Discover Whitley County

Whitley County combines regional history with outdoor recreation and seasonal events. When planning your trip, it helps to organize the options by location and season: the museums focus on different topics, while water activities, markets, and festivals are tied to specific times of year. This will help you decide whether collections, trails and activities in the park, or an event date should be the focus of your trip.

Parks, Water, and Trails

Morsches Park has a splash pad with interactive water features. Seasonal operations may vary, so check current operating hours before visiting. The park also has seven miles of natural-surface mountain biking trails, which hikers can use as well. Check trail information before your visit.

The Russell and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center has a swimming pool and water slides. The facility is seasonal; check current operating dates before you travel. If you’re planning water activities, factor the season for each of these two attractions into your plans.

Museums and History

The Whitley County Historical Museum is located in the home of Thomas Riley Marshall in Columbia City. Marshall was governor of Indiana and the 28th vice president of the United States. The museum displays artifacts, documents, and photographs about Whitley County history. The museum complex includes the Marshall House, an annex, and an outbuilding.

The Columbia City Fire Museum houses antique fire engines: a 1917 Seagrave, a 1934 Howe Reo, and a 1953 Seagrave. It also preserves artifacts relating to the history of the city’s fire department and fire safety. Alongside the vehicles, the museum explores other topics in fire service history and fire safety.

The Whitley County Agricultural Museum and 4-H Learning Center is located in Whitley County 4-H Park on W Lincolnway. From U.S. 30, drive one mile south on W Lincolnway, turn east onto Squawbuck Road, then head north to the parking lot.

Markets, Festivals, and Recreation

The Turtle Days Festival in Churubusco takes place every summer. Check the current festival dates when planning your trip. The Whitley County Fairgrounds hosts the County 4-H Fair, open livestock shows, and seasonal festivals. Check the dates for each event in advance.

The Whitley County Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from the second week of May through the end of September in downtown Columbia City. Check market dates for your travel year. Churubusco is also home to a 12-foot statue honoring the Monster Turtle of Fulk Lake. Whitley County has numerous lakes where you can fish.

Explore more destinations: Columbia City, Putnam County, Laporte, Fayette, Lagrange County, Orange County, Hamilton, Madison County

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