Bicknell offers rural relaxation and recent infrastructure upgrades
Located about 15 minutes from Vincennes, Bicknell is a quiet agricultural community of about 3,000 people in Knox County. The town was once supported by a strong coal mining industry, but it declined after the mines began shutting down in the 1920s. However, Bicknell has had several upgrades over the past few years, such as a new business park on the east side of town and the Bicknell Heritage Circle, a new memorial at Hooper Field that honors the community’s military servicemembers and industrial roots. Bicknell also received more than $7 million in grant funding for new infrastructure. “They recently had some improvements, like they had sidewalks put in and some new roads,” says Ray Stallings, a managing broker at DHI Realty with four years of experience. “That might not be a big deal to others, but that’s small-town living. It’s rural living with farms, factories and that kind of thing.” Bicknell offers proximity to Vincennes with homes at a lower cost, a slower pace of life and access to North Knox School Corporation.
Single-family homes that cost less than nearby Vincennes
Bicknell’s housing stock largely consists of existing homes built in the early 1900s. The community’s bungalow, cottage, National Folk and Dutch Colonial Revival homes often sit on compact lots with driveways and detached garages. Officials have worked to beautify the community and encourage growth by razing nearly 40 blighted homes, and builders have constructed about 20 new homes in the past few years. Fixer uppers can range from $20,000 to $75,000, while renovated homes and new builds cost between $100,000 and $250,000. Buyers can also find the occasional home for sale near High Pointe Country Club, which can sell for $300,000 to $500,000.
College credit at North Knox School Corporation
North Knox School Corporation serves the area and receives a B-minus from Niche. The district has about 1,200 students across North Knox primary, intermediate, and junior-senior high school. “I’d say the schools are a draw. A lot of people want to be there,” Stallings says. High schoolers can earn dual credit through Vincennes University and Oakland City University. Founded in 1801, Vincennes University is Indiana’s first college and offers 180 undergraduate degrees. The university is known for its nursing, education, technology, and homeland security and public safety programs.
Only 15 minutes to Vincennes
Bicknell is about 15 miles from Vincennes, which is also home to the closest hospital. “Bicknell is more like a bedroom community. It’s pretty convenient with the highways,” Stallings says, including state Route 67 and U.S. Route 50. Some folks commute about 40 miles for work in Princeton or at the Crane military base, formally known as Naval Support Activity Crane.
Parks, golf and access to the White River
Southside Park is the largest of Bicknell’s three parks and offers the most amenities, including a splash pad, playground, ball fields and a walking track. The public High Pointe Country Club has an 18-hole course just a few minutes outside of town. Locals can fish and launch onto the White River at a public access ramp off of Route 358, about 5 miles away. Art, history and nature combine at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, a serene space for walks, picnics and quiet contemplation along the Wabash River roughly 15 miles away. The visitor’s center and murals inside the massive Beaux Arts rotunda detail the story of Col. George Rogers Clark, whose mid-winter victory at Fort Sackville in 1779 opened the gateway to the American frontier.
Small-town staples with bigger stores a short drive away
There are a handful of restaurants in town like Paul’s Tavern, which has been dishing out tenderloins, pizza and pub fare for more than 60 years, as well as a McDonald’s for a quick fix. Nicole’s Restaurant serves Italian staples and rotating comfort food specials, and locals head to El Corral for classic Mexican food. Dollar General and Family Dollar have essentials, and Vincennes has grocery stores and more shopping and dining options nearby. “There’s enough there that you can get your necessities and then you’re close to bigger towns for bigger shopping trips,” Stallings says.
Knox County Fair is the oldest in Indiana
The community has a small but mighty slate of events like the annual Bicknell Heritage Festival. The event is held every Labor Day weekend and serves as a homecoming for many former residents with a parade and a highly anticipated softball tournament. Kids in 4-H get to showcase their hard work at the weeklong Knox County Fair, held in July. Established in 1809, it’s the oldest county fair in Indiana and runs entirely on community donations.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
