Fall is finally here—get outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage before all the leaves are gone.
This past month was an interesting one for travel. My main wandering occurred on a Saturday, heading to southern Indiana. Traveling on SR 37 or is it I-69? I chose Old SR 37. I remember, as a kid, when Indiana gave out free state maps, and on the cover was SR 37 just opening up. I believe that was in the mid-70s, and now we have I-69, which covers a good portion of the former highway.
I chose to travel the original SR 37. If you haven’t taken this route before, you don’t know what you are missing. With the leaves changing, it’s a truly gorgeous drive. South of Martinsville, I picked up the route. It travels through Morgan Monroe State Forest, where the scenery and hiking are fantastic. I have come to enjoy Trail #9, the paved hike/bike trail. This is my go-to trail when I don’t have much time and don’t want to get muddy or lost. I am hoping to pursue the Three Lakes Trail (Trail #4) still this year.
The old route goes through many small burgs, and you wonder what they were like in their heyday. Today, there isn’t much in most of these towns, but remnants of what could have been—Hindustan and Dolan are located north of Bloomington and south of Martinsville. The old highway runs through a beautiful park and ravine on the north side of Bloomington—Upper and Lower Cascades Park. Many of you have maybe traveled through Bloomington for years and have never seen this area of the city.
Walnut Street will take you through areas of Bloomington where you can see remnants of the old highway, its commerce, and its housing along the way. As with many growing cities, much of the old has been torn down or remodeled. Have you ever been to Clear Creek? It’s a small area on the south side surrounded by the city. Go find it and check it out. And while you’re at it, check out Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve.
Heading south out of the city, you have another great opportunity to travel on old SR 37. You traverse a really hilly section of the old highway through Harrodsburg and just west of Lake Monroe. You travel through Judah and Needmore and come to the end of the road. What happened? Well, apparently, limestone mining and rock quarries took precedence over the old state road because you can’t reach Oolitic and Bedford taking this route anymore.
Ever been to Oolitic? Ever seen Joe Palooka? Do you even know who he is? Get off the beaten path, drive Old SR 37, and check his statue out in front of town hall. Keep heading south and enjoy the sights of Bedford along the former historic route. The bridge over the White River is long gone, but you can wander your way south to Mitchell. You might check out Bluespring Caverns while on the way.
Mitchell is another charming southern Indiana community with several unique points of interest. Having recently visited Cape Canaveral in Florida, Mitchell and Lawrence County have a significant history of astronauts and space, with Gus Grissom being the most famous. I happened to be in town during the hugely popular Persimmon Festival. Mitchell is also the current north end of the Monon South Trail.
Onward to Spring Mill State Park. What a great place to learn about history while visiting the historic village and seeing the recently refurbished grist mill. There are wonderful exhibits showcasing the historical buildings, with period-dressed people explaining how individuals lived and survived back in the day. While in the park, take in one of the many trails or go spelunking? What? Cave exploring. Actually, there aren’t many caves you can actually crawl through on your own, but you can hike to them or even take a boat ride in season.
Enjoy this fall visit, or better yet, let me know another place to visit. The leaves are pretty spectacular right now. Send me some photos.
Ever been to Stookey’s in Thorntown? My friend Steve Pittman suggested eating the catfish. I have heard of this restaurant, but haven’t been there to partake as of yet—it’s on the list.
Also, I was given a unique place to visit—or, should I say, a place I had not heard of in Hendricks County. Evan Love told me about Deno Cemetery, north of Danville, off of SR 39. Had no clue it was even there. Isn’t it funny how you might drive past places many times and not even know they are there? I am always looking for those spots to visit. Send them along. I want to try and check them out.
Keep wandering, and please pass along places for me to wander to!
~ Jeff Banning