Auburn Travel Guide

Discover Auburn, Indiana, with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scenes, and learn about local culture and customs.


Introduction to Auburn

Located in Northern Indiana, Auburn is a charming city that offers visitors a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. This small city is famous for its numerous museums, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes that make it a popular destination for travelers planning a trip to the Midwest.

Whether you’re interested in learning about local history, exploring the great outdoors, or indulging in some local cuisine, Auburn has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve listed the best attractions, activities, and accommodations to help you plan your trip to Auburn.

List of Places to Visit in Auburn

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Auburn is a city steeped in history, and it’s reflected in the numerous museums and historical landmarks located throughout the city. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Auburn include:

  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum: This is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, as the museum houses an impressive collection of vintage automobiles from the 20th century, including classics from the Auburn Cord and Duesenberg brands.

  • National Auto and Truck Museum: Another museum dedicated to automobiles, this one features a vast collection of classic cars and trucks from different eras.

  • DeKalb County History Museum: This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Auburn’s rich history, from its early years to the present day.

  • The Hoosier Air Museum: A great option for aviation enthusiasts, this museum showcases the history of flight in Indiana.

Natural Attractions of Auburn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Travelers looking for some outdoor adventure will find plenty to do in Auburn. With a range of parks, trails, and recreational areas, Auburn offers a chance to escape into nature and explore some beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the best natural attractions of Auburn:

  • Lakeside Park: This park, located in the heart of Auburn, features a beautiful lake, walking trails, and plenty of green space for picnics and relaxation.

  • Auburn Trail System: This network of trails stretches across the city, offering scenic views of the countryside and connecting visitors to various parks and attractions.

  • Bridgewater Golf Club: This 18-hole championship golf course offers a pristine natural setting for a round of golf. It’s also a great spot for a leisurely hike, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in stunning vistas.

  • The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival: This annual festival celebrates Auburn’s automotive heritage with a parade, car show, and other festivities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Auburn

Auburn offers several hiking and biking routes that provide a scenic and active way to explore the city. The Auburn Trail System is one of the most popular options, offering a network of paved trails that connect visitors to different parts of the city. Other popular routes include the Pufferbelly Trail, which extends from Fort Wayne to Waterloo, and the Little Turtle Waterway Trail, which runs along the St. Joseph River.

Best Things to Do in Auburn: Activities and Tours

In addition to its museums and natural attractions, Auburn also offers a range of fun activities and tours for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Auburn:

  • Taste of Downtown Auburn: This food tour takes visitors on a delicious journey through the heart of downtown Auburn, where they can sample local cuisine and drinks while learning about the city’s history and culture.

  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Factory Tour: This tour takes visitors behind the scenes of one of the most iconic automobile manufacturers in history. Visitors can see the process of restoring vintage cars and learn about the history of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg brand.

  • Auburn-Garrett Heritage Tour: This tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of two neighboring cities, highlighting their unique cultural attractions and landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Auburn

For a comprehensive experience of Auburn, we recommend spending at least a week exploring the city and its surrounding areas. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the city of Auburn, visiting popular cultural attractions like the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and the National Auto and Truck Museum.

  • Day 3: Explore nearby parks and trails, such as Lakeside Park and the Auburn Trail System.

  • Day 4: Take a tour of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Factory and learn about the history of this iconic brand.

  • Day 5: Participate in the Taste of Downtown Auburn food tour, sampling local cuisine and learning about the city’s culture and history.

  • Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby cities like Fort Wayne or Toledo, OH, to explore their cultural attractions.

  • Day 7: Visit the DeKalb County History Museum and learn about the history of Auburn and its surrounding areas.

Food and Drink Scene of Auburn

Auburn is home to a vibrant food and drink scene that’s a reflection of its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American fare or something a bit more exotic, you’ll find plenty of options in and around Auburn. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A quintessential Indiana dish, this sandwich features a breaded pork tenderloin served on a bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

  • Sugar Cream Pie: A classic Indiana dessert, this pie is made from a custard filling flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, topped with a generous dusting of nutmeg.

  • Coney Dogs: This classic Midwestern dish features a hot dog smothered in chili and cheese, served on a bun.

Local Beverages

  • Sour Beer: This unique beer style originated in Belgium, but it’s gained popularity in the Midwest in recent years. Local breweries like Mad Anthony Brewing Company offer several sour beer options.

  • Wine: Indiana is home to several vineyards and wineries that produce a variety of high-quality wines. The Country Heritage Winery, located just outside of Auburn, is a popular spot for tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in Auburn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Auburn offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly option, you’ll find plenty of choices in and around the city. Some of the best options include:

  • Inn at Windmere: This beautiful bed and breakfast offers a tranquil setting for a relaxing stay in Auburn.

  • Quality Inn: A budget-friendly option that’s close to many of the city’s attractions, this hotel offers comfortable and convenient accommodation.

  • Days Inn by Wyndham Auburn: Another budget-friendly option, this hotel is located just off Interstate 69 and offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

What to Buy in Auburn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Auburn, there are several local products and souvenirs that you can take home as a reminder of your trip. Here are some of the best options:

  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Merchandise: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum offers a wide variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs.

  • Country Heritage Winery Products: This local winery produces a range of wines, jams, and other food products that make great gifts or souvenirs.

  • Amish-Made Products: The nearby Amish communities produce a variety of handmade products, including furniture, quilts, and baked goods, that are popular souvenirs for visitors.

Local Culture and Customs of Auburn

Auburn is a city that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. The people of Auburn are friendly and welcoming, and visitors should reciprocate this attitude by being polite and respectful.

Best Time to Visit Auburn

The best time to visit Auburn is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during peak season, and should book accommodation and activities in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Auburn

Do:

  • Do visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and other cultural attractions.

  • Do explore the great outdoors by hiking or biking on the city’s trails and park.

  • Do try local cuisine, including pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment while exploring Auburn.

  • Don’t park illegally or block access to driveways.

  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Auburn

Auburn is a safe city with low crime rates, but visitors should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. It’s recommended that visitors lock their car doors and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.

Health in Auburn

Auburn has good healthcare facilities, and visitors should have no trouble accessing medical care if needed. However, visitors should also take necessary precautions to prevent illnesses by practicing good hygiene and staying hydrated.

Getting to Auburn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Auburn

The closest airport to Auburn is Fort Wayne International Airport, which is located about 30 minutes away by car. Other nearby airports include Toledo Express Airport and Indianapolis International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Auburn

Greyhound has a bus station in Fort Wayne, which is the closest major city to Auburn. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Auburn.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Auburn by car, as it’s conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 69 and US Route 6.

How to Get Around in Auburn

Auburn is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles or use the local bus service to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Auburn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Auburn is located in the heart of Northern Indiana, which means there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Some of the top options include:

  • Fort Wayne: Located just 20 miles south of Auburn, Fort Wayne is a bustling city with excellent cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.

  • Shipshewana: This small town is located about an hour north of Auburn and is famous for its Amish community and flea market.

  • Toledo, OH: This city is located about an hour east of Auburn and offers a variety of cultural attractions, including a world-class zoo and museum.

Conclusion

Auburn is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its numerous museums, parks, and trails, visitors will find plenty to do and see while exploring this charming city. By following this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their trip to Auburn and create lasting memories.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Auburn Courthouse Auburn Courthouse Eckhart Public Library Eckhart Public Library