Marshall County Visitor Guide

Welcome to Marshall County!

Whether it is your first, tenth or hundredth time visiting Marshall County, we hope you discover, explore, and unwind with us, while you’re here.

Discover our hidden gems and annual celebrations. The Barn Quilt Trail will wind you along beautiful countryside and through charming towns, revealing "gems" as you go. Then, every year, we invite you to the largest four-day festival in Indiana, The Blueberry Festival, during Labor Day weekend.

Explore our attractions. Lake Maxinkuckee is the second largest natural lake in Indiana offering a beautiful beach with swimming. Many outdoor attractions are scattered across the county offering fishing, biking trails, hiking trails, splash pads, disc golf, and many more outdoor amenities.

Unwind with us. Enjoy a day on the greens or at the spa. Play or relax in our scenic parks. Check out local boutiques and antiques. Linger at our local restaurants, then take in an outdoor concert or a nostalgic movie at the drive-in theater.

We welcome you with a smile to Marshall County. We hope you enjoy our home as much as we do.

About the Cover:

During your visit to Marshall County, explore breathtaking views on our beautiful lakes. Location: channel between Lawrence and Dixon Lakes. Photographer,BrandiSullivan

Our Cities

ARGOS

Located on historic Michigan Road, one of Indiana’s first highways, you will find this charming town. Argos offers three parks, two with fishing ponds, sports fields, disc golf, walking trails and splash pad. A family-fun destination, Argos is home to The Summer Kick-Off Festival and the annual Marshall County Fair.

BOURBON

Bourbon has a small-town atmosphere. Head over to the park and let the kids enjoy the refreshing splash pad Visit the Potawatomi Wildlife Park, just south of Bourbon in Tippecanoe, featuring historical Native American encampments, the Stephen Benack village, a portion of the Goshen-Logansport trail and the Tippecanoe River Ford.

BREMEN

Located in the northeast corner of the county, Bremen is home to an American Historic Water Landmark known as the “standpipe”. Erected in 1882, the standpipe had a 30,000-gallon capacity and is now a treasured 101-foot landmark. Enjoy a bite to eat and shopping downtown before heading to Rentown, the Amish Community. Here you will find shopping, dining, and an abundance of cheese to sample and take home!

CULVER

ARGOS BOURBON

LA PAZ

Although small, you will find a few hidden gems in La Paz. Blueberries are in abundance when you visit the blueberry patches during season. Find great food, fresh produce, flowers and more. For hometown and homemade goodness, stop by the family-owned diner.

CULVER

On the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee you will find the town of Culver. Enjoy a day at the beach or on the water. During the winter, enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake. Downtown offers quaint shopping and family-owned dining. Just outside town, you will find Culver Academy, a premier college prep school. The academy is known for the famous Black Horse Troop, which has been invited to escort presidents, emperors, kings and queens.

PLYMOUTH

At the crossroads of Northern Indiana sits the city of Plymouth; where you will find small-town living with a bigger city feel. Enjoy shopping, dining or one of the nine different parks. In 1966, Plymouth’s sesquicentennial celebration became the first Marshall County Blueberry Festival Labor Day weekend. It continues today as a 4-day-event, bringing tens of thousands in attendance.

PLYMOUTH BREMEN

LA PAZ

Lake Maxinkuckee

Spanning 1,864-acres, Lake Maxinkuckee is the second-largest natural lake in Indiana. The lake is 2.6 miles long and 1.6 miles wide. The average depth is 24 feet with some areas being as deep as 88 feet.

Lake Max, as it is known locally, is accessible on the west end. Once on the lake, you will find that it is a pristine home to a variety of fish such as bass, walleye, and perch. Needless to say, fishing is a year-round activity in Culver. Recreation includes tubing, skiing, sail boating, Culver Academy rowing, and more. On site, there is a marina with boat access.

On the north end of the lake, the visitors’ dock allows access to Culver Beach, a playground, shelters and other amenities.

In the summer months, check the schedule for live entertainment at the Damore Amphitheater, which is located close to the beach.

Whether you are looking for casual play, championship golf courses or a renowned golf academy, you’ve scored in Marshall County! In particular, Swan Lake Resort has two 18-hole championship courses, a golf academy and a luxurious resort that's perfect for a wedding!

PARKS

No matter which community you are visiting, you will find a beautiful park, most with a long list of amenities.

ARGOS

• Argos Community Park

• Foker Park

• Memorial Park

Soccer fields, baseball/ softball/t-ball diamonds, basketball court, sand volleyball, bag toss game, disc golf, sledding hill, walking paths, wetland, playgrounds

BREMEN • Shadyside Park • Sunnyside Park • Shumaker Westside Park • Jane’s Park

Baseball/softball/ t-ball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball court, horseshoe pit, sand volleyball, soccer fields, little league football field, pool, splash pad, ice rink, sledding hill, wetland, dog park, walking paths, skate park

BOURBON

• Bourbon Community Park • Westwood Park

Baseball/softball/t-ball diamonds, splash pad, playground, basketball court, dog park

CULVER • Culver Park

Sand Volleyball, playground, water sport rental, Culver Beach, dog beach

PLYMOUTH

Centennial Park

Magnetic Park

Founder’s Park

Gill Park

Hand Park (Webster Recreation Center)

Freedom Park (Packard’s Woods) • River Park Square • Poplar Street Park

Tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball/softball/tball diamonds, shuffle board, soccer fields, disc golf course, sand volleyball, splash pad, pool, Price’s pond and beach, dog park, greenway trails, skate park, playground, sledding hill

TRAILS

Argos Community Park

Trail around Lake Maxinkuckee - Culver

The Greenway Trail - Plymouth

Potawatomi Wildlife Park

Home to many scenic trails for biking, hiking or walking.

The Great Bike Routes offer three different trails totaling 63 miles. Start at Webster Elementary School in Plymouth and continue through the southeast side of the county.

Multi-use trails for hiking and biking are located at Parks Mill Pond Trails. Wooded and scenic, the three miles of trails were created to showcase natural beauty. 12512 S Rose Rd. • Plymouth

The Greenway Trail in Plymouth offers trail links from Downtown Plymouth through Centennial Park. There are many stops along the way for dining, shopping and site seeing.

Argos offers a walking trail within Argos Community Park as well as trails that go around the pond at the newly renovated Foker Park . Both trails offer a picturesque way to enjoy the outdoors.

The Shumaker Westside Park in Bremen offers a gravel trail loop for walking.

Lake Maxinkuckee’s trail circles the lake. Enjoy stunning lake views as you take a casual stroll or power walk. Check out the shopping and dining you will encounter along the way.

To be completely immersed in nature, head out to Potawatomi Wildlife Park just south of Bourbon. There are three different hiking trails that are one, three, and five miles long. 16998 State Road 331, Tippecanoe

Chief Menominee & The Trail of Death

In memory of the peaceful Potawatomi chief, Menominee, a statue was erected of him in 1909 in Plymouth, on South Peach Road. It is the only publicly commissioned statue of a Native American in Indiana.

On West 12th Road is a plaque that marks the probable location of Chief Menominee’s village and first chapel. The chapel was discovered in 1827 by a French Catholic Priest. Unfortunately, after the tribe was forced to leave, the village and chapel were destroyed. A replica of the chapel was constructed at the University of Notre Dame, which also marks the beginning point of the Trail of Death. On this trail, over 150 members of the Potawatomi tribe were forced to leave their home and move to a Kansas reservation in 1838. 12380 Peach Rd., Plymouth, IN

Potawatomi Wildlife Park

This quiet 317-acre wildlife park preserves important prehistoric and historic sites. Native American Encampments, the Stephen Bennack Potawatomi Village, a portion of the Goshen-Logansport Trail and the Tippecanoe River ford, where early Indiana trails crossed the river, are all located here.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park is officially deemed Indiana’s first “Dark Sky Preserve”. Due to the lack of light pollution, many astronomical societies, schools and individuals come to the park to observe the night sky.

There are many activities available to enjoy at park which include bird watching, kayaking, hiking, fishing, geocaching environmental programs, and more. 16988 State Rd. 331, Tippecanoe

Culver Academies

On the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee sits the prestigious Culver Academy, a world-renowned preparatory school for students, grades 9-12. The campus is situated on 1,700 acres with CollegiateGothic buildings overlooking Lake Maxinkuckee.

Memorial Chapel is a living tribute to the 6,500 Culver men who served in the Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945. The Tudor-Gothic style chapel overlooks Lake Maxinkuckee.

The academy is also home to Vaughn Equestrian Center and the famous Culver’s Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes. The Black Horse Troops have ridden in 18 presidential inaugural parades, dating back to 1913. The Equestriennes have appeared in nine inaugural parades.

The R.H. Ledbetter is a favorite among local residents. This 54-foot, 3 mast, square-rigger moored at the Culver Academy pier occasionally launches into the water and creates quite a spectacle!

Photo courtesy of Culver Academies

The Center at Donaldson

Home to five ministries focusing on art, earth, education, spirit and body, the Center at Donaldson is truly unique. The Center offers a labyrinth to walk, a place to pray, and attend college courses or learn a new hobby. Also located at the campus are independent living apartments, a long-term nursing care and rehabilitation facility, and a retreat and conference center.

MoonTree Studios offers art classes and on display are art forms including clay, textiles, painting and wood/metal creations. See page 21 for more details.

Known as The Chapel in the Cornfield, the Ancilla Domini Chapel is breathtaking. The Neo-Gothic columns are decorated with ancient Greek and Roman designs. Baroque-style stained-glass windows and wood carved statues were created by German artisans. Finished in golden oak in 1923, the large pipe organ is considered a masterpiece.

While visiting, you can purchase local natural beef from Ancilla Beef and Grain Farm which will help sustain the The Center at Donaldson.

MUSEUMS

Marshall County Historical Society Museum and Crossroads Center

The Marshall County Historical Society Museum and Crossroads Center features interactive exhibits that will immerse you in local history, culture and lore. Experience the themed train room with model train exhibits and the sports room that showcases local victorious legends. The transportation exhibit in the Crossroads Center illustrates how five important highways and byways intersect in Marshall County.

123 N Michigan St. • Plymouth • 574-936-2306

Culver Academies Museum & Gift Shop

The Culver Academies Museum & Gift Shop provides insight into this storied institution. Learn about their mission to cultivate character through developing and nurturing their students' minds, bodies and spirits. Explore their core values which are taught and exhibited on campus.

102 S Main St. • Culver • 574-842-7815

History Center and Historic Depot

The Bremen History Center in Downtown Bremen chronicles the life of prominent local resident, Doc Bowen. Bowen was a politician and physician who served as the 44th Indiana Governor and as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Cabinet of President Ronald Reagan. In addition, learn about the Bremen standpipe, the Old Opera House and rich local railroad history.

History Center Historic Depot 111 N. Center St. 810 Douglas Rd Bremen Bremen 574-315-8327 574-315-8327

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

There are many types of art created and displayed throughout Marshall County.

The Barn Quilt Trail features colorful quilt blocks erected on barns, homesteads and public places. See page 22.

The Bison-tennial Bison was a state-wide public art project that helped celebrate Indiana’s 200th birthday.

Artists from the Heartland Artists Gallery showcased their talent by painting Jibey, located in downtown Plymouth. Also visit Psi the Bison in Bremen.

The Blueberries of Marshall County are scattered across the county, each uniquely painted by local artists.

Artist :Jeff Stillson River Park Square

Artists: Heartland Artist Gallery Members

MoonTree Studios, located on the beautiful grounds at The Center at Donaldson, offers classes including clay, textiles, painting, wood/metal and glass. Exhibits by regional artists are on display. Find respite at the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center for multiday art experience. moontreestudios.org

Located in an historical building in downtown Plymouth, Wild Rose Moon is a not-for-profit performing arts center scheduling live performances throughout the year.

The Maxinkuckee Players and Singers is a community theater arts organization comprised of auditioned performers from all over northern Indiana.

Barn Quilt Trail

In 2009, traveling throughout the county became even more colorful with the development of the Marshall County Barn Quilt Trail, the first one in Indiana. On the trail, you will discover colorful, quilt-pattern murals adorning historic barns, family homesteads and public spaces.

This trail was created to celebrate the history of agriculture, the time-honored tradition of quilting and our passion for Hoosier hospitality.

The self-guided trail connects all six of the communities with four loops, all offering a variety of barn quilts in different colors and sizes. The quilts are painted by community volunteers, with assistance from location owners. Two volunteers, Thom and Connie Kleckner, have painted, designed and built the frames for a majority of the quilts.

Find a Barn Quilt Trail map at the visitor center or download a pdf at VisitMarshallCounty.org.

Heartland Artists Gallery

Much more than a gallery, the Heartland Artist Gallery is a comprehensive visual arts organization. It is a place to create, teach and share art. Every month, a new regional artist’s work is on display and for sale. Twice a year, juried art shows are organized by Heartland’s curator. Every July, ARTS in the Street is scheduled in downtown Plymouth with nearly 50 artist booths, live music, activities and festival food vendors. For students aged 6-95+, classes for novices and experienced artists are offered year-round. The gift shop offers local art pieces and jewelry for sale. Gallery admission is free. This member supported not-for-profit organization is dedicated to promoting multi-media, visual art forms to Marshall County and the surrounding areas.

Memorable in Marshall

Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre

Located in Plymouth, this theatre has been showing movies since June 4, 1953. As of 2020, Tri-Way Drive-In is one of only 321 drive-in theaters left in the country.

The Clemens Vonnegut Jr. House

Built in 1889, this seven-bedroom, 3,800 sq. ft. home was a summer retreat for Vonnegut’s family, whose primary residence was in Indianapolis. Perched upon a shoreline bluff on Lake Maxinkuckee, this home is available to book for short-term stays.

Step back in time at the

Drive your classic cars to Mobilgas Cars and Coffee events for a cruise-in. Check fb.commobilgascc for dates and times.

Mobilgas Museum in Plymouth.

Lake Max is perfect for ice skating, ice fishing or sailing.

Plymouth Motor Speedway

is a three-eighths-mile banked asphalt track with races running May through October. You can check out their full schedule at plymouthmotorspeedway.com/schedule/.

Splash Pads

Marshall County has three public Splash Pads, free of charge, which are located at River Park Square in Downtown Plymouth, the Bourbon Park , as well as the Argos Community Park.

Splatter Room

Stop by CR8-UR-CANVAS in Bourbon for fun and laughter while splattering your canvas and the walls, and maybe friends or family too! Enjoy your favorite music, people and art all at the same time!

Boat Launches

Lake of the Woods - Southwest of Bremen, accessible on West Shore Drive

Dixon Lake - Southwest side of Plymouth

Lawrence Lake - Olive Trail, 2.5 miles south of Plymouth Myers Lake - Great place for fishing, across the road from Lawrence Lake

Koontz Lake - Northwest corner of Marshall County

DINING

Whether you are looking for a home-cooked style meal, fine dining, or an old-fashioned car-hop, you'll find it in Marshall County. If your sweet tooth is calling, stop by our bakeries, ice cream or coffee shops.

Dutch Maid Eatery & Gifts - Bremen

Four locations: Argos, Bourbon, Culver, Plymouth

The Original Rootbeer Stand - Culver

French Press Coffee Co.Plymouth

Mean Bean Bistro & Brew - Bremen

Cafe Max - Culver

SHOPPING

Enjoy a day or two of shopping in our quaint downtowns and specialty shops, jewelry stores, apparel, décor, and antiques like the Burr Oak Whistle Stop in Culver. Start your day at Amish-owned Rentown Country Stores in Bremen for a hearty breakfast, fresh produce, deli meats and cheeses, and shopping at the country store. If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, stop at The Standard for antiques AND ice cream, all at one place.

The Standard - Bourbon

STAY Relax

Resorts

Swan Lake Resort

Includes a hotel, cabins and villas, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a year-round golf academy, two restaurants and plenty of amenities. 5203 Plymouth-LaPorte Trail, Plymouth • 800-935-5616

Culver Cove Lakeside Condominiums

Featuring lakeside beach access to Lake Maxinkuckee, The Culver Cove is one of Northern Indiana’s finest condominiums. It is located within walking distance to popular shopping and dining locations. 319 East Jefferson St., Culver • 800-843-2683

Bed & Breakfasts

Scottish Bed & Breakfast

Located on 2 acres in the heart of Amish Country, this charming Bed & Breakfast offers guests an indoor heated swimming pool, a hammock and gazebo. 2180 Miami Trail, Bremen • 574-220-6671

The Culver Cottage

This 1906 Queen Anne Victorian Bed & Breakfast offers modern amenities within a mile of Lake Maxinkuckee. The guest rooms are spacious and ornate offering original Victorian detail throughout the house. 203 South Main St., Culver • 57-842-2746

Inn by the Lake

This quaint Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located within walking distance of Culver Academies, shopping, food and Culver beach. Enjoy a fresh breakfast and private rooms.

830 Lake Shore Dr., Culver • 866-417-5088

Biddle Point

Located on a 9-acre estate, this family-owned and operated boutique inn includes a private event venue and upgraded amenities. 7290 Michigan Rd., Plymouth • 574-936-9190

Campgrounds

Pla-Mor Campground & Recreation Center

This modern campground offers 30- and 50-amp electric sites as well as full hook-up. Features include beautiful, natural ponds, mature wooded areas, and lush green grasses. With 560 camp sites, they accommodate primitive to Class A motorhomes. 2162 U.S. 6, Bremen • 574-546-3665

Rupert’s Resort Campground

Located on Lake of the Woods, this full-service facility with 100 campsites is nestled among mature trees with plenty of shade. The campground offers pontoon, rowboat and paddle boat rentals, live bait, a beach, picnic area and a boat launch. 3408 W. Shore Dr., Bremen • 574-546-2657

Jellystone Park Camping Resort

Includes cabins, RV sites and tent sites, a fishing pond, corn hole, horseshoe pit, two swimming pools, kids’ games/crafts and more. 7719 Redwood Rd., Plymouth • 574-936-7851

Hotels

Comfort Suites

2513 N Michigan St., Plymouth 574-540-4276

Holiday Inn Express 2619 N Michigan St., Plymouth 574-936-2444

Super 8 Motel 2160 N Oak Rd.,Plymouth 574-936-8856

Days Inn

2229 N Michigan St., Plymouth 574-935-4276

Weddings

In Marshall County, we offer a variety of venues to host the wedding day of your dreams.

Flowers

Scan here for the full list of Wedding Venues, Photographers, Florists, Bakeries, Caterers and Wedding Services.

Cashen Creek Florist

The Garden by Elizabeth

Wooded Knot

Whether you are going for rustic-chic, lakeview luxury or elaborate elegance, we have the perfect match for your perfect day. Visit Treat's Bridal Shop or Fernbaugh's Jewelers, both in Plymouth, to get the planning started.

Cakes

Ancilla Domini Chapel

Photo courtesy of Shgarrity Photography

Photographers

Mrs. T's Cakes

La D'zert Cafe

Seasons in MC

There is always something happening in Marshall County, no matter the season. As long as you are

AS

SPRING

ARRIVES,

dust off your clubs and head to one of our championship golf courses or enjoy disc golf in Argos Community Park and Centennial Park in Plymouth. If you’re itching to get out and pedal, our new bike trail at Mill Pond is the perfect place to take in the views.

SUMMERS IN MC

are an ideal time to explore the waters. Fishing, boating and all types of water recreation are just a few ways to enjoy summer. Festivals, live music and entertainment are scheduled throughout the county.

Izaak Walton League - Argos

River Park Square - Plymouth

ready to discover, explore and unwind, you are bound to create lasting memories while visiting.

IN

THE FALL,

the vibrant foliage along the hillsides and lake's edges will dazzle your senses, setting the perfect backdrop for Fall Festivals or a walk at Potawatomi Wildlife Park .

DURING THE WINTER,

Marshall County is bustling with sledding, snow-shoe hikes, ice fishing and sailing! Celebrate the holidays with tree lightings, shopping events and even some caroling. Check out our website for seasonal festivals and events.

Potawatomi Wildlife Park

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Drawing close to 500,000 visitors over four days, the Marshall County Blueberry Festival began in 1966 and is celebrated annually on Labor Day Weekend.

Visitors from all over come to Centennial Park in Plymouth for live entertainment, decadent festival food, unique shopping, an exciting carnival, sports tournaments and a shiny car show.

Sunday evening, witness one of the best fireworks shows in the Midwest. Then, Labor Day morning, cheer on the Blueberry Stomp runners. As the stomp concludes, the Blueberry Festival Parade marches through town showing off floats, bands, dancing, music and more. It is an action-packed weekend of festival fun... and, blueberries, of course!

Fun Festivals & Exciting Events

Marshall County is home to a long list of festivals and events. Scheduled throughout the year, each one is a special celebration. For a more detailed calendar, scan the QR code.

DISTANCES

Chicago, IL – 95 Miles

Springfield, IL – 260 Miles

Indianapolis, IN – 119 Miles

Fort Wayne, IN – 67 Miles

Terre Haute, IN – 180 Miles

Louisville, KY – 235 Miles

Detroit, MI – 230 Miles

Lansing, MI – 165 Miles

St. Louis, MO – 350 Miles

Cincinnati, OH – 225 Miles

Cleveland, OH – 275 Miles

Columbus, OH – 230 Miles

Toledo, OH – 170 Miles