Pennville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pennville, Indiana.
1. Glass Museum
HISTORIC GLASS ARTIFACTS
The Glass Museum in Pennville showcases an impressive collection of historical glass artifacts and exhibits that highlight the region's rich glass-making heritage. Visitors can explore various displays that demonstrate the evolution of glass manufacturing techniques and artistic styles throughout the decades. The museum offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into how glass production shaped the local economy and culture.
2. The Kindred Spirit
UNIQUE GIFT SHOP EXPERIENCE
The Kindred Spirit offers a charming shopping experience with a carefully curated selection of specialty gifts and handcrafted items. Visitors will find unique treasures from local artisans alongside distinctive home décor and personal accessories. The warm atmosphere and personalized service make this shop a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
3. Key Palace Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Key Palace Theater stands as a cultural landmark in Pennville, offering a variety of performances and film screenings in a nostalgic setting. The historic venue has been lovingly preserved to maintain its vintage charm while providing modern entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy everything from live music and theatrical performances to classic movie nights in this community treasure.
4. Chandlee-Gregg-Hedges House
HISTORIC PIONEER RESIDENCE
The Chandlee-Gregg-Hedges House is one of the oldest residences in Jay County, built between 1836 and 1841 by Goldsmith Chandlee. Located at 129 West Lagro Street, this historic home showcases early 19th-century architecture and has been owned by several prominent local families including the Gregg, Hedges, and Springer families. The house serves as a tangible connection to Pennville's pioneer past and offers visitors a glimpse into early Indiana settlement life.
5. Underground Railroad and Eliza Harris Marker
FREEDOM TRAIL MONUMENT
The Underground Railroad and Eliza Harris Marker stands approximately 2.5 miles north of Pennville on Indiana State Road 1, commemorating a significant station on the path to freedom. Erected in 1923, this historical marker indicates the site of Jimmy and Rachel Silliven's pioneer home, which served as a crucial stop for escaping enslaved people. Local legend suggests that Eliza Harris, who inspired a character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' rested here during her journey to Canada.
6. Twin Hills
GLACIAL FORMATIONS WITH LEGENDS
Twin Hills is a natural landmark consisting of glacial moraines located 2-3 miles northeast of Pennville, rising 100-150 feet and composed primarily of gravel and sand. Only one of the original hills remains intact, as the other has been mined for construction materials used in local roads and railroads. The site is also steeped in local folklore, including a haunting legend about a tragic picnic that adds a mysterious dimension to this geological feature.
7. Limberlost State Historic Site
AUTHOR'S INSPIRING HOME
Limberlost State Historic Site preserves the home of renowned naturalist and author Gene Stratton-Porter, whose works were inspired by the surrounding wetlands and forests. Visitors can tour the restored 1895 cabin and explore the grounds that have been rehabilitated to reflect the natural environment that influenced Porter's writing. The site offers educational programs about conservation, literature, and early 20th-century life in rural Indiana.
8. Pine Lake Waterpark
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AQUATIC RECREATION
Pine Lake Waterpark (also known as Portland Water Park) offers refreshing summer fun with a variety of aquatic attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. The park features water slides, swimming pools, splash pads, and lounging areas where families can relax and enjoy the sunny weather. Throughout the season, the waterpark hosts special events and activities that enhance the recreational experience for community members and tourists alike.
9. The Tipsy Glass Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
The Tipsy Glass Winery invites visitors to sample distinctive locally-produced wines in a welcoming, rustic atmosphere. The winery specializes in crafting unique varietals that showcase the flavors of Indiana's agricultural bounty. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles of their favorites to take home as delicious souvenirs.
10. First Mennonite Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
First Mennonite Church stands as a testament to the Swiss Mennonite heritage that deeply influenced the region's cultural development. The architectural beauty of this historic place of worship reflects traditional European design elements while accommodating the practical needs of its congregation. Visitors appreciate both the spiritual significance and artistic craftsmanship evident in the building's interior and exterior features.
11. Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower
SWISS HERITAGE LANDMARK
Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower serves as the centerpiece of Berne, showcasing the community's proud Swiss heritage through its distinctive European-inspired design. The impressive clock tower, modeled after the Zytglogge in Bern, Switzerland, features animated figures that perform on the hour, delighting spectators of all ages. The surrounding plaza provides a beautiful public space for community gatherings, seasonal celebrations, and relaxed enjoyment of this architectural treasure.
12. Swiss Heritage Village and Museum
LIVING HISTORY SETTLEMENT
Swiss Heritage Village and Museum preserves the cultural legacy of the Swiss Mennonite settlers who shaped the region through a collection of historic buildings arranged as a living history village. Visitors can explore more than 15 original structures, including a one-room schoolhouse, cheese house, blacksmith shop, and various dwellings that have been carefully restored and furnished with period artifacts. The museum offers guided tours and special events that bring the past to life through demonstrations of traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and domestic skills.
13. Arts Place
CREATIVE COMMUNITY CENTER
Arts Place serves as a vibrant cultural hub that nurtures artistic expression and appreciation through diverse programming and exhibitions. The center hosts rotating art displays, workshops, classes, and performances that showcase both local talent and visiting artists. Visitors can engage with multiple art forms including visual arts, music, theater, and dance in this welcoming space dedicated to enriching community life through creativity.
14. The General Store
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The General Store offers a delightful step back in time with its carefully curated selection of nostalgic goods, handcrafted items, and local products. The charming atmosphere evokes the feeling of old-fashioned mercantiles where neighbors gathered not just to shop but to connect and share community news. Visitors enjoy browsing through unique merchandise while experiencing the warm hospitality that makes this store a beloved local institution.
15. Bulldog Books
COZY INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Bulldog Books welcomes book lovers into a cozy haven filled with carefully selected titles spanning various genres and interests. The independent bookstore hosts regular events including author signings, reading groups, and literary discussions that foster a sense of community among readers. Knowledgeable staff members provide personalized recommendations, making this shop a cherished destination for both serious bibliophiles and casual readers seeking their next great read.