10 Fun Things to do in Huntington Indiana
Ready for another county in the Explore Indiana series? Check out all the fun things to do in Huntington Indiana …
Fun Things to Do in Huntington Indiana
So what things are there to do in Huntington Indiana? We managed to spend an entire day exploring and I’m already trying to figure out how to get back for an upscale overnight combined with the new Bradley Hotel in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
1. Shop in Downtown Huntington Indiana
Downtown Huntington Indiana has a decent number of boutiques, restaurants, and places to explore. There is a terrific candy store – perfect for loading up on treats for the kids. You’ll also find a couple of cute clothing and home-good boutiques – a few favorites include Antiqology and Behind the Trend.
The courthouse is right in the center of downtown, and like most Indiana courthouses has a few interesting historical markers with information. Downtown Huntington is also home to several really vibrant murals.
2. Huntington University
Take a few minutes on your way in or out of town to drive through Huntington University. A small private Christian university of about 1400 students, Huntington has a lovely little campus worth checking out.
With small class sizes and over 70 degrees, it’s a nice option for students looking for a more personal college experience. They even offer graduate degrees for post-undergraduate learning.
Huntington, Indiana Historical Attractions
There are plenty of fun things to do in Huntington Indiana beyond shopping, most of which are quite close to downtown and the University.
3. Huntington County Historical Museum
The Huntington County Historical Museum is located a few blocks from the courthouse and showcases the history of Huntington County. Like most county museums we’ve encountered around Indiana, it’s an interesting mish-mash of items from the community that represents local importance.
If you enjoy local history, you’ll enjoy poking around this little gem for half an hour or so.
4. Dan Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center
An unusual attraction in Huntington Indiana is the Dan Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center.
Although named after Dan Quayle, the museum actually helps educate visitors on the role of the Vice President and quite a bit of Vice Presidental history.
5. Sunken Gardens
This little garden on the edge of town was in the midst of getting holiday lights – which I’m sure will be magical!
On the walk over to the sunken gardens from the parking lot, we encountered an interesting war memorial. There were several monuments, a plane, and even a tank. Well worth a few minutes to stop to investigate.
Fun Things to Do in Roanoke Indiana
Aside from Huntington, the other large town in Huntington County is Roanoke. And after visiting, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of or visited this hidden gem!
6. Shopping Downtown Boutiques
If you enjoy boutique shopping, downtown Roanoke is a shopper’s dream. Although just a small street, it is FULL of lovely and unique boutiques.
I can envision a wonderful afternoon of shopping – especially for the holiday season, followed by a lovely wine tasting at Two EE’s Winery and a decadent dinner at Joseph Decuis
7. Two EE’s Winery
If you love a good winery, Two EE’s Winery needs to be on your radar. Located just outside of Roanoke, the winery is housed in a gorgeous, modern building. There is plenty of seating indoors and out, along with a small area for purchasing wines and gift items.
Unlike most Indiana wineries, Two EE’s Winery does things a little differently. They offer an hour-and-a-half guided tasting complete with cheese or DeBrand chocolates in a special tasting room.
You can book the tasting ahead of time on their website (recommended) or show up and hope you get lucky. We were short on time so decided instead to grab a table in the sitting area and enjoy a glass of wine. We were able to try a few varieties before settling on one, but everything we tried was delicious.
The atmosphere was cozy and relaxing and thanks to the knowledge of our server we ended up selecting a few bottles to enjoy later at home. Next time I’m for sure indulging in a tasting – and if that sounds fun to you, be sure to save enough time!
Restaurants in Huntington County Indiana
There are so many delicious options for food in Huntington County – something for everyone. A few recommended ones include …
8. Nick’s Kitchen
A local favorite, Nick’s Kitchen is exactly the kind of place I expect to find in a small town near a college campus.
Specializing in tenderloins (a Hoosier staple) and sugar cream pie, Nick’s is Indiana comfort food at its best! Nicks states that it is the home of the original breaded tenderloin – it was first served when the restaurant opened in 1908. Talk about history!
9. Brick House Grill
Only open for lunch a few days a week, we were lucky enough to be visiting on a day we could enjoy a tasty lunch at Brick House Grill.
Tucked into a small space just off the main street, Brick House Grill offers a nice variety of upscale burgers, salads, and sandwiches on its lunch menu. They also have a full bar and a list of local beers on draft.
We shared a delicious feta dip (that I have since recreated at home), a HUGE cobb salad, and a side of roasted Brussel sprouts. YUM!
10. Joseph Decuis
A destination restaurant in Roanoke, Joseph Decuis specializes in super high-quality (think Wagyu) farm-to-table dinners.
If you want a unique and utterly upscale experience, this is the restaurant you need to visit. We had already eaten (and didn’t have reservations), but I’m already plotting a return trip to try Joseph Decuis, enjoy a wine tasting at Two EE’s Winery, and then maybe spend the night at a fancy hotel in nearby Fort Wayne.
Where to stay in Huntington County?
If you want to extend your stay – especially after an amazing dinner at Joseph Decuis or a wine tasting at Two EE’s winery, there are a few excellent options.
For families, consider one of the many chain hotels in nearby Fort Wayne Indiana.
If you want to stay steps away from Roanoke, Joseph Decuis actually has an Inn. It looks lovely, so might be a fun option.
My personal choice would be the new nearby hotel in Fort Wayne, The Bradley. It’s on my list of places to stay in the near future! I love a good boutique hotel and this one looks amazing.
👉 Ready to book your stay at The Bradley? Head over to Booking.com!
Where is Huntington County Indiana?
Huntington county is located in the Northeast corner of Indiana. It’s between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne off of I-69, less than half an hour from Fort Wayne.
What cities are in Huntington County Indiana?
The two largest cities in Huntington County Indiana are Huntington (home of Huntington University) and Roanoke. Both cities are quite different and both are worth visiting!
What is Huntington County Known For?
Huntington County is often called the Lime City. Historically there were dozens of limestone quarries and kilns in the area.
Today Huntington is best known for Huntington University.
Conclusion: Fun Things to do in Huntington County Indiana
Huntington Indiana is a wonderful choice of Indiana day trips for anyone who enjoys history, shopping, good wine, and delicious food! There are plenty of fun things to do. Definitely consider it if you are in the mood for a memorable getaway.