This Bluff-Top Indiana Town Is A Scenic Escape With River Views, Nature Trails, And Small-Town Charm

The Midwestern state of Indiana has its fair share of quaint, rural destinations. From the charming, lakeside town of Ferdinand to the artsy, tucked-away town of Chesterton, a trip through Indiana is to experience Americana at its finest. But few towns punch above their weight as well as the delightful hamlet of Merom. With only around 200 residents, this town may seem small, but it's outsized in its charm and scenic beauty.

Merom is located western Indiana, on a bluff overlooking the Wabash River. The Wabash River begins near Fort Recovery, Ohio, and flows over 500 miles to its confluence with the Ohio River in Illinois, spanning the entire width of Indiana. Historically, the river was a major trade route for goods making their way down to New Orleans, and Merom prospered due to its prime location. This rich history is a point of pride for the town's residents and is reflected in the buildings, which give the town its unique allure.

Strolling around Merom's downtown is like taking a trip back in time, and two of the highlights are the library and post office. The library, still in use and lending books today, opened in 1918 through a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and Merom is also the smallest town in the United States to ever receive a Carnegie library. Walk two blocks west and you'll find the post office, which took over its current building from Merom State Bank after it went bankrupt during the Great Depression. Of course, rural charm isn't just about historical structures — it's about people and the spirit of community they cultivate, and the residents of Merom have been fostering this spirit since the town's founding in 1817.

The name "Merom" is taken from the Old Testament and means "high place on the river," which is apt. The striking physical feature that defines the town is Merom Bluff, towering 200 feet over the Wabash River, which is the highest point anywhere along the river's length. Atop this rise, you'll find Merom Bluff Park, a vantage point with spectacular views of the waters below, across the river into Illinois, and to the west for dramatic sunsets. A trail leads from the park down to the river's edge, which includes 211 stair steps, something to consider when it's time to head back up to the top. Once at the river, there is a public boat ramp and a nature trail, which runs along the riverbank.

If you have the time and relish outdoor activities, the Wabash River offers much more than scenic vistas. The fishing is excellent, and bass, catfish, and crappie are plentiful. Launch a boat from the public ramp or fish from the shore; experienced and novice anglers alike will have an enjoyable day on the water, even the Gen Z crew who are obsessed with this outdoor activity. If you think casting some lines will be in your plans, be prepared and pack your own fishing gear to avoid paying for rentals. Birdwatching is also a popular pastime here. Bald eagles, egrets, and great blue herons are among the many species you may encounter.

For a change of venue, head just east of town to Turtle Creek Reservoir. The 1,550-acre man-made lake provides cooling for a power station, but is open to the public to fish, hunt, or just watch the sun shimmer off the water. The reservoir is stocked with fish such as bluegill and largemouth bass, and waterfowl are present depending on the season.

The closest commercial airport to Merom is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), 82 miles to the south, with a driving time of about one and a half hours. Although small, this airport has direct flights to several major hubs, such as Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. There's also a good selection of major rental car agencies. If you're roadtripping across the Midwest, Merom is a 105-mile drive west from Indianapolis, 165 miles east from St. Louis, 213 miles south from Chicago, and 160 miles northwest from Louisville. Suffice to say, Merom is a bit off the beaten path, but that's part of its draw.

Lodging options are sparse to say the least, as there are none in Merom proper. Your best bet is to set up in the nearby town of Sullivan, about 11 miles away, which has a Days Inn and a few vacation rentals. You can also cross the river to stay in Robinson, Illinois. It's a 20-mile drive and has a larger selection of accommodations. If you're an outdoorsy type, by far the option that requires the least amount of travel is reserving one of the six sites in Merom Bluff Park Campground.

The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall to have the best chance of pleasant weather. These seasons are also when the two Moran annual festivals occur. The Merom Bluff Chautauqua, once an intellectual and social gathering that now features food vendors and family fun, is held on the first full weekend every June and draws attendees from far and wide. In September, you can join in on the fun at the PawPaw Festival to celebrate North America's largest native fruit, with pawpaw cooking contests, vendors, and more.