Sometimes, it feels like we end up in the same places all the time looking for a good time with friends and family. We go to the same places - usually any one of our amazing state parks in Indiana - and then call it done for the season. What if there was a cute little town right here in the Hoosier State that would make you feel like you took an amazing vacation in Switzerland? There totally is - and we're pretty sure you'll fall in love with it immediately. When it comes to unique small towns in Indiana, Berne is by far one of the most unique in the state - if not the whole country!
Berne, Indiana, was originally settled by Mennonite immigrants from Switzerland.
They named the town after the capital of their home country, and once the railroad was built through Adams County, Berne was in business as a major player in the Indiana farming industry.
The town is entirely Swiss in build and tradition.
It boasts a large population of Amish, all of whom speak Bernese German, which is a Swiss German dialect.
"Berne" is pronounced like the word "burn."
Legend has it that the founder of the original town in Switzerland vowed to name the town after the first animal he saw, which was a bear.
The town is just two square miles in size, but don't let the smallness fool you. There are all kinds of fun and interesting things to do here!
Much of the town's architecture is quite fascinating, including this beautiful Mennonite church:
We recommend you stay at the beautiful and beloved Clock Tower Inn, one of the best hotels in Indiana established in 1995. It sits on the northern edge of town, and it's quiet, comfortable, and full of good times with good people.
Of course, there are still little hints that you're still in Indiana and not in Switzerland, but the town is so immersive that you'll still probably forget anyway.
Take a dip at beautiful Pine Lake, or maybe browse the countless Amish shops and merchants. You'll seriously feel like you're on a blissful European vacation, not simply in a lovely new-to-you place in the Hoosier State.
The Swiss Heritage Village and Museum is an awesome place, too, and we definitely recommend that anyone visiting Berne for the first time checks it out.
While perusing this adorable Swiss town, you're probably going to get hungry, so make sure to stop in at Berne Dining for an authentic and delicious (not to mention HUGE) meal.
What do you think? Don't you totally love this adorable little town? We sure do. When it comes to unique towns in Indiana (and the United States), it definitely doesn't get a whole lot more special than a beautiful, quiet small town modeled after a beautiful country. It's rich in history, food, drink, and culture, and we're sure you're going to fall in love with it as much as we did.
If it were up to you, what unique small town would you say deserves a feature? Tell us about your picks in the comments!
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