The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wabash, Indiana Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | March 2020
French explorers named this area Ouabache after a Potawatomi Indian word for “white,” the shimmering color of the Wabash River. Wabash, Indiana continues to sparkle with several historic period buildings and houses in Wabash's historic district, which reflect the city's development, first as a port on the Wabash and Erie Canal, and later as a manufacturing center on the edge of the Indiana gas belt.
Image courtesy of Visit Wabash County
1. THE HIKING
Spread across over 130 acres, Kokiwanee Nature Preserve features bluffs along the Salamonie River and plenty of streams tumbling down waterfalls into the river below. With nearly five miles of hiking trails, you can make your adventure as long or short as you choose. The highlight of your adventure is a stop at Kissing Falls in the southeast corner of the preserve.
Image courtesy of Visit Wabash County
Kokiwanee Nature Preserve offers many species of trees, as well as wildflowers, including snow trillium. You’ll discover birds, from wood ducks and bald eagles on the river to great blue herons wading in the shallow water. Don't forget to bring your phone for selfies and must-see scenery shots.
2. THE ART
Art is everywhere in Wabash, Indiana. From impressive fine art galleries to public art and a growing street mural scene, there’s always something of artistic interest going on around town.
Be sure to stop into Borders & Beyond Gallery which features local, regional and national artists or Gallery 64, a "home grown" local shop that provides Wabash with a great place to gather and shop. And for the fiber enthusiast, Wabash Woollen Works manufactures luxury yarn, roving and felted blankets, with hands-on workshops available.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Tucked away in the historic and iconic Charley Creek Inn—you’ll experience handcrafted delicacies at their signature restaurant, Twenty. We recommend trying Charley Creek Inn’s “Centennial Cocktail,” the Wabash Cannonball for your artisanal cocktail fix. A spin on El Presidente, popular during the decade that Charley Creek Inn opened, it’s concocted with Bacardi Tangerine Rum, Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur, Elderflower Liqueur, fresh-squeezed lemon, apple cider, bitters, and Crème de Menthe.
Twenty Restaurant at Charley Creek Inn in Wabash, Indiana
Irresistible dishes with an innovative twist featuring local, seasonal produce and farm-raised meats await you at Twenty Restaurant. Favorite dishes include Pepper Encrusted Yellowfin Ahi Tuna, Shrimp & Grits with an iconic variation infused with smoked gouda cheese, topped with jumbo blackened shrimp and tomato conserve, New York Strip, as well as Pork Tenderloin—one of Indiana’s most famous contributions to American cuisine.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with their decadent Crème Brûlée or Molten Cake for dessert. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Located in the heart of Wabash, Indiana—Charley Creek Gardens focuses on native and foreign plants that are valuable to horticulture. Go to peruse the walking paths (with some so steep they can be used for serious training), sit by the relaxing waterfall and navigate the landscaped hedge maze. Stand in the center of the maze and clap! You’ll hear a "ping" with each clap.
The horticultural center presents an abundance of educational series from “Herbal Teas 101” to “Trees & Plants.” Admission to the botanical garden is free to the public, year round.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Originally built in 1880 as a three-story Italianate frame house, Honeywell House underwent a major renovation and the architectural style was changed to a French Manor after being purchased by the Honeywells. Mark C. Honeywell was an American electronics industrialist who invented the hot water heating system (the first such system in North America).
Image courtesy of Visit Wabash County
