What Rensselaer, Indiana lacks in size it makes up for in loads of charm. Rensselaer is just one of those small towns where you constantly find yourself saying, “Wow!  Look at that house!  Oh, and over there!  That side, hurry, look at that!”  There are a lot of fancy Victorians all over the place.

One of my favorite features of a small town is the presence of a courthouse – and Rensselaer boasts an imposing Gothic styled three story courthouse with stone-carved figures and expressive (translation: creepy) faces that have watched over the town since 1896.  Inside, well, let’s just say you are in for a surprise, but here‘s a hint: marble flooring, stenciled ceilings…super sharp.  Be sure to poke around!

Surrounding the massive courthouse, “The Square”,  is where much of the action in town takes place.  Cobblestone streets line two sides and it isn’t hard to imagine the sounds of horse hooves once clacking along pulling carriages in front of the turn-of-the century buildings.

Sure, some could use a little TLC, but for the most part it is a really neat downtown with some fun little shops – and such nice people!  Everyone is ready with a smile or a simple “hello.”  I love that!

The great thing about Rensselaer, Indiana, though, is that there always seems to be something going on …many times located on The Square itself.  Art in the Alley, Little Cousin Jasper, the County Fair, Oktoberfest, Art Camp…and the list goes on.  That doesn’t even count the events and activities that occur at St Joseph’s college!

Rensselaer, Indiana is a great choice for a fun-filled, family-oriented small town escape.

Rensselaer, Indiana; Jasper County

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