Huntington County: Nature Trails and History

Trails and Nature by the Water

At Salamonie Lake, two trails differ in length, use, and classification. The Bloodroot Trail is 13 miles long, is suitable for hiking and biking, and has a moderate difficulty rating. The 5.5-mile Kin-Ti-On-Ki Bike Trail is designated for beginners. These specific details make it easy to compare the two routes: two types of use are listed for the Bloodroot Trail, while Kin-Ti-On-Ki is classified as a beginner route.

A winding trail in Salamonie River State Forest passes through several ravines. In several places, it offers views of the Salamonie River, rocky ravines, and waterfalls. The forest was established as a demonstration river forest to reclaim eroded land. So, in addition to the landscape, the forest’s original purpose is also part of the story: restoring eroded land.

J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area includes 7,347 acres of land, 900 acres of lake, and 350 acres of reservoir. The three figures distinguish the land area, lake, and reservoir. The area offers good wildlife-viewing opportunities year-round; in spring, it is especially well suited to watching waterfowl. If birdwatching is important to your trip, this seasonal highlight offers a specific point to consider when planning.

History at the Forks and Throughout the County

At the Huntington County History and Education Center, visitors can explore the county’s history from prehistory and the era of the Miami and French voyageurs through the canal era and pioneer settlement to the present day. This broad span of time makes the museum a place to discover different chapters of the county’s history.

Historic Forks of the Wabash honors the Miami settlement, the trade and logging activity, the craftsmen and laborers involved in canal construction, and the development of communities in the Wabash Valley. Three Miami villages were located at the Forks of the Wabash; Chiefs Richardville and LaFontaine once lived there. Jean Baptiste Richardville (Pe-she-wah, 1761–1841) made the Forks his principal residence.

The Forks were the western terminus of the Maumee-Wabash land portage and, in 1835, the western terminus of the first section of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The transportation history brings together two distinct forms of travel: a land portage and a canal section. Wabash & Erie Canal Lock 4 was the first lock west of the canal’s summit level and was known as Dickey Lock. Huntington Landing extended 120 feet west along Washington Street and reached the lock at Cherry Street.

Kiilhsoohkwa’s story is also connected to the area of present-day Huntington County: she was born there in 1810 and was a granddaughter of Miami Chief Little Turtle. For many years, she kept a flag that was reportedly presented to her other grandfather, shimaakanehsia, at the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. The treaty involved the United States and several Indigenous tribes. The flag is considered a rare artifact of significance to American history and Miami tradition.

Local History, Gardens, and Places of Remembrance

The “The Lime City” historical marker is located at the intersection of W. Park Drive and Diamond Street in Sunken Gardens Park in Huntington. It refers to the name “Lime City,” given to Huntington because of its numerous limestone quarries and lime kilns. Sunken Gardens/Shakespeare Gardens were originally dedicated to Huntington in 1924. From 1964 to 1967, the city carried out a revitalization plan to restore the gardens.

Drover Town was the first subdivision south of the Little River. Henry Drover laid it out on August 22, 1857. Another transportation landmark is the first wooden truss bridge over the Little River: it was built at the historic ford and accepted in December 1843. Warren Free Public Library opened on June 5, 1920, with more than 1,500 books.

Local Cuisine and Activities

Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington County is described as the birthplace of Indiana’s popular hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Rustic River Outfitters offers canoeing and kayaking as well as wine, craft beer, spirits, ice cream, and food. Check the seasonal availability of these offerings before visiting.

For planning your trip, you can choose between different focuses: nature trails and wildlife viewing on the one hand, and historic sites, exhibits, and local cuisine on the other. If you’re looking for a hotel in Huntington County, these interests can be a helpful starting point for planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Markle, Lake, Wabash County, Allen, Hamilton, Scott, Benton County, Tipton County.

Return to the main travel overview: Indiana.