TEN REASONS TO VISIT HUNTINGTON COUNTY THIS SEASON

1. The food around here is the stuff of legends.

Huntington County is a well-known foodie destination! We're home to Nick's Kitchen, the birthplace of the Indiana-favorite Hand Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, who has been featured in regional and national publications as well as the Travel Channel's “Food Paradise." Visitors come from all over the country to grab a tenderloin and a slice of their sugar cream pie.

If ever there is a restaurant worthy of a road trip, it would be Joseph Decuis in Roanoke, Indiana. Their menu showcases their "Farm to Fork" philosophy and features seasonal foods from their nearby farm and like-minded Indiana farms. Joseph Decuis is renowned for the delicious Wagyu beef they raise, which was cited by Bloomberg Pursuits Magazine as "some of the finest Wagyu outside of Japan."Joseph Decuis Restaurant has been featured on the "Dr. Oz Show" and the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise."

Let's not stop there! There's plenty of amazing eateries in the area serving up specialties from pizza, tacos, burgers, homestyle entrees, baked goods, candies, craft-made sodas and more. Check out our list of the Best Sandwiches and Top Desserts in Huntington County. For a full list of dining and food options, click here.

2. History was made here.

From historic treaties to the hometown of an American Vice President, there's plenty of history for your to explore. Visit our area museums, including the Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center or the Huntington County Historical Museum. Research your family lineage at the B. Joan Keefer Genealogy Center or call to schedule a tour to learn about the Miami and early settler life at the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park. Click here for History and Landmarks.

3. You'll fly!

Come experience Zip Timber Lake, Northeast Indiana's only Zip Line Adventure Course! There's 8 ziplines plus four aerial bridges and climbing elements! Our favorite part is the 1,000 foot zip across the lake- it's a RUSH! Zip Timber Lake is located at Camp Timber Lake just outside of Huntington. Book a campsite or one of their rental cabins for the weekend or come enjoy the property for the day!

4. WINE Around the County!

Who's ready to sample some amazing wines? Two-EE's Winery offers tastings of their award-winning innovative wines (Tues-Sun) in their beautiful facility just off US Highway 24. Try one of their wine/cheese pairings - let them know of any food restrictions. Schedule online in advance or walk-ins are welcome!

Come out and relax at Rustic River Outfitters, just off State Road 9 near Salamonie Lake State Park for a little wine tasting and kayak and canoe rentals (rentals are seasonal). Kick up your feet and relax with a bottle of wine or beer and just enjoy a day in the country.

Just outside of the Town of Warren is Dash 90 Wines. Come for tastings and then grab a bottle and chill out on the big wrap around porch.

5. Come for the Art, Stay for our Festivals!

Come journey across the county to experience our County Mural Trail featuring regional and national artists' work. Visit our art galleries, search our boutiques for one-of-a-kind treasures created by local artisans or sign up for a local workshop and make your own. Click here for Arts and Entertainment options. Visit our Shopping Section for a list of area boutiques.

Looking for art and artisan related events? Mark your calendars, book your accommodations and join us for one of our annual festivals including JeFFFest, Vintage and Handmade Market in June, Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival in September and the Renaissance in Roanoke Juried Art Fair and Handmade Marketplace in October.

6. Camping Adventures!

We are well-known in the area for our outdoor recreation and our visitors LOVE camping here in the county! We have several campgrounds in the area - whether you prefer a weekend of boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, biking with friends at Salamonie Lake, a weekend of fishing, boating, bird watching, hunting at Roush Lake or all the amenitites of Camp Timber Lake, complete with zip line adventure course plus golf cart, cabin and boat rentals.

7. Shoppers Delight!

From charming downtown boutiques to spralling antique stores and country farm shops, you can plan an amazing shopping getaway right here in Huntington County. Come see why were are a growing shopping destination in NE Indiana.

You'll find a great mix of shops selling antiques, clothing, jewelry, art, furniture, thrift shops, children's items, culinary delights, beauty items, books, gifts, collectibles, games, home decor plus way more. Link to SHOPPING

Tip: Best days to shop are Wednesdays through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Grab your friends and head out on a Girlfriends Getaway. Check out our Antiques and Vintage Trail featuring Exit 286 Antique Mall in Markle, one of NE Indiana's largest antique stores with over 30,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles.

8. Water Adventures!

We have plenty of opportunities to get out on the water - no matter what speed you want go! If you are planning a trip to Salamonie, consider renting a boat from Pirates Cove Marina - pontoons, fishing boats, party barges as well as kayaks and paddleboats. Camp Timber Lake rents out fishing boats for use on the property. Rustic River Outfitters offers kayaking and canoeing on the Salamonie River seasonally. Go boating at Roush Lake or drop your kayak in at the boat ramp at the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park.

Want to take a dip on a hot summer day? Enjoy the wonderful sandy beach at Salamonie Lake or head to Markle Pool and take a turn down their giant slide. For the little ones, there's the splash pad at Drover Park. Stop by the Dairy Queen for a treat afterwards.

Join us for two fun water-related events including the Harry Brinkman Regatta (outboard motor races) on the weekend of June 1-2 at Lake Clare in Huntington or grab an inner tube and float down the river during Splash on the Wabash, July 20 at the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park.

9. Trails for everyone!

Get out on the trails in Huntington County. There's plenty of great paved and hiking trails all right here for you to enjoy from the 13 mile Bloodroot Trail at Salamonie Lake to the 1 mile loop at Evergreen Park, you'll find a variety of trails to meet varying difficulty levels. Prefer to hit the bike trails? Try mountain biking at Salamonie or grab your cruiser bike and head out on the City of Huntington's Trail System with marked county trails.

Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at Salamonie Lake now has a motorized wheelchair that can be "checked out" by those in need. The chair can be used to access the wildlife pond and the trails near the Interpretive Center. Just call their office to reserve.

10. Celebrate with us!

Celebrate life in Huntington County! Join us for free concerts all summer long, car shows, festivals and special events! Come see the hot air balloons and enjoy carnival rides at the Annual Heritage Days Celebration June 12-16. Head to Markle for their Summer Sounds Concerts all summer long on Second Fridays. First Fridays are always a blast in Roanoke! Don't miss the live music, activities and fireworks at this year's Salamonie Summer Festival in Warren July 4-7. Bring the season to a close with the Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival on September 28-29 and Renaissance in Roanoke Juried Art Fair and Handmade Market on October 12. PLUS MANY MORE! Check out our full events line up on our Events Calendar.