Vermillion County: History, Bridges and River Landscape

Vermillion County offers a range of focal points for trip planning: historic architecture and markers, a conservation area along the Wabash River, and recurring events. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first consider whether you are mainly interested in building history, spending time outdoors, or planning a stay around an event date. The places and topics differ not only in their focus, but also in their history and timeframe.

Architecture and History

The Vermillion County Jail Complex includes a brick building constructed in 1868 in the Italianate style, which served as the sheriff’s residence, as well as a later jail addition from 1896 in the Romanesque Revival style. The Vermillion County Jail has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999. The two construction phases make the complex especially tangible for architecture enthusiasts: the different architectural styles and building functions can be distinguished by the dates given.

The covered bridges also each have their own history of construction. The Newport Covered Bridge is 180 feet long, was built using Burr truss construction, and dates from 1885; it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994. The covered bridge at Ernie Pyle Rest Park was originally built in 1878 and relocated to the park to preserve the historic structure. The Newport Covered Bridge is notable for its construction date, length and design, while the bridge in the park is notable for its relocation for preservation.

The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum features exhibits about the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ernie Pyle, as well as the war and the soldiers he reported on as a correspondent. Other historical connections can be found at markers: the Henry Dana Washburn Historical Marker in Clinton commemorates Henry D. Washburn settling in Vermillion County around 1850. At Harrison’s Crossing in Cayuga, Harrison’s army crossed the Big Vermillion at sunrise after building Boyd’s Blockhouse. Together, these topics offer different points of interest for a trip focused on regional history.

Wabash River and Outdoor Activities

The Wabash River Conservation Area encompasses 2,452 acres of bottomland and floodplain along the Wabash River. It extends across Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties. Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddling are permitted in the conservation area. The Wabash River also draws visitors to Vermillion County for canoeing and boating. This offers several water activities to choose from, including paddle sports in the conservation area and boating on the river.

Another way to combine your stay with outdoor exercise is the OPD Trail in Vermillion County. The trail is 1 mile long and follows a former railway line as an out-and-back route. Compared with the water activities, the trail is a separate option for travelers who would like to plan a short walk.

Events and Travel Timing

Clinton’s Little Italy Festival has been held since 1966, celebrates the cuisine and culture of the region of origin of many residents, and takes place over the four-day Labor Day weekend. The Little Italy Festival includes wine gardens serving wine, as well as live music nearby. These offerings may change from year to year. If the festival is an important reason for your trip, check the dates for the relevant year when planning.

The Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb takes place annually on the first Sunday in October; the first Newport Hill Climb was held in 1909. The festival therefore provides a recurring date to plan around, while the year 1909 puts its historical beginnings in context. If you are planning your stay around the event, check the specific date for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Covington, Clinton, Grant County, Clark, Washington County, Warren County, Madison County, Kosciusko County.

For the broader travel overview: Indiana.