Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Huntington, Indiana

Located at the intersection of the Little River and the Wabash River, Huntington is referred to as “The Lime City,” a nod to the many quarries and kilns that were prominent in the mid-19th century. A significant attraction in the city is the picturesque Sunken Garden, established in a former limestone quarry during the 1920s.

Furthermore, the Forks of the Wabash, located just west of downtown, is of tremendous historical importance, housing the Chief Richardville House and Miami Treaty Grounds, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the 1830s, this area also served as the terminus for the Wabash and Erie Canal, which played a vital role in the initial growth of Huntington.

1. Sunken Gardens

As one of only two gardens of its kind in the nation, the Sunken Gardens were designed in the 1920s on the premises of a decommissioned quarry near downtown Huntington. The Chicago Landscape Co. transformed this once unattractive site into a serene public area, accessible via a stone stairway and bordered by the towering limestone walls of the former quarry.

A striking, horseshoe-shaped pond with fountains meanders through the garden, traversed by two elegant stone bridges. In the center stands a wooden gazebo surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds, making it a favorite location for wedding photographs.

2. Historic Forks of the Wabash

The significance of the site where the Wabash and Little Rivers converge on the west side of Huntington cannot be overstated. The Forks of the Wabash was home to Miami settlements and witnessed a number of Miami Councils during the 19th century.

In this very location, the Treaty of the Forks of the Wabash was established in 1838, leading to the cession of a substantial portion of reservation land in Indiana to the Federal Government, which ultimately resulted in the removal of the Miami people. This area has a rich legacy of French and English traders who traversed through the region during the 18th century, and in 1835, it became the initial section of the Wabash and Erie Canal.

This diverse history is commemorated through an interactive outdoor museum preserving elements of the canal, the 1827 residence of Miami Chief Jean Baptiste Richardville (1761-1841), an 1880s schoolhouse, and the Nuck Log House, constructed in 1841.

3. Huntington County Historical Museum

This museum, which was formerly housed in the courthouse, transitioned to its spacious current location in 1999. Visitors can embark on a fascinating chronological exploration from prehistoric times through the era of the Miami Indians, French voyageurs, and the Wabash and Erie Canal, extending to contemporary times.

Particularly noteworthy are the artifact-laden reconstructions of a Victorian parlor, a drugstore, and a 1940s farmhouse, along with an extensive collection of memorabilia related to the military, local sports teams, and enduring businesses in the county. Among these exhibits, one will find several examples of cedar chests crafted by Caswell-Runyan, a well-regarded manufacturer based in Huntington during the early 20th century.

4. Downtown Huntington

Prominently featuring Jefferson Street, which leads north from the stately Huntington County Courthouse (1904), downtown Huntington is a quaint area that continually welcomes new shops and restaurants. This district is also recognized as having historic significance, with over 100 contributing buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1845.

Along Jefferson Street, one can admire the beautifully restored storefronts across a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Italianate to the Chicago School. Within these pedestrian-friendly blocks, a growing array of shops offer furniture, sewing supplies, confectionery items, musical instruments, records, and art studios, as well as the recently established Huntington Arts and Entrepreneurial Center.

5. Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center

For many years, Indiana served as a pivotal swing state in U.S. presidential elections, which may explain the number of vice presidents it has produced. One of them is Republican Dan Quayle (b. 1947), who served as Vice President under George H. W. Bush. Quayle attended Huntington North High School and practiced law within the city during the 1970s.

Located in the Old Plat Historic District, this center is the only educational facility in the nation dedicated to a vice president. Housed in a converted former First Church of Christ, Scientist, the building features two magnificent Ionic columns at its entrance.

The center spans two floors, with the lower level showcasing a gallery focused on vice presidents, particularly those hailing from Indiana, each accompanied by at least one artifact. The upper level includes a theater and an extensive collection of memorabilia from Quayle’s time in office.

6. Salamonie Lake

Situated southeast of Huntington, en route to Wabash, lies a substantial reservoir on the Salamonie River, constructed for flood control in the mid-1960s. Spanning a vast expanse, Salamonie Lake features several recreational areas along its shores, catering to activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, camping, and numerous other pursuits.

A prime starting point is the Lost Bridge State Recreation Area located on the southern shore, offering a stunning beach, various campgrounds to suit different preferences, a marina, a disc golf course, a fishing pier, and access to six distinct trails, including the 13-mile Bloodroot Trail that winds through woodlands and open fields.

Furthermore, the Interpretive Center merits a visit for its interactive exhibits, displays of natural and cultural history, a children’s area, wildlife viewing opportunities, and live animal showcases.

7. Zip Timber Lake

Located in the northeast of Huntington, Camp Timber Lake has long been a popular local destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. Recently, it has also become an ideal venue for adventurous activities, particularly guided zip line tours.

This facility offers eight zip lines, including dual zips and scenic lake zips, complemented by sky bridges and various climbing elements. Zip Timber Lake is the sole location for zip lining in Northeast Indiana, featuring customizable packages based on ability, experience levels, available time, and comfort with heights.

8. Two-EE’s Winery

Established in 2013, this award-winning winery is situated along U.S. Route 24 in Indiana, northeast of Huntington. The name pays homage to the owners, Emily and Eric, who have long been passionate about viticulture, even obtaining a certificate in enology from U.C. Davis.

Two-EE’s emphasizes lesser-known grape varieties, such as its bold and smoky Tannat, crisp Grüner Veltliner, and intense Primitivo. First-time visitors are encouraged to partake in the guided tasting experience, where knowledgeable staff will assist in discovering the ideal wine selection.

Complementing the wine offerings, visitors can order a charcuterie board, pizzas, and numerous other bites to accompany their wine, while an engaging schedule of events, including food trucks, live performances, and yoga sessions, keeps the atmosphere lively.

9. Huntington Arts and Entrepreneurial Center (HAEC)

Engagement with Huntington’s thriving art scene can be experienced at the Huntington Arts and Entrepreneurial Center, located in the historic UB Block opposite the courthouse. This facility encompasses a gallery, classrooms, studio spaces, and apartments, featuring the charming Odd Fellows Hall (1889).

Having opened its doors in the summer of 2019, the center serves as a creative hub for Huntington, fostering continued revitalization of the historic downtown area. A plethora of activities take place here, including free art exhibitions showcasing talented local artists across various mediums, as well as public creative workshops, ceramics classes, and culinary sessions conducted in a state-of-the-art kitchen.

The events calendar is bustling, hosting artist receptions, live performances, coffee mornings, drum circles, and much more.

10. Rustic River Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Located at the Ole Saw Mill in Mount Etna, just 15 minutes from downtown Huntington, this venue combines dining and entertainment with outdoor adventures, offering rentals for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

This picturesque three-acre property backs onto the Salamonie Reservoir and the Salamonie River, providing access to over eight miles of scenic waterways. It serves as an excellent launch point for water activities, whether paddling along the winding river or taking in the expansive views of the reservoir.

Rustic River also facilitates access to the Wabash River, with an array of routes ranging from four to 18 miles available for exploration.

11. Lime City Trail

Huntington boasts a network of shared-use trails that have gradually expanded throughout the city over the past decade. Operated under the HARTA (Harta Area Recreational Trails Association), these pathways feature consistent wayfinding signage, serving as reliable routes for navigating the city.

Travelers can journey from the university to downtown while traversing the banks of the two rivers and numerous interconnected parks. The Lime City Trail, which spans one mile alongside the Wabash River in western Huntington, serves as a vital component of this system, connecting to the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Throughout the route, informative signs detailing the history of Wabash can be found.

12. Yeoman Park

Northeast of downtown Huntington lies a community park teeming with recreational facilities. Among them is the Hayes Lemmerz Skate Park, which features extensive equipment including slide rails, fun boxes, wedges, and quarter pipes. Additionally, an Olympic-standard BMX pump track attracts riders from across the state.

The park also includes a playground designed for younger children, as well as soccer fields, a lighted baseball diamond, and a pavilion. New signage unveiled in 2021 identified the Yeoman Trail, part of the Erie Rail Trail, which connects the fairgrounds in the south to Gragg Street by Huntington University. This trail follows the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad and crosses a picturesque old bridge over the Little River.

13. Tel-Hy Nature Preserve

Just a ten-minute drive from downtown Huntington, Tel-Hy Nature Preserve offers a stunning natural environment situated along the curving Wabash River. The preserve derives its name from Hebrew words meaning “high” (tel) and “life” (hy), and it is located on a river bluff, showcasing breathtaking views of the Wabash.

This 40-acre area comprises riparian and upland woodlands, featuring a variety of tree species such as willow, sycamore, maple, hickory, and beech, with a vibrant display of wildflowers in the spring and summer months.

A 1.1-mile trail network meanders through the preserve, providing opportunities for birdwatching, where visitors may encounter species such as wood thrushes and scarlet tanagers in the trees, along with wood ducks in the water.

14. GQT Huntington Drive-In Theater

Having opened in 1950, this drive-in theater is among the oldest still in operation in the United States. The season runs from April until around October, with showtimes often varying as films commence after sunset.

A second screen was added approximately ten years ago, with both screens utilizing high-quality 4K digital projection systems for outstanding clarity. Visitors can enjoy double features of the latest movies for less than the cost of a single ticket at traditional cinemas. Sound can be accessed through vintage in-car speakers or via FM radio, with a concession stand available for popular movie snacks.

15. Sheets Wildlife Museum

Sumner B. Sheets (1927-2012), a notable figure from Huntington, embarked on global hunting and fishing expeditions beginning in the early 1960s. While some of his trophy-hunting endeavors might draw criticism today, Sheets later donated his entire collection to Huntington County, establishing a maintenance fund for the museum that houses it.

Visitors to the Sheets Wildlife Museum will encounter an educational display featuring numerous animal specimens from diverse continents, many artistically arranged in lifelike dioramas.