Ouabache State Park
Dash 90 Wines
Acres Along the Wabash Land Trust
Bummies Drive-In
Wells County 4-H Park
EZ Bowl
Wells County Public Library
Parlor City Plaza
Kehoe Park
Green Valley Golf Club
Timber Ridge Golf & Club 250 Event Center
Archbold Wilson Park
Heyerly's Donuts
Lighted Gardens Event Center
Five Points School
Wells County Historical Museum
River Greenway
Whicker Park
Stauffer Farms
Markle Exit 286 Antique Mall
Community Public Pool
“A generation which ignores history has no past — and no future.” That statement, attributed to science fiction writer Robert Heinlein, does not appear to apply to Wells County, which is peppered with a number of historical locations and markers. The biggest problem: Where to start?
Some are easily accessible; several are so much a part of the landscape that locals drive by them every day, not realizing their significance. That’s not unusual, of course. Many native Parisians may not be particularly impressed with the Eiffel Tower.
Starting pretty much in the center of the county, the courthouse has a rich history, the current structure dating to 1889. And the county historical museum on West Market Street is housed in, naturally, a historical building. Each has a small plaque that will give a bit of information. Within easy walking distance are two other historical markers. On the south side of the iconic Wabash River, high on Bluffton’s “bluff,” a plaque
commemorates the first sermon preached in Bluffton by the Rev. George Bowers in 1838. Directly across the river to the north, another marks the completion, almost exactly 150 years later, of Bluffton’s Rivergreenway and Kehoe Park on the Banks of the Wabash.
That Rivergreenway connects downtown Bluffton with Ouabache State Park, where a statue has been erected to commemorate the CCC workers. The park’s buildings were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Also in the park, but without an official marker, is the 100foot tall fire tower.
In between the park and Bluffton, along that Rivergreenway, is Pickett’s Run Park, which is one of Bluffton’s newest parks but has the richest history, as explained on a plaque there. The east end of the park hosts one of two “official” Indiana State Historical Markers in the county. This one honors Charles Deam, who was appointed as Indiana’s first State Forester in 1909. It is located close to what was once the Deam Arboretum. Nearby are two young Deam Oaks, a unique hybrid named in his honor.
Welcome to the Town of Ossian, located in Wells County, Northeast Indiana.
Norwell Community School • 12 miles from Fort Wayne • 7 miles from Blu on Population: 3,289 • Public Library • Restaurants
1,189 square feet of park space per person
e Ossian Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of ve park sites: Archbold Wilson Park, Maplewood Park, Melching Park, Sandalwood Park, and our Baseball Diamonds.
Our ve park sites total 80.36 acres.
In a community the size of Ossian, this amounts to approximately 1,189 square feet of park space per person.
Summer Music Concerts
Amphitheater & Event Center Rental Available
Amphitheater • Basketball Half Court • Corn Hole Boards • Disc Golf Course • Dog Park
Fishing Pond • Horse Shoe Pits • Pavilion • Playground Equipment • Skate Park
Sledding Hill • Splash Pad • Tennis Courts • Volleyball Court • Walking Trail
The “original” Deam Oak has it’s own “forest” about two miles to the northwest at the corner of Ind. Highway 116 and County Road 250 North. This 0.22-acre plot, populated with a couple picnic tables and other trees, is the smallest parcel owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — the state’s smallest state park, you might say.
Heading north from there, at the corner of County Roads 300 North and 100 East, the county’s first settlers are commemorated with a small “unofficial” marker erected in 1929 “by the citizens of Wells County.”
It notes that Dr. Joseph Knox built his cabin there in 1829. Henry Miller “succeeded him” in 1831 and became the county’s first permanent settler.
The other Official State Marker is in Kingsland, located another three miles north on U.S. 224 just west of Ind. SR 1. It marks the site of the “Kingsland Interurban Wreck” on Sept. 21, 1910. It was one of the worst, if not the worst accident — resulting in 41 deaths — during the era of the interurban electric railway that served as the dominant public transportation system in the early 1900s.
There are several other historical locations in the county, including two iron bridges. A singlespan bridge no longer in use can be found at the south entrance to Vera Cruz. A two-span bridge on County Road 300 West remains in use. Several historical spots are related to former oneroom schools while one school — the “5 Points School” — has been restored and hosts an annual community ice cream social. It is located in the southwest corner of the county on County Road 1100 South, just west of Jeff Road.
Getting back to our “tour” — heading north from Bluffton: History buffs, particularly those interested in the Civil War, will want to take note of the Civil War Monument in Ossian. The obelisk, clearly visible in the center of Oak Lawn Cemetery on Ossian’s south side, was erected in 1911 by the surviving members of what was the local organization of Civil War veterans, known as the William Swaim Post 169, Department of Indiana G.A.R. — the Grand Army of the Republic.
A native of New Jersey, Swaim bought a farm near Ossian in 1857. When the Civil War broke out, he raised and then was elected to command a company of volunteers from northern Wells County. This unit became Company A of the Indiana 34th Regiment. They fought in a number of battles in Mississippi that led up to the siege of Vicksburg. It was at Champion Hills that Col. Swaim was seriously wounded on May 10, 1863. He died a month later on a hospital steamboat heading back north on the Mississippi River.
His body was initially buried in the Old Ossian Cemetery (west of SR 1 on Young Street) which has been recently refurbished. Several other Civil War veterans’ gravesites are there.
When Swaim’s widow died in 1895, his body was moved to the newer Oak Lawn Cemetery; close by, the monument was erected in Col. Swaim’s honor by his former fellow officers.
History buffs — both local and not — can find a wealth of information in the Indiana Room of the Wells County Public Library and an ever-expanding collection of artifacts in the Wells County Historical Museum.
Archbold-Wilson Park
Bison Enclosure
Caylor-Nickel Family Foundation
YMCA
Green Valley Golf Club
Kunkel Lake
Lancaster Park
Markle Swimming Pool
Ouabache State Park Fire Tower
Parlor City Plaza
River Greenway
Timber Ridge Golf Course
Wells Community Pool
Whicker Park Inclusive Playground visitwellscounty.com For
Wells County Public Library
200 W Washington St, Bluffton
Wells County Historical Museum
420 W Market St, Bluffton
Caylor Nickel Foundation Family YMCA 550 W Dustman Rd, Bluffton
EZ Bowl 1231 S Scott St, Bluffton
Wells County Trails For more information visit: www.wellscountytrails.com
Whicker Park Inclusive Playground
425 E Harrison Rd, Bluffton
Just as in virtually every community in the midwest, Bluffton’s downtown area has gone though its ups and downs. Thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated volunteers, Bluffton’s downtown is definitely on the “up.”
“Bluffton NOW!” — the acronym meaning “New, Old and Wonderful!” — got organized in 2015 and quickly gained momentum. Laser-focused on the revitalization and long-term growth of Bluffton’s “city center,” the movement immediately engaged with groups and individuals from the city council to middle school students. Those efforts resulted in the first-ever joint meeting of the Bluffton City Council, the Wells County Commissioners and the Wells County Council. A portion of the city’s economic development funds were soon dedicated to a unique Community Reinvestment Project plan to make physical improvements to buildings in the downtown area.
Bluffton NOW!’s vision of “promoting a fun and vibrant community where people want to live, work and play” has become reality in making the downtown area a destination for events and new businesses.
Within the first year of their existence, Bluffton NOW! leaders introduced the first downtown event: the annual Brrfest, which has drawn larger crowds in each succeeding year. That was quickly followed by the unveiling of plans for a new downtown plaza, which has hosted a weekly Farmer’s Market, downtown concerts and even an annual “Shakespeare on the Plaza” performance by the local Creative Arts Council’s community theater group.
Another major and very visible step forward was realized this past year. Phase 1 of the Downtown Pathways project will be in full use in 2024: three alleyways that will serve as pathways into the downtown area from nearby parking venues.
Ground was officially broken shortly after the annual Bluffton Free Street Fair in September of 2023; final landscaping and furnishings should be completed by Memorial Day.
Phase 2 involves two additional alleyways into the downtown area. Bluffton NOW! leaders are hopeful that the funding will allow the final completion by this time next year.
by
Timber Ridge Golf Course
2330 E 250 N, Bluffton
For more information call 260-824-2728 www.thetimberridge.com
Green Valley Golf Course 2635 E 150 N, Bluffton
For more information call 260-824-4510
Discover Ouabache for information about the State Park
Archbold Wilson Park
3398 E 900 N, Ossian
Markle Fish & Game Park Club
260 S. Clark St, Markle
Lancaster Park
200 Jackson St, Bluffton
Whicker Park
425 E Harrison Rd, Bluffton
Pickett’s Run Park
304 E Washington St, Bluffton
Roush Park
925 W Silver St, Bluffton
Melching Park
705 Park Dr, Ossian
Wells Community Pool
310 W Spring St, Bluffton May 25 - Aug. 4, 1-6 p.m.
Markle Swimming Pool
100 Park Dr, Markle Noon-7 p.m.
Kunkle Lake Beach Front
Ouabache State Park
Dawn to dusk
Wells County Historical Museum
420 W Mrket St, Bluffton 260-824-9956 to schedule a tour
Five Points School
5300 W 1100 S, Montpelier
MARKLE PARK DISC GOLF
WABASH RIVER KAYAKING
Some hobbies are productive. Think woodworking or painting.
Some hobbies are not. Think golf or geocaching.
“Geocaching enthusiasts often joke about how we spend a lot of money on a GPS unit and we utilize this elaborate global satellite system in order to find a Tupperware bowl in the woods,” says Wells County geocaching hobbyist Scott Elzey. He’s been doing this for almost 15 years. He has created and maintains 75 geocaches — or “hides” as he calls them — and enjoys taking regional trips on his Harley-Davidson with friends, often to spots in Indiana and in neighboring states.
For the uninitiated, a typical “cache” is a small waterproof container like a Tupperware bowl, but many geocachers get creative with not just their containers but the geocache itself. “Geocaching” is defined as “an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called geocaches or caches, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.” Others call it “the world’s largest treasure hunting game.”
The “treasures,” as Elzey describes it, can be something as simple as a golf ball or a small toy soldier. He has found caches with polished rocks, trading cards and even quarters. But many caches offer no prize, just the satisfaction of making the “find.”
“And geocaching will take you to some amazing places,” he says. He has contributed to that effort with his caches both locally and in surrounding states. For example, one of his local geocaches will provide a driving tour of Ossian; another will “take you to some obscure gems of cemeteries in the county,” he says. One his “hides” will take the finder to the origin of the Wabash River just south of Fort Recovery, Ohio.
While it is estimated there are more than three million geocaches in over 190 countries, Wells County has more than 100, according to a map on geocaching.com. There are more than 25 in Bluffton alone.
Most geocaches offer the finder to sign in on a log. Hobbyists can register for free on geocaching websites and report their finds. You can earn points, competing with people around the world or with people in your area.
Like other hobbies, there are opportunities to “upgrade” into what is called the “Premium” level — more difficult geocaches and ones only available to members.
Another local bit of data: Elzey reports there are 150 geocaches within 12 miles of the Wells County Courthouse. Of those, 31 are for nonpremium geocachers with the remainder reserved for the premium-only hobbyists.
Elzey explains that each geocache must be verified by the website before it will post it. They will also rate the geocache as to terrain and a degree of difficulty of finding. These are done on a 1-to-5 scale. One of Elzey’s cache’s has a difficulty degree of 5; another has a terrain rating of 5, that one located on a small island in the Wabash River not far from his home.
The Firefly 2024 Tour by Fort Wayne Ballet
Kehoe Park, May 14, 7p.m.
CREATIVE ARTS COUNCIL
Life Community Church Auditorium
Shrek The Musical JR.
June 14, 7 p.m.
June 15, 3 p.m. & 7p.m.
The Jungle Book Kids
June 28, 7 p.m.
June 29, 3 p.m.
Parlor City Shakespeare on the Plaza
September 12-14
Excerpts from “The Nutcracker”
December 6, 7 p.m.
December 7, 3 p.m.
Creative Arts Theater Holiday Production
December 13, 7p.m.
December 14, 3p.m. & 7p.m.
Beers with the Bard at Parlor City Brewing Company
May 7, 7 p.m.
Wine and Blues with Bel and The Bad Wolves at Dash 90 Winery, May 11, 6 p.m.
GOSPEL BARN OF BLUFFTON
429 E. Dustman Road, Bluffton
Tribute Quartet, May 4
Master Voice Quartet & The Kramers, May 18
Jeff & Shari Easter, June 2
The Hoppers, June 29
Guardians Quartet, July 13, 6 p.m.
Greater Vision, August 24
Mark Trammell Quartet, September 7
Gold City Quartet at Divinity Trio
October 26, 6 p.m.
Christmas Banquet with Michael Booth, Jim & Melissa Brady
December 7
Club 250 Event Center - variety of events and concerts held throughout the year.
KEHOE PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
360 N. Main Street, Bluffton
Bayou County – CCR Tribute, June 7, 8-10p.m.
A John Mellencamp Tribute, June 14, 8-10p.m.
Def Leggend- Def Leppard Tribute, June 28, 8-10p.m.
Community Worship, June 30, 7-8:30
Hotel California – Eagles Tribute, July 12, 8-10pm.
The Insiders-Tom Petty Tribute, July 26, 8-10p.m.
Woomblies Rock Orchestra, August 2, 8-10p.m.
BLUFFTON NOW! MUSIC ON THE PLAZA
Parlor City Plaza, 118 W. Market Street
Fleetwood 2 The Max, June 21, 7-10p.m
Rylie Lynn Band, July 19, 7-10p.m.
Whoa, Man!, August 8, 7-10p.m.
The Electric Cars, September 5, 7-10p.m.
WELLS COUNTY 4H FAIR MAIN STAGE
Hubie Ashcraft Band, July 16
Trevor Hunt, July 17
MARKLE SUMMER SOUNDS
at Markle Fish & Game Club Park
220 S. Clark St, Markle Debutantes, May 10, 7p.m.
Hubie Ashcraft Band, June 14, 7pm.-9pm.
Whoa, Man!, July 12, 7p.m.
New Frontiers, August 9, 6-9p.m.
OSSIAN SUMMER CONCERTS
at Archbold Wilson Park. Check out updates @OssianParks on Facebook or ossianparks.com
Photo Credit: Don Nuttle Photo Credit: Don Nuttle
July
Tenderloin
@Kunkellake
5 IN 5 5K SERIES
Wabash River Park Pavilion, 7 p.m.
June 11 / June 18 / June 25
July 2 / July 9
CHICKS RUN
Pickett’s Run, Bluffton
June 20, 7 p.m.
SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNRISE YOGA
Pickett’s Run Park, $10 Drop-in
June 20, 6 a.m.
HOT DIGGITY DOG JOG 5K AND 1 MILE
Pickett’s Run Park
June 22, 9 a.m.
FASTEST KID IN TOWN
Pickett’s Run Park
June 22, 10:30 a.m.
50TH ANNIVERSARY PARLOR CITY TROT
5K, 10K, 1/2 MARATHON
Bluffton City Hall
August 31, 7 a.m.
W.O.O.F. TRAIL RUN
Ouabache State Park
November 2, 9 a.m.
SANTA RUN FREE GROUP RUN
Bluffton City Hall
December 24, 9 a.m.
RESTORATIVE YOGA – Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Washington Park Pavilion. $5
YOGA FLOW – Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Washington Park Pavilion. $5
ROCK STEADY BOXING BLUFFTON (Parkinson’s Program) – Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 10:30 a.m. Call 260-824-6069 for information.
BROK’N AXOLES CLUB CAR SHOW
Arby’s, Bluffton
April - October, First Thursday of the Month 4-8 p.m.
BOYZ OF SUMMER CAR, TRUCK, BIKE SHOW
Hardees, Bluffton
May-October, First Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
WHEELS OF YESTERYEAR TRACTOR PULL
Wells County 4H Fairgrounds
June 1 / July 12 / August 8-11, 5 p.m.
MARKLE CHAMBER AUTO SHOW
Markle Fish & Game Club Park, 100 Park Dr.
July 14, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
TRUCK PULL
Wells County 4H Fairgrounds
July 19
CHRISTMAS IN JULY CAR SHOW IN DOWNTOWN
BLUFFTON
July 28, 8 a.m. - Noon Registration. Awards at 3 p.m.
OSSIAN HEALTH’S ANNUAL FREEDOM FEST
June 20, 5:30 p.m.
WELLS COUNTY 4H FAIR, Free Admission
July 13 -18
KOA FLEA MARKET
September 13-14, 10 a.m. - 6p.m.
OSSIAN DAYS, September 12-14
STAUFFER’S FALL FEST, October 4-6
OSSIAN HEALTH FALL FESTIVAL AND HELICOPTER CANDY DROP, October 5
MARKLES CHRISTMAS IN OUR TOWN, December 6-7
PARLOR CITY CHRISTMAS, December 14
FARMERS MARKETS (Seasonal - Saturday Mornings)
Family Farm & Home, 990 N Main St , Bluffton
Parlor City Market, 118 W. Market Street
BLUFFTON FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Bluffton High School
July 4, 10 p.m.
MARKLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Live music from Sunglasses at Night!
Markle Fish & Game Club Park, July 4
TOUCH A TRUCK
Washington Commons Parking Lot
August 24, 9 a.m. - Noon
KOA TOUCH A TRUCK
September 14
Sensory Friendly Hour
11 a.m. - Noon
Noisy Hour
Noon - 1 p.m.
MARKLE DOWNHILL FRENZY POWER WHEELS RACE
150 W. Sparks Street
September 21
SPOOKTACULAR at Wells County 4H Fairgrounds
October 12
BOO IN BLUFFTON - DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREATING
October 31, 5 p.m.
MARKLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRUNK OR TREAT
October 31, 5-8 p.m.
WINTER WONDERLAND at Bluffton City Gym
December 12, 5:30-7p.m.
PARLOR CITY CHRISTMAS
December 14
“ CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM ” Wells County Historical Museum
December, Saturdays/Sundays
WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS at Ouabache State Park December 1-31
Few communities the size of Bluffton, Indiana have an active, diverse and popular arts program such as the Creative Arts Council. A group of local citizens put their heads together in 1973 with the modest goal of bringing a classical music performance to town. The community support has caused the organization to outgrow two facilities. Today, the CAC offers a variety of classes and events for both the local community and visitors at 428 S. Oak Street in Bluffton.
The Community Theater organizes a series of productions each year. The 2023-24 season concluded in February with “Noir Suspicions,” a murder mystery. Past productions have included mysteries and musicals, such as “The Music Man” and “Oklahoma,” to name just two. They also present an annual Christmas production.
The 2024-25 season will begin in October. This series includes a “Shakespeare on the Plaza”
outdoor performance in September. Check their website wellscocreativearts.com for the specific shows and dates.
The Summer Youth Theater program continues to grow in popularity. The two two-week theater “camps” are open to anyone, but space is limited.
Summer 2024 plans include a two-week session beginning June 3 for students ages 12-18, which will culminate in a performance of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” on June 14 and 15. Another series begins June 17 for ages 8-11, which will rehearse and then present “The Jungle Book Kids” on June 28 and 29. The performances are open to the public.
There is also a Summer Art Academy for elementary-age students. This three-day camp meets in June. Additionally, a three-week long “Dance Intensive” for students from age 3 to high school. These are a variety of classes based on
For more information visit: wellscocreativearts.com
age and skill levels. For registration and more information, head to the CAC website.
Creative Arts offers a variety of ongoing classes, including voice and guitar lessons. The Dance Academy is perhaps its most popular program, which concludes each season in April with a Spring Dance Concert that is open to the public.
If you’re a traveling artist, or perhaps you’re camping at Ouabache State Park and have an artistic flair, you would likely enjoy participating in the “Creative Crew,” a loosely knit group of artists who meet at the CAC building to paint, draw, do needlework or any similar endeavor. It’s about collaborating, learning from each other, and enjoying the company. They meet each Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. — no reservations needed.
Billy Ann’s Supper Pub
Bummies Drive-In
Crimson House Cafe
Dash 90 Wines
Grand Sweet Shop
Heyerly’s Bakery
Hideaway Beer & Bourbon
Hugh’s Bakery & Coffeehouse
Just Add Chips
Nutrition Loft
Parlor City Brewing Company
Sweet Obsessions
Toppings Ice Cream Parlor
Tyeger’s Pizza Parlor
Unique Blue Bar & Grill
Zestos
Bluffton, IN 46714
Bluffton, IN 46714
113 W. Market St. Bluffton, IN 46714
www.foundations-truth.org 260-273-81554
A warm and welcoming Christ-centered meeting place for:
• Large Groups
• Worship
• Bible Studies
• Christian Growth
• Small Groups
• Prayer
• Christian Outreach
• And More …
American Salvage
A Perfect Blend
The Broken Vessel Sign Company
Country Road Primitives
Ellie Grace & Co.
Fields of Grace
Fraction Apparel & Home
Magnolias & Minis
Markle Exit 86 Antique Mall
Rods Rustics
The Modern Eclectic
Please
Budget Inn
1090 N Main St, Bluffton
Please call 260-824-0820
Comfort Inn
1782 N Main St, Bluffton
Please call 260-824-4455
Bluffton / Fort Wayne South KOA
625 W. Lancaster St, Bluffton
Please call 260-824-0127 to make a reservation
Ouabache State Park 4930 E State Road 201, Bluffton
Please call 260-824-0926 to make a reservation
Washington Street Inn 220 E Washington St, Bluffton
Please call 260-824-9070
OUABACHE STATE PARK
BLUFFTON / FORT WAYNE SOUTH KOA
THE CENTRAL HOUSEAIRBNB
