It’s easy to make that routine trip to Walmart without stopping to explore what else Wabash has to offer, including local favorites. I’m excited to introduce to you, or remind you, of places to visit on your next trip to Wabash.

My friend Lauren and I started off our afternoon at Paradise Springs Historical Park and Riverwalk. We were looking forward to getting some fresh air and exploring Wabash on foot. The park is linked to downtown through trails, but there is also parking available at the park entrance. As soon as we pulled up to the park, we immediately wished we had packed a picnic to enjoy at the park because of the picturesque scenery and shaded picnic tables. Lauren and I vowed we’d come back again, making sure to bring some snacks and books to read or homework.

There’s a paved loop that winds around the park and is lined with benches and flower beds, leading to a lookout spot over the Wabash River. Along the way, you’ll see rustic cabins that tell stories of the area’s history and first settlers. There are signs scattered throughout the park that also share the significance of the site and the natural surroundings of the park. The trail makes its way around Wabash, totaling approximately 3 miles.

Craving more time outside, our next stop was Salamonie Lake State Recreation Area. The afternoon was all blue skies and sunshine, which made it even more enjoyable to walk the trails, scope out the beach, and check out the lake and the rest of the park.

There’s a $7 entry fee to the park (per vehicle), but there’s plenty of free and inexpensive activities to do inside the park. I’ll list a few below:

• Hiking, biking/ mountain biking, and cross country skiing trails

The trails are open throughout the year, ranging in length and experience level as they wind through the woods and clearings to follow the lake perimeters. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a challenge or simply a way to relax, the trails are a great way to get outside, to get your body moving, and to spend some time off campus.

• Canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals

• Volleyball and basketball courts
• Swimming and beach access

• Picnic Areas

• Hunting and Fishing/Ice fishing
• Campfire sites (firewood is available for purchase)

As Lauren and I prepared to visit Wabash, we wanted to find places that are locally owned and unique to the city, especially when it came to food.

Cue Harvey Hinklemeyers.

We absolutely loved the atmosphere- the mural painted walls totally caught our eyes. We also enjoyed that their menu was filled with variety ranging from Mexican food, pizza, salad bar, and sandwiches. However, if you have food allergies or sensitives, it may be difficult to find hot menu items that avoid allergies and sensitivities such as dairy and gluten. You can preview the menu here before you go! Lauren and I were both able to grab lunch and include a tip for our waitress under $12.00, which was exciting for our tight college budget!

Although we didn’t visit the following places, we’ve heard through the grapevine that they are fantastic local favorites you don’t want to miss!

• Market Street Grill
• Twenty
• Honeywell Golf Course

You can also get more involved in the community by visiting the YMCA for volunteer opportunities.

Here are a few options:

• Youth after school program
• Gymnastics
• Referee
• Life Guard
• Bingo
• Coffee & Conversation with Active Older Adults

You can find the full list of options and the application here.

Our hope is that Wabash transitions from a quick stop to buy groceries to a place that students are eager to visit and invest in the community as we learn more about the places to eat, visit, shop, and spend our time.