Things To Do In New Haven, Indiana, 5 Day Travel Itinerary, Brief History, Weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites, Famous Landmarks

July 6, 2024

New Haven, Indiana: A Hoosier Gem

New Haven, Indiana isn’t to be confused with its more famous counterpart on the East Coast. This hidden gem in Allen County offers a surprising amount of charm and fun activities for a town of its size. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, New Haven has something for everyone.

Brief History

New Haven was founded in 1833 by Allen County commissioners Samuel Hanna, David Abbott, and John Tipton. The town was named after New Haven, Connecticut, and served as a stagecoach stop along the Maysville-Fort Wayne Road. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New Haven became a center for natural gas production, which fueled its growth and development. Today, New Haven is a quiet town with a population of around 1,400 people.

Weather

New Haven experiences all four seasons, with distinct variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Winter: Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures in January dipping below freezing.
Spring: Spring brings mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors as the flowers begin to bloom.
Summer: Summers are warm and humid, with average July highs in the mid-80s.
Fall: Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

5-Day Travel Itinerary

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 5-day trip to New Haven, Indiana:

Day 1:

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Allen County Public Library’s New Haven branch. This historic Carnegie library offers a charming atmosphere and a great selection of books.
Afternoon: Head to the Salomon Farm Park for a picnic lunch and a stroll through the scenic trails. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, swimming, and disc golf.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Landing Restaurant, a local favorite that serves up classic American cuisine.

Day 2:

Morning: Take a step back in time with a visit to the Swinney Homestead. This historic farmstead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
Afternoon: Explore the shops and restaurants in downtown New Haven. Be sure to stop by Daddy’s Donuts for a sweet treat!
Evening: Catch a live performance at the historic Coliseum Theatre. The theater hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts and plays to movies and comedy shows.

Day 3:

Morning: Hike or bike the trails at Eagle Marsh Park. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon: Visit the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s Salomon Farm Park Nature Center. The nature center offers educational exhibits about the plants and animals of the area.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at The Dock, a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Eel River.

Day 4:

Morning: Take a day trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fort Wayne is a larger city with a variety of museums, attractions, and shopping opportunities. Some popular attractions include the Fort Wayne Tin Cup Community Center, the Science Central, and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Fort Wayne’s many restaurants. Fort Wayne has a diverse culinary scene, so you’re sure to find something to please your taste buds.

Day 5:

Morning: Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town on your own.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby Franke Park for a picnic lunch and a swim in the lake. Franke Park also offers a variety of other amenities, such as a playground, boat rentals, and fishing.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before heading home.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and there are many other things to see and do in New Haven and the surrounding area. Be sure to do some research and plan your trip according to your interests.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to New Haven:

Bike Paths: There are a number of bike paths in the area, including the Pigeon Creek Greenway and the Eel River Trail

New Haven, Indiana: Camping & Landmarks

While New Haven itself may not have any campgrounds within its town limits, there are several options nearby to consider for your trip:

Campgrounds:
- Look for campsites near Fort Wayne or surrounding towns. Here are a few options:
  - Johnny Appleseed Campground (Fort Wayne): This campground offers a variety of amenities, including RV hookups, tent sites, a pool, and a playground.
  - Chain O’ Lakes State Park Campground (Albion): This state park campground offers a beautiful setting on a chain of lakes. Amenities include RV hookups, tent sites, a swimming beach, and boat rentals.
  - Pokagon State Park Campground (Angola): This state park campground offers a variety of campsites in a wooded setting. Amenities include RV hookups, tent sites, a swimming beach, and hiking trails.
Famous Landmarks:
- New Haven itself has a few historical sites worth checking out:
  - Swinney Homestead: This historic farmstead offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
  - Coliseum Theatre: This historic theater hosts a variety of live performances.
- Consider expanding your exploration to Fort Wayne for more prominent landmarks:
  - Fort Wayne Tin Cup Community Center: This community center is a historic landmark that now offers a variety of programs and events.
  - Science Central: This science museum is a great place to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way.
  - Fort Wayne Museum of Art: This art museum houses a collection of over 10,000 works of art, from ancient times to the present day.

Remember, while New Haven might be a charming small town, venturing out to Fort Wayne can provide a wider range of camping options and historical/cultural experiences.