Discovering Dubois County: Fun, Food, and German Heritage in Southern Indiana

Jasper City Mill

I have had the pleasure of visiting the Jasper City Mill, and during one of my spontaneous visits, I encountered a friendly gentleman who shared the mill’s history. This historic mill replicates the former mill that once stood near Patoka River, serving as a glimpse into Dubois County’s industrial past. A fun fact: Abraham Lincoln visited the former mill with his father when he was just a boy.

Guests can tour the mill and explore its interior, where they can browse and purchase souvenirs such as bags and corn meal produced at the mill. The water-powered wheel and grindstones used in the mill have been repurposed from mills that date back 150 to 200 years. The mill is open year-round and located along the Jasper Riverwalk and directly behind the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Spirit of Jasper Train

Take a scenic ride aboard the restored Spirit of Jasper luxury passenger train and enjoy breathtaking countryside views and themed rides. These vintage locomotives and passenger cars offer a glimpse of rail travel in its heyday. But don’t worry—they come equipped with modern climate controls. 

The train excursions include Chocolate Wine and Dine, Pizza and Beer Rides, Ride-and-Dine Excursions, and seasonal rides like the Dubois Bombers Ride and Jasper Strassenffest Rides. 

Historic League Stadium

“There’s no crying in baseball!” Or at least not at the League Stadium, historically known as the filming site for the iconic film A League of Their Own. Visit this iconic baseball stadium and relive the excitement of legendary games. The outfield fence still displays the original advertisements from the movie.

Constructed in 1983, the original stadium underwent renovations in the early 1990s specifically for a film project. Additionally, it served as the filming location for HBO’s “Soul of the Game.” Today, the stadium hosts the DC Bombers Baseball, a collegiate team known for retro-style uniforms. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium and explore the gift shop. Catching a game is a must for those fortunate enough to be there during the baseball season.

Family Roots Nursery is a testament to the love and passion for horticulture. Owners Aaron and Andrea Peters and their family established this extraordinary nursery, a haven for plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike.

From the lush foliage to tropical plants and a gift shop filled with plant and home goodies, they focus on providing customers with a truly personalized shopping experience. They also ship orders! Staff are always on hand to offer expert advice and recommendations. 

Throughout the year, the nursery hosts workshops, classes, and special events designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages. While there, I made a Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece and fell in love with how it turned out!

Monastery Immaculate Conception

Monastery Immaculate Conception is where the soul finds solace and peace and is home to one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States. Whether you are a devout Catholic, a spiritual seeker, or simply an admirer of architectural beauty, a visit to this sacred monastery will leave an enduring mark on your heart and soul.

The monastery is nestled among rolling hills. Its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows surround it, and its architecture is a testament to the skill and artistry of its builders. It was founded in 1867 by four young Benedictine sisters who came to Ferdinand to teach the children of area settlers; more than 1,000 women have entered our community over the years.

Visitors are welcome to visit the monastery and its grounds. You can schedule a guided tour or attend a Sunday Mass with the Sisters. The monastery also offers retreats, overnight accommodations, and meeting spaces. Its brewery is open to the public for lunch and dinner (see below). 

St. Joseph Catholic Church

In Jasper, the St. Josephy Catholic Church is another beautiful building built in 1880. The church Tower stands at 235 feet and houses four bells – these bells can be heard up to 10 miles away. Visitors find three Italian marble altars with large mosaics, stained glass windows, and fourteen columns inside.

Among these cruises, the wine cruise stands out as a unique experience. As the boat glides across the lake, passengers can savor a leisurely ride paired with a selection of fine wines from local wineries and witness the wildlife that calls Patoka Lake home. This cruise is a must-try for anyone visiting Dubois County and a way to celebrate the changing seasons.

Schnitzelbank Restaurant

The Schnitzelbank Restaurant has been serving authentic German cuisine in Jasper for over 50 years. It is adorned with traditional German decor, cuckoo clocks, and folk art, reminiscent of a Bavarian tavern. The servers are clad in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen (German clothing).

Schnitzelbank has earned a spot among Indiana’s top 10 independent restaurants. One of their highlights is the Wunderbar Salad Bar. Among the menu offerings, I chose the Mini Bratzel, a bratwurst nestled on a pretzel bun, accompanied by sauerkraut and a honey mustard sauce. I opted for potato pancakes as a side, paired with a dollop of creamy applesauce.

Oink, Inc. Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen

Chef Tim Flick is the passionate chef and barbeque enthusiast behind Oink Inc. Smokehouse and Southern Kitchen. I enjoyed tasting their delicious brisket, smoked turkey, and hashbrown casserole.

For those feeling adventurous, Oink offers the Tatcho Challenge. This challenge involves consuming 7 pounds of tatchos (tator nachos) within 60 minutes. If successful, you will be rewarded with a $100 gift card and have your photo displayed in the Hall of Fame. However, failure results in a $75 charge and a spot in the Hall of Shame. But I am confident you can do it. 😉

Retro Mexican Cuisine

Retro Mexican Cuisine combines traditional Mexican cooking techniques with unexpected flavors and fresh ingredients. This approach celebrates Mexico’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary influences. The restaurant has a festive and colorful 80s retro vibe. Its décor draws inspiration from Mexican cultural icons such as wrestling, luchadors, and handpainted dishware, creating a lively atmosphere.

One of the standout dishes I tried was the fajita chicken salad. Served in a handmade fresh tortilla bowl, the salad was a delightful combination of flavors. We tried the Abuela Guacamole, and it deserves a special mention. It’s made with fresh mango and strawberries, giving it a delicious twist!

Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse

Located in Huntingburg, Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a family-run eatery specializing in Italian dishes and steakhouse delights. Their freshly baked bread and homemade garlic butter are irresistible treats—I loved it, and could taste the fresh basil in the butter. The lasagna was so good and hearty, a rarity for me. I enjoyed this homemade pasta masterpiece. Others at my table opted for the steak, which comes with a generous side. Mama T’s is the place to go if you are hungry!

If you’re looking for an extra special treat, Mama T’s desserts are a must-try, especially if you have a sweet tooth for cheesecake. I had the pumpkin cheesecake, which is generously portioned and easily shared between two people.

Owsley’s Lounge in the River Centre

Owsley’s Lounge is an industrial-style bar and lounge in the River Centre, along the Patoka River, adjacent to the Fairfield Inn & Suites. It is ideal for intimate conversations or live music performances. The spacious outdoor seating area provides a comfortable and scenic spot for groups or couples.

St. Benedict’s Brew Works

St. Benedict’s Brew Works is the only brewery in the United States located on the property of a women’s religious community. It embodies their motto, “pray, work, brew.” It is located on the property of a monastery (Monastery Immaculate Conception). 

They specialize in creating high-quality, handcrafted beers inspired by traditional German and Belgian monastic beer styles, adding inventive twists that elevate each brew. Beyond its inviting taproom, St. Benedict’s Brew Works operates a dedicated production facility using locally sourced ingredients. While their beer selection is impressive, their pizza is equally noteworthy, offering another reason to visit this delightful brewery.

When you enter the warm and welcoming church-based brewery, you’ll be greeted by a charming photo opportunity — a life-size, head-in-the-hole cutout featuring a nun and a monk. If you indulge in a brew while capturing a memorable photo, don’t worry; it won’t hinder your chances of ascending to heaven.

Butcher and Barrel

During our stay in Huntingburg, we enjoyed dining at a newly opened establishment called Butcher and Barrel. This restaurant stands out with its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients and is led by an impressive team of an Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, and Spirit Advisor. The restaurant is housed within a historic 100-year-old bank building and features a distinctive vault dining area and a loft with views of downtown Huntingburg. True to its name, Butcher and Barrel specializes in top-quality steaks, smoked meats, and expertly crafted cocktails.