Auburn Is The Surprising Indiana Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published March 01, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
You deserve a Hoosier weekend getaway, and now is the perfect time to start planning. There’s a marvelous town in the northeast corner of the state that is begging to be toured, and it’s about time everyone paid it a visit.
The seat of DeKalb County, Auburn is home to roughly 13,000 citizens though it serves a much greater population. It was founded in 1836 and is known as the Home of the Classics. Scroll on to learn why.
The first thing you'll need for the perfect Hoosier weekend getaway to Auburn is a hotel. Located on the west side of town, right off the highway, is the Auburn Inn.
This 1920s Victorian-themed hotel has 50 standard rooms as well as a couple of suites for extra special stays. Each guest receives a complimentary breakfast in the morning as well as milk and cookies each night.
The inn is located at 225 Touring Dr., Auburn, IN 46706.
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If you're looking for a more intimate stay, the Inn at Windmere is a bed & breakfast that provides all the charm of a 1910 Sears Catalogue home. It is surrounded by 40 acres of fields that let you enjoy a county milieu that is undeniably tranquil.
There are five unique suites to choose from at this inn, and each is decorated with delightful country furnishings. Special amenities include a fresh breakfast each morning, fireplaces, a library of games, books, DVDs, and CDs, homemade snacks, luxurious robes, towels, and linens, a gazebo, and so much more.
Couples especially enjoy a stay at 2077 Co Rd. 40, Auburn, IN 46706.
There is so much to do on this Hoosier weekend getaway, but the stop that must be at the top of your bucket list is the Auburn Cord Dusenberg Museum. Nowhere else will you learn the history of Auburn, and you'll get to see some really cool old cars too.
The museum was built in 1930, though it did not open to the public until 1974, and is well-loved by those in the area. It is located at 1600 S Wayne St., Auburn, IN 46706 and is open daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Special events take place throughout the year.
If you love old cars, you'll want to head to the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum next. It is on the far south side of town, and it aims to preserve Fords that were manufactured between 1932 and 1953.
Check out more than 20,000 square-feet of history at 2181 General Doolittle Dr., Auburn, IN 46706 Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
On the same side of town, history lovers will geek out at the Kruse Museums, which includes the National Military History Museum and Automotive & Carriage Museum. Special exhibits include the WWII Victory Museum, International Monster Truck Museum Hall of Fame, and true American military stories.
This spot is also popular for its event venue space and is located at 5634 Co Rd. 11A, Auburn, IN 46706. The museums' hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
If history really is your jam, there's another war museum in Auburn that will make your Hoosier weekend getaway unforgettable. The Hoosier Air Museum was founded in 1991, and it contains multiple facilities with different aircraft and rooms for banquets and other events.
Marvel at ancient artifacts, models, photographs, and much more at 2822 Co Rd. 62, Auburn, IN 46706. This incredible museum is only open mid-March through early December each year and hours are typically Friday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When you've had enough of being indoors, there's no better place in this lovely Hoosier town to enjoy nature than Eckhart Park. It is situated next to the community pool and features play equipment, covered pavilions, restrooms, benches, picnic areas, and nature trails.
It is located at 1501 S Cedar St., Auburn, IN 46706 and shares a free parking lot with the pool.
Of course, if it's summer, and you're in the area for the park and the pool, you must also stop by the Brown House. It is located at 100 E Ensley Ave., Auburn, IN 46706 and open Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as well as Saturday between 10 am. and 3 p.m.
This iconic place is known for its coney dogs, burgers, tenderloins, pizza burgers, and fried fish. Locals also love stopping by for classic dairy treats like floats, malts, sundaes, shakes, and traditional cones.
After all the museums you've been exploring and nature adventures you've been having on this Hoosier weekend getaway, you may have a bit more of an appetite. If you're known for having a bottomless pit, the Paradise Buffet will have you covered.
It is located at 1411 Shook Dr., Auburn, IN 46706 and is open Sunday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday between 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Guests will find the perfect mix of Chinese and American cuisines at this beautiful buffet. Freshly carved meats, grill items, take-out favorites, desserts, and much more abound at this expansive all-you-can-eat restaurant that locals can't resist.
For a dining experience that's a bit more intimate, you'll want to visit the Italian Grille. Still casual in nature, this wonderful place will make you feel at home no matter where you're from.
It is located at 227 N Duesenberg Dr., Auburn, IN 46706 and is open Tuesday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., Friday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., Saturday between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Each meal begins with fresh-baked bread, Italian herbs, and oil. Menu items include pizzas, calzones, pasta, burgers, chicken strips, sandwiches, steak, seafood, salads, soups, and appetizers.
Of course, nothing is more quintessentially Auburn than this incy-wincy diner that's just south of downtown. The Auburn Town Tavern is known for its giant tenderloins, and it's a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You can't have a Hoosier weekend getaway in Auburn without a stop at this local watering hole.
Breakfast favorites include omelets, hash browns, pancakes, and french toast while lunch and dinner items include fried fish, quesadillas, burgers, soups, and salads. Patrons also stop by this quaint spot often for its beer and wine selections.
Of course there are many more things to do around Auburn that make for a marvelous Hoosier weekend getaway as well. What are your favorite things to do in DeKalb County? Share yours with us below in the comments.
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