If you’re looking for an Indiana getaway that combines rich history, beautiful architecture, locally owned restaurants, and fun activities for all ages, Dubois County deserves a spot on your travel list. From exploring one of Indiana’s most beautiful monasteries to wandering charming downtown streets and ending the day with live entertainment in a historic theater, our weekend was packed with experiences that reminded us why we love discovering small towns across Indiana.
Here’s everything we experienced during our trip.
Tour the Monastery of Immaculate Conception
One of the absolute highlights of our visit was touring the Monastery of Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand. Even if you’re not religious, this is one stop you shouldn’t skip.
The monastery is home to breathtaking architecture, intricate stained glass windows, handcrafted woodwork, and more than 150 years of history. The peaceful atmosphere made it easy to slow down and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship that went into building this Southern Indiana landmark.
Our guide shared stories about the Benedictine Sisters and the important role they’ve played in the community for generations. Learning about their history gave us an even greater appreciation for this beautiful place.
Whether you love architecture, history, photography, or simply discovering hidden gems, this is one of the most memorable stops in Dubois County.
Dinner at St. Benedict’s Brew Works
After our tour, we walked over to St. Benedict’s Brew Works, conveniently located on the monastery grounds.
The brewery offers handcrafted beers alongside a menu filled with pizzas, wings, salads, and shareable appetizers. It was the perfect place to wind down after spending the afternoon exploring the monastery.
There’s something incredibly unique about ending your day enjoying locally brewed beer while sitting just steps away from one of Indiana’s most historic religious sites.
Bowling at Eastown Recreation Center
Not every travel experience has to be a major attraction—sometimes the simplest activities end up being the most fun.
The Huntingburg 4th Friday event was rained out, so we spent the evening at Eastown Recreation Center, where we played a game of bowling. It’s a great option for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for something fun to do after dinner.
If you’re visiting during colder months or on a rainy day, it’s an easy way to keep the fun going.
Explore Downtown Jasper
The next morning, we headed to downtown Jasper.
The downtown area is clean, walkable, and full of locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and beautifully maintained historic buildings. We loved wandering from store to store, taking our time and discovering unique finds along the way.
One of our favorite stops was Next Chapter Coffee Shop. The cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious coffee made it the perfect place to start the day. If you’re someone who loves finding charming independent coffee shops while traveling, you’ll definitely want to stop in.
Step Back in Time at the Dubois County Museum
One attraction that truly surprised us was the Dubois County Museum.
The museum is much larger than we expected and packed with exhibits covering local history, agriculture, military service, businesses, transportation, education, and everyday life throughout the county’s past.
The recreated storefronts and interactive exhibits make it engaging for visitors of all ages. It’s one of those museums where you can easily spend a couple of hours without realizing how much time has passed.
If you enjoy learning the story behind the places you visit, don’t skip this stop.
Discover Local Art and History at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center
One of Jasper’s newest gems is the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, a beautiful space that celebrates the area’s rich history, arts, and culture all under one roof.
Inside, you’ll find thoughtfully curated exhibits featuring local artists, rotating collections, and interactive displays that tell the story of Dubois County’s past and the people who have shaped the community. The center blends modern design with historic preservation, creating a space that’s both welcoming and inspiring.
Visit the Jasper City Mill
A visit to the Jasper City Mill offers another glimpse into the area’s history.
This reconstructed working grist mill sits along the river in a beautiful park setting and showcases how grain was milled during the early days of the community. Watching the machinery operate while learning about the mill’s history made for a fascinating experience.
Even if you’re just looking for a peaceful place to walk and take photos, the mill is worth adding to your itinerary.
Put Your Skills to the Test at Puzzles & Padlocks
For something completely different, we challenged ourselves with an escape room at Puzzles & Padlocks.
It was such a fun way to spend part of the afternoon, working together to solve puzzles, search for clues, and beat the clock. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your significant other, it’s a great indoor activity that adds something a little different to your weekend.
Spend an Evening at the Historic Astra Theatre
One of the most memorable experiences of our trip was attending The Woomblies Rock Orchestra concert at the beautifully restored Astra Theatre.
The historic theater has become a centerpiece of downtown Jasper and hosts concerts, comedy shows, movies, and special events throughout the year. The combination of historic charm and modern entertainment makes it a must-visit destination.
If you’re planning your own weekend in Dubois County, it’s worth checking the event calendar ahead of time. You may be able to plan your visit around a live performance like we did.
Eat Your Way Through Dubois County
One thing we quickly learned is that Dubois County has no shortage of great local restaurants.
Café Pina
We stopped by Café Pina for a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of local restaurant that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Oink Inc. Smokehouse
If you love barbecue, Oink Inc. Smokehouse should absolutely be on your list. From smoky meats to hearty sides, it was one of our favorite meals of the trip.
The Pink Duck
Before wrapping up our weekend, we made one final stop in Huntingburg for ice cream at The Pink Duck.
It was the perfect way to end our adventure. The colorful shop serves handcrafted ice cream that’s worth the stop, especially on a warm Indiana afternoon.
Why Dubois County Should Be on Your Indiana Travel List
What makes Dubois County special isn’t just one attraction—it’s the way history, art, food, entertainment, and small-town hospitality all come together.
During one weekend, we explored historic churches, browsed charming downtown shops, learned about local history, solved escape room puzzles, enjoyed live music, bowled a few games, and ate some incredible local food. It poured rain the entire time, but that still didn’t ruin our fun!
It’s the kind of destination that encourages you to slow down, explore, and appreciate the unique character of Southern Indiana.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway that’s full of hidden gems, friendly faces, and memorable experiences, Dubois County is well worth the drive. Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it a full weekend, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of Indiana’s most charming counties—and probably already be planning your next trip back.
— Brittany | Indy Family Fun