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City in Fulton County, Indiana
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Rochester is the county seat of Fulton County, Indiana, USA, and is the only city there (although there are a number of small towns). Its name comes from the much larger city in New York, USA. Its proximity to South Bend and Fort Wayne makes it a handy place to stay and maybe visit if everything closer is taken, without being too far away or too expensive.
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A collection of historical items from Fulton County and the surrounding area, as well as books and local experts to aid in research and other needed purposes. There are sections about, among other things, old important buildings, early settlers, and the county's claim to fame as being the Round Barn Capital of the World. Four historical events are hosted by the museum and Fulton County Historical Society each year: The Living History Faire in March, the Redbud Trail Rendezvous in April, the Historical Power Show in June, and the Trail of Courage in September.
The largest lake in Fulton County, Lake Manitou is located in the southeast part of the city and prized for its good fishing waters, natural beauty, and abundance of boat-friendly waters. The spillway dam on the north side of the lake is also and interesting place to visit.
"The River of Lakes" goes through the northern part of Fulton County. It's fairly shallow and perfect for paddling.
The night of the 4th of July sees a big fireworks show at the county airport (don't worry, there's no planes coming or going at the time!).
Shiny cars and chili-loving people cover the courthouse lawn on the second Saturday of October. Come out and enjoy samples of chili made on-the-spot by various local groups and see all kinds of rare cars!
A week in July of livestock shows, community building projects, and county fair food come together to make a time that's hard to beat.
The Historical Society grounds are turned into a scary walk in the woods for the two weekends before Halloween.
Owners of historical tractors and other such machinery gather in an open-to-the-public festival every June.
An indoor festival held every March, the Living History Faire showcases experts and vendors from all different historical times and places, ranging from 1700s Russia to Civil War-era America to pre-Columbus Indian lore.
A living history festival in April with historical goods, food, experts, and reenactors from the 1800s.
Paying tribute to the county's claim to fame as the Round Barn Capital of the World, downtown is turned into a big festival on a weekend in June with all kinds of activities and local vendors, as well as a twilight parade.
The largest event put on by the Fulton County Historical Society, the Trail of Courage is an 1800s living history festival held in September based off of the Trail of Death, which spent its first night near Rochester. Historical experts, vendors, reenactors, food made on location, and activities of all sorts can be found.
Local gardeners and farmers gather to sell their produce and other goodies most Saturdays and Wednesdays.
The largest library in the county has a wide collection of media, a room full of historical and genealogical materials, free computer access and wi-fi, and a small rotating local art gallery.
"The Window on 8th Street", 92.1 WROI's station is open for visits and tours.
A 9-hole golf course at the local Elks lodge.
A large park with numerous pavilions, picnic tables, and areas for various sports all surrounding Manitou Mountain, a massive playground.
The city pool ranges from 3 to 12 feet deep with two waterslides. There's also a small wading pool for younger children and a concession stand. It's right by the driving range and putting green for the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek, making it perfect to hit a bucket, then wind down at the pool.
A 72-par 18-hole golf course on Mill Creek. Its clubhouse is the restored Gerig Round Barn, giving it one of the most unique features of any golf course. It's commonly referred to by its old name, Mill Creek Golf Course, or simply Mill Creek.
A mid-range soup and sandwich shop.
Serving all your drive-in favorites, including burgers, milkshakes, and their own specialty root beer.
A local pizza place, it also has a salad bar, sandwiches, outside patio, and a Ms. Pac-Man machine!
A pizza and grill restaurant right on the shore of Lake Manitou.
A wide variety of food, including the famous breaded tenderloin sandwiches (ranked one of the Super 46 sandwiches in Indiana by Visit Indiana), steak dinners, salads, and seafood.
A 1950s-style diner.
Primos on Main
Cozy burger joint with great drinks and atmosphere.
The biggest, wildest nightclub in the area has all your needs for drink and entertainment, and a van to drive you home if you get a little too unfit to drive!
Rochester's located where Indiana 25, Old US 31, and Indiana 14 join up, and New US 31 loops around the south and west edges of the city.
Read in the guideDriving yourself is the best way to get around. Downtown is small enough to park at one spot and walk around, but this isn't feasible for the entire city.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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