The first post office in Fulton County was located at William Polke’s trading post and was named Chippeway. This story offers a concrete introduction to an area where historical displays sit alongside trails and waterways. In Fulton County, you can explore different eras or focus on nature and recreation.
History Across Different Eras
The Fulton County Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on holidays. Before your trip, check whether any exceptions apply on holidays. The Round Barn Museum is also part of the museum. The Living History Village at the Fulton County Museum comprises 14 historic buildings and complements a museum visit with a look at historic structures.
The Living History village of Loyal depicts a different period: the years from 1900 to 1925. Events also explore historical themes, but at different times of the year. The annual Trail of Courage Living History Festival takes place on the third weekend in September; check the dates for the year of your visit before traveling. The Redbud Trail Rendezvous depicts the Midwest frontier in April. Confirm the current event dates before your trip as well.
If you’re looking for a sport alongside history, Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek offers a traditional 18-hole golf course.
Trails and Landscape
The Nickel Plate Trail is a more than 40-mile rail-trail that runs from Kokomo in Howard County to Rochester in Fulton County. Cross-country skiing is also possible on the trail, though winter conditions may vary. A walking trail connects the Nickel Plate Trail to the Judy Burton trails. Burton Nature Preserve has parking and trails. Prairie Edge Nature Park offers walking trails through areas of native wildflowers, trees and prairie grasses. Each of these places offers something different: from the long rail-trail to connected paths and walks through areas featuring a variety of native plants.
Enjoy the River and Water
Aubbeenaubbee Landing is a public access point on the Tippecanoe River. Visitors can relax by the river. For a different perspective on water and landscape, Lake Manitou is worth a visit: it was created in 1827 by the construction of a dam and covers 775 acres. The lake is used for fishing; check local conditions before water activities.
Lakeside Park is also a public access point, where boating and fishing are possible. Access is seasonal and should be confirmed before visiting. Fishing is possible at Germany Bridge County Park, which also has picnic areas and a restroom. These details can help you distinguish the offerings based on your interests: fishing is possible at several of the places mentioned, while Lakeside Park is additionally described as an access point for boating, and Germany Bridge County Park has picnic areas.
Planning Your Stay
Fulton County is near U.S. Highway 31. Historical events offer different reasons to choose when to visit: the Trail of Courage Living History Festival takes place on the third weekend in September, while the Redbud Trail Rendezvous depicts the Midwest frontier in April. If you’d rather focus on nature and outdoor activities, you can explore the trails, river access points and fishing opportunities described above.
Discover more destinations: Kewanna, Marshall County, Clark, Orange County, Delaware, Rush County, Whitley County, Greene County.
For the overview of the wider region: Indiana.
