Situated Between Indianapolis And Cincinnati Is An Indiana City With German Charm And Natural Beauty

Tucked away in the heart of the Midwest are some of America's hidden gems that touch the heart with a splash of history from faraway lands. Many motorists driving along I-74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati in southeastern Indiana would never know they are zooming past a small slice of Germany and hundreds of smiles in the happy, charming city of Batesville. A small, bustling city of approximately 7,200 people, Batesville anchors a region with deep German roots going back nearly two centuries. Like many German towns, the city has miles of forested walking trails, magnificent brick buildings, and a clock tower. When you see the smiling man in lederhosen on a "willkommen" sign downtown, you'll feel like you're passing through a fairytale town on one of Germany's best road trips, despite being in the heart of the Midwest. 

Southeastern Indiana was full of dense hardwood trees before European settlers arrived in the 19th century. After Batesville was founded in 1852, the railroad and local forests provided a strong backbone for local industry and incredible recreation. Batesville straddles Franklin and Ripley Counties, both of which are known for their natural beauty and have miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. The region is also famous for its spirit on the hardwood, being the home of Milan High School and the inspiration for what critics across the country have called one of the greatest sports movies of all time; "Hoosiers."

While in Batesville, you're just a few steps away from a day in nature and some of the Midwest's best-kept natural secrets. South of downtown, you'll find Brum Woods, a well-maintained 80-acre forest and network of hiking and biking trails that remain part of the living legacy of lifelong Batesville resident Lena Brum. The paths have limited gains in elevation, and the longest trail is just over a mile long, making them perfect for a family walk on a sunny day.

Batesville's location between rolling hills and two of the Midwest's major metropolitan areas (Indianapolis and Cincinnati) doesn't mean it's far from a day on the water. Drive less than 45 minutes north to Mounds State Recreation Area along Brookville Lake or south to Versailles State Park for a day in peaceful nature, capped off (hopefully) with a golden sunset. If you decide to put the boat on the water or pitch a tent for a few days, you'll likely find a clean and well-maintained environment at both parks.

If you're itching to hit the slopes in winter and can't make it to Colorado and the best skiing in the country, overlooked Southeastern Indiana has you covered. Perfect North Slopes is just 30 minutes away. Batesville is easy to find and easy to reach, being within a day's drive of 80% of Americans (according to Batesville Industrial Park). If you're not looking to drive for an entire day, fly into Indianapolis or Cincinnati, and you'll have about an hour on the road. 

In the early 1830s, German immigrants began flocking to Southeastern Indiana to farm and work the land. The diversity of these German communities can still be visibly seen today in the different types of churches and buildings that dot the region's cities and towns. In historic downtown Batesville, century-old houses and commercial establishments reflect the city's German heritage, many of which have grown alongside the development of the city.

The Sherman Hotel was constructed in 1852 and has been a traveler's favorite rest stop for generations. After being in a state of disrepair, the hotel was restored to its former glory in 2015 (with a few modern touches). The owner also added a traditional German bar, though at the time of writing, it is temporarily closed. A block away, Schmidt Bakery serves freshly baked doughnuts, breads, and pastries alongside a delicious cup of coffee, and, if you visit in February, Cherry Thing-a-lings. 

Just 3 miles north of Batesville lies the small village of Oldenburg, a must-visit side trip for history buffs or travelers looking for a cold beer. The "Village of Spires" is one of the oldest in the state and has retained its German charm since its founding in 1817. Oldenburg packs a ton of history, culture, and food into a few blocks, including ornate brick churches, tasty taphouses, and quaint German shops. While it may not be as lively as Europe's most walkable city, the village comes alive for Freudenfest, complete with Dachshund races and plenty of bratwurst and beer. Prost!