Historic charm and industry blend in Huntingburg’s small-town life
The city of Huntingburg still has the charm of a little town at the turn of the 20th century, with vintage homes, a preserved downtown and a historic baseball stadium that served as a major set piece in the 1990s movie “A League of Their Own.” When asked what draws people to Huntingburg, Jud Collett, a real estate agent with Key Associates Signature Realty who sells throughout Southwest Indiana, says this small-town atmosphere is one and the other is, “We have a lot of industry here, so people come here for jobs.” MasterBrand, the major cabinet manufacturer, and OFS, whose office design company’s headquarters is in Huntingburg, are some of the top employers. Residents in this Dubois County community enjoy working close to home, a walkable downtown where something is always going on and an easy lifestyle about 60 miles outside of Evanston.
Mix of ranch-style, Arts and Crafts and New Traditional homes
Most homes in Huntingburg are a mix of ranch-style, Arts and Crafts-style bungalows and American Foursquares. Close to the city’s center, houses sit on petite lots landscaped with grass and mature trees, and most streets have sidewalks. Near the south side, subdivisions feature larger ranch-style, manufactured and split-level homes on large grass lawns. Subdivisions on the north side feature similarly large lots and New Traditional style houses typically built in the 2000s. Prices range from around $100,000 to around $400,000, with higher-priced homes often spanning more than 2,000 square feet or sitting on an acre or more.
Kids attend school within South Spencer School Corporation
South Spencer School Corporation serves the community and rates an A-minus from Niche. It offers limited school choice through open enrollment and out-of-district transfers, and there are no magnet programs available. Placement depends on available space and district policy, and transfers typically require approval under Indiana’s statewide guidelines. Kids can attend B-rated Huntingburg Elementary, A-rated Southridge Middle and A-minus-rated Southridge High. Students at Southridge High can earn up to 30 general education college credits through the Indiana College Core dual enrollment program.
League Stadium and city parks anchor community recreation
Anglers fish on Huntingburg Lake, located on the city’s southwest side. The lake also permits paddle boating, canoeing and kayaking, and features a picnic area with grills. Huntingburg Municipal Park is a large green space on the southeast side with ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a community pool, a lighted walking path and League Stadium, a historic baseball field where the Dubois County Bombers summer collegiate team and the Southbridge High Raiders play. Other green spaces include Southside Park, which includes a playground, picnic area and dog park, Northside Park, which has a playground and a basketball court and Charles Neihaus Memorial Park, which has a walking trail. Golfers can tee off at Huntingburg Country Club’s semi-private golf course. For indoor recreation, Legendary Lanes is a popular spot for bowling.
Groceries and essentials found in town and nearby Jasper
Downtown Huntingburg spans a few blocks of Fourth Street and features local boutiques, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants in historic buildings. Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is not only a popular spot but also a registered historical landmark, serving the city since 1892. Yard Goat Artisan Ales serves pizza, salads and a range of craft beers. “Our restaurants are second to none for being such a small town,” Collett says. A new addition to the city’s dining scene is Butcher and Barrel, and upscale steakhouse on East Fourth Street. “They opened a year ago and already have state recognition,” he says. “They have a mixologist in house; she’s good.”
Residents pick up groceries and essentials at IGA, Dollar General and Mor For Less Market, a local grocer off North Main Street. More essentials can be found in Jasper, around 8 miles away. Evansville is around 60 miles away and has even more shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Events like HerbsFest and 4th Fridays fill the calendar
Residents have many ways to get together, including 4th Fridays, a summer concert series downtown; HerbsFest, which ushers in the fall with craft vendors, kids’ activities and a parade; the Christmas Stroll, where downtown’s streets are filled with holiday shoppers and food trucks; and the Garden Gate Jazz, Wine & Craft Beer Festival in the spring, which features live music and drink samples.
Main roads connect Huntingburg to Jasper and I-69
Driving is the main way of getting around, since the city doesn’t have a fixed bus route. Main and Sixth streets are the city’s biggest roadways and connect to neighboring communities, including Jasper, about 8 miles away. Sixth Street also connects to nearby Interstate 69. The closest hospital, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center, is in Jasper. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Evansville Regional, about 50 miles away via I-69.
Winter storms can bring hail, snow and strong winds
The city has a moderate risk of flooding, especially near Huntingburg Lake. Large thunderstorms in the winter can bring snow, hail and high winds. Indiana’s official website has resources to keep residents prepared before severe weather.
