Between Cincinnati And Fort Wayne Is Indiana's Friendly Town Near A Scenic Lake Park That Is Perfect For Camping

Fort Wayne is an underrated city with a low cost of living, and Cincinnati has dreamy, historic districts that brim with romantic Bohemian charm, but some of the smaller hubs that lie right between the two can easily fly under the radar. If you want that classic Midwestern experience combined with vast natural beauty and fantastic camping opportunities, you'll have to look beyond the big cities and add Liberty, Indiana, to your bucket list. With its lakeside scenery and close-knit feel, the friendly town can make for a fantastic, peaceful weekend getaway. Liberty's proximity to Whitewater Memorial State Park and Brookville Lake is just the cherry on top.

Don't let the town's humble size (less than 0.8 square miles and under 2,000 residents) fool you into thinking this is a remote, unreachable area. U.S. Route 27 and State Roads 44 and 101 run straight through town, so you can easily drive in from all the nearby hotspots. Cincinnati is just a little over an hour away, and so is Dayton. Fort Wayne is a bit farther away at more than two hours, but it's still well within driving distance. For most of the visitors flying into town, Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport would be the most convenient choice. It's about 63 miles away and is the perfect entryway for those who want to keep their transfers short. You'll probably have to drive yourself or get a taxi to get into town, though, since public transportation options aren't the most convenient. Rentals are usually reasonably priced and perfect for that extra flexibility.

Liberty promises an authentic view of classic Midwestern life, and you'll find a couple of interesting places to see and hearty restaurants to try. Start your tour with a walk through the Liberty Residential Historic District, part of the National Register of Historic Places. The area comprises nearly 70 buildings that take you back to the 19th and early 20th centuries and showcase design elements from a variety of styles, including Greek Revival and Italianate. History lovers can stop by The Depot and Templeton Cabin, specifically. The former, built in the 1880s, once served as a train station and has now been turned into a museum. The latter is Union County's oldest cabin, built in 1805. Both locations have very limited hours, so it's best to call ahead and schedule a visit. Additionally, the cabin is open to the public every July 4.

If you're in the mood for a quick, affordable meal, J's Dairy Inn is your spot. It's a cozy, humble joint that serves all-American classics, from fried chicken, fries, and coleslaw to pizza burgers, shakes, and soft serve. Considering most meals cost less than $10 per person, the value is there; just keep in mind that they're closed on Wednesdays. Craving Mexican instead? Try El Reparo. Customers consistently praise their food and service, and their margaritas come highly recommended, too. Add to that generous portions and good prices, and you'll see why a lot of people add this place to their Liberty itinerary.

While there's a charm to Liberty's small, close-knit town, the area's main draw is arguably Whitewater Memorial State Park and Brookville Lake, an underrated county lake with unique attractions. Campers, in particular, will find themselves at home here. The grounds are clean and well-kept, and the overall atmosphere is friendly. You'll also get your pick between electric and tent sites, or you can go the extra mile and book a family cabin. Either way, you'll be happy to learn that the restrooms and showers are just as clean as the rest of the area. Chances are you won't spend much time in one place anyway, since the park promises many activities, from hiking and horseback riding to boating, fishing, and swimming in the 200-acre Whitewater Lake (not to be confused with Brookville Lake mentioned above, which sits roughly 19 minutes south). You can, however, take your waterfront adventures to both, with Brookville being another favorite local spot for fishing and taking in the sun.

If you're thinking of staying there, it's a good idea to book your campground beforehand. Fees can vary depending on season and availability, and you'll have to pay a separate entrance fee to get in. In return, you'll also get access to picnic shelters, boat launches, and bridle trails, just to name a few. Your outdoorsy adventures don't have to end here. If you drive about 45 minutes north, you'll find yourself in Hoosier Hill, Indiana's highest point, and a surprisingly easy hike in a secluded forest with serene views.