round, an 18-hole course is located on the northwestern outskirts of Logansport.

Managed by the city’s parks and recreation department, Dykeman Park Golf Course is highly regarded, presenting a more demanding experience than the relatively short distance might suggest.

The par 3 holes are particularly challenging, and the sloped greens require careful consideration of your approach shots. For those looking to improve, a driving range and putting green are available.

15. Mary Max Cinemas Logansport 5+

This unique cinema opened on the east side of Logansport in 2013, actively engaging with the community by offering complimentary showings and discounts for seniors, veterans, and groups.

The venue features five screens, with two equipped with 40-foot screens accommodating approximately 200 viewers, while the remaining three contain 29-foot screens, with a seating capacity of about 75.

All screens are outfitted with cutting-edge projection technology, sound systems, and reclining seating. Mary Max Cinemas also promotes community involvement through free movie showings for children during the summer and their Monday night Date Night special, which includes discounted tickets along with a large drink and popcorn.