Wells County: River Landscapes, Nature and History

In Wells County, river landscapes, nature experiences and cultural history come together. The Wabash River flows slowly through rural areas of Adams and Wells counties and through the center of Bluffton. The river is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. You can tailor your stay to a wide range of interests, from protected riverbanks and water activities to historic sites and regional products.

River Landscapes, Bison and Trails

Ouabache State Park is in Wells County on the Wabash River near Bluffton. Ouabache is pronounced “O-bah-chee.” The park has a 20-acre enclosure where American bison live in a natural setting. Another nature destination is the Acres Along the Wabash Nature Preserve, which borders the Wabash River’s north bank for 0.75 miles. The park and preserve offer different highlights: bison in their enclosure at one, and a protected stretch of riverbank at the other.

There are two different scales to consider for trails. Wells County as a whole has 28 miles of designated trails. In addition, a trail runs for about 17.5 miles through Ossian and Bluffton. That approximate distance is a guide, not an exact measurement. At Ouabache State Park, Kunkel Lake offers fishing opportunities. If you want to plan your trip around nature and river landscapes, you’ll find specific options here.

Water Activities with Different Highlights

The pool facilities also differ. Wells Community Aquatic Park has a zero-depth entry, an integrated pool ramp, a hydraulic lift chair and easy-access stairs.

Markle Pool is a seasonal freshwater pool with two slides, a splash area and a volleyball court. Because the pool is seasonal, check its operating status before your trip. Kunkel Lake, on the other hand, is a place for fishing. You can distinguish between the water activities according to what you’re looking for: fishing at the lake or a pool with the facilities and recreational features described above.

History and Culture in Bluffton

A historic memorial stone for Charles C. Deam stands in Triangle Park, near the Wabash River at the intersection of Wayne Street and Market Street. Deam was Indiana’s first State Forester, serving first from 1909 to 1913 and then again from 1917 to 1928; from 1928 to 1940, he worked as a Research Forester. The memorial connects a specific place in Bluffton with a career in Indiana’s forestry administration.

Another historic memorial stone commemorates the Kingsland Interurban Wreck. On September 21, 1910, two cars of the Fort Wayne & Wabash Valley Traction Line collided north of Kingsland as passengers were traveling to a county fair. Despite the efforts of local residents, 41 passengers died. A bridge along the River Greenway offers another reminder of earlier structures: it commemorates a historic covered bridge that once crossed Bill’s Creek.

Art and events are also cultural highlights. The Creative Arts Council of Wells County offers theater productions, music lessons, and classes in visual arts and dance. The Wells County Historical Society and Museum hosts Christmas in the Mansion every December. The event features more than 30 Christmas trees, and visitors can vote for their favorites. The Bluffton Free Street Fair was founded in 1898 as a free celebration in downtown Bluffton; this historical account of its founding does not in itself say anything about admission conditions today.

Regional Products and Choosing Your Accommodation

Local Grown & Made introduces local growers and producers in Wells County, including suppliers of fruits and vegetables, meat, honey and baked goods. This adds an insight into regional food to the nature and culture themes. When choosing a vacation rental, it may help to consider whether you want to focus your stay primarily on nature and river landscapes, the water activities described above or Bluffton’s cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Marshall County, Putnam County, Cass County, Clay County, Adams County, Fulton County, Monroe

For the main travel overview: Indiana.