In the early 19th century, German cabinetmakers and carpenters settled in Jasper, establishing a heritage that still defines the city today, from its wood-framed businesses to its annual celebrations. Manufacturing, especially furniture, remains a major industry, earning Jasper the title Wood Office Furniture Capital of the World. Recently, the city has focused on revitalization, improving its historic downtown and building a new cultural center.
Surrounded by hills, national forests, and corn fields, Jasper is far removed from major cities, which is part of the city's charm. "People coming in from outside are from larger, denser urban places. They are looking for small-town America, and when they visit us, their definition of small-town America really fits," says Josh Gunselman, Jasper's director of community development and planning.
Jasper's downtown square is a focal point for revitalization with recent projects.
The new Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, completed in 2021, is home to the Jasper Public Library.
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North-side homes near Jasper schools
Near downtown, Queen Anne, Tudor and bungalow-style homes dating as far back as the early settlers remain. Newer developments, some with homes built in the last 25 years, surround the city. These tend to sell for about $100,000 more than those downtown. According to Gunselman, the north side near Jasper Elementary School and Jasper Middle School is a popular area and will be adding several hundred houses over the next five years. The median single-family home price is $250,000, significantly lower than the national median.
Gunselman says, "What we truly have a need for is mixed, middle housing for people who are downsizing or don’t want to do maintenance." New, mixed-use developments like the River Centre complex, a former furniture factory converted into apartments and commercial space, are filling the gap.
Newer developments, some with homes built in the last 25 years, surround the city.
Adorable Queen Anne style homes can be found in Jasper.
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Trails, playgrounds and forests at the Parklands
Jasper's park facilities are varied. One of the highlights is the Jasper Riverwalk, a winding, 2-mile paved path along the Patoka River. The 75-acre Parklands of Jasper features forests, 2 miles of walking trails and interactive playground facilities for kids. Golfing is available at Buffalo Trace Golf Course, a half mile north of downtown, and swimming will soon resume at Jasper Municipal Swimming Pool after it underwent major renovations in 2024.
Jasper is also known for its outlying nature preserves. The Hoosier National Forest is popular for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping. The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge draws wildlife photographers and hikers with a 10-mile trail network.
The Jasper Riverwalk is a winding, 2-mile paved path along the Patoka River.
Jasper is also known for its outlying nature preserves.
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A-rated Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools District
The Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools District gets an overall A grade from Niche, with all of its schools earning an A-minus or above. Jasper Elementary School fosters leadership skills using the Leader in Me approach, which is based on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The Jasper Marching Wildcats were 2022 high school state champions.
Jasper is home to a Vincennes University satellite campus, offering programs in health sciences, the humanities, social sciences, communications, business, IT and public service.
Jasper is home to a Vincennes University satellite campus.
Jasper High School is ranked 58th within Indiana.
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Schnitzelbank is a slice of Germany in Jasper
Anchored by a Renaissance Revival-style courthouse, Jasper's downtown square is a focal point for revitalization with recent projects to improve walkability and streetscapes. The Downtown Jasper Social District promotes these improvements, allowing residents to purchase alcohol and take it off the premises as they shop from noon until 9 p.m. Schnitzelbank pays homage to the city's history and culture, serving old-world, Baden-Württemberg recipes.
Big-box and national chain stores are on the north side of the city.
Schnitzelbank pays homage to the city's history and culture.
Walmart is one of the largest retail options available in Jasper.
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Singing and stein-holding at Strassenfest
Strassenfest has brought Germany to Jasper since 1979. The street festival kicks off with an enthusiastic "Prost!" and is followed by four days of singing, dancing, stein-holding contests, carnival rides, and educational activities. Jasper continues to develop its creative and cultural offerings. The new Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, completed in 2021, is home to the Jasper Public Library and Jasper Community Arts, the town's main arts organizer. The new space features galleries, workshops, private studios, and smaller theatrical productions at the black box theater. The Astra Theatre, a former movie house, received a $1.7 million renovation as part of the downtown development effort and now hosts movies, music, and comedy shows.
The Astra Theatre, a former movie house, received a $1.7 million renovation.
The Cultural Center features galleries, workshops, and private studios.
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Driving is the way to get around Jasper
Jasper is outside the orbit of major metropolitan areas. It's about 122 miles south of Indianapolis, 66 miles northeast of Evansville and 80 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. U.S. Highway 231 runs north and south, and State Highways 56 and 164 run east and west through town. Interstate 64 is about 12 miles south and connects to Louisville, Cincinnati, Evansville and St. Louis.
The city is mainly car-dependent, with no public bus system and few cycling lanes. Residents can schedule transportation through Warrick Area Transportation Service's Ride Solutions. Jasper's Multimodal Transportation Plan aims to improve pedestrian infrastructure by 2040. Evansville Regional Airport and Louisville International Airport are 51 and 81 miles away, respectively. Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center is centrally located downtown.
Lower crime rates, higher tornado risk
According to FBI data, the violent crime rate in Jasper generally trends below state and national averages. Property crime trends significantly below average. Jasper is located inside Tornado Alley. According to the National Weather Service, Dubois County experienced 23 tornadoes between 1954 and 2017. Spring and summer are the peak seasons for tornadoes.
Written By
Lia Jones
Photography Contributed By
Cory Cornelius
Video By
Charlie Lingner
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On average, homes in Jasper, IN sell after 99 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Jasper, IN over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 53% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Spacious 4-Bedroom Home with Finished Basement Near Deaconess Memorial Hospital, Jasper, INWelcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located in a quiet, desirable neighborhood walking distance from Deaconess Memorial Hospital. This inviting property offers a perfect blend of space, comfort, and convenience ideal for families, professionals, or anyone looking to settle
Beautifully Renovated 4-Bedroom, 3.5-Bath Home in the Heart of JasperWelcome to your dream home in one of Jasper's most sought-after neighborhoods! This spacious and elegantly updated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and timeless charm. Located just a short walk from Deaconess Memorial Hospital, you'll enjoy the convenience of being close to local
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