Five towns can be found along the 22 miles of the trail. Enjoy the sights and sounds of these small Indiana towns.
The Town of Winamac is located in Pulaski County, Indiana.
Winamac was the name of a number of Potawatomi leaders and warriors beginning in the late 17th century. The name derives from a man named Wilamet, a Native American from an eastern tribe who in 1681 was appointed to serve as a liaison between New France and the natives of the Lake Michigan region. Wilamet was adopted by the Potawatomis, and his name, which meant “Catfish” in his native Eastern Algonquian language, was soon transformed into “Winamac”, which means the same thing in the Potawatomi language. The Potawatomi version of the name has been spelled in a variety of ways, including Winnemac, Winamek, and Winnemeg.
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Star City is a small town in Pulaski County. It was laid out in 1859 and was originally called Scarboro. That name proved to be unpopular and so it was renamed to Star City in 1861.
Thornhope is an unincorporated community located in Pulaski County. Orginally known as Parisville, Thornhope was laid out in 1853 when the railroad was extended to that point.
Royal Center is a small town in Cass County. It got its start in 1846 with the building of the railroad through that territory.
Kenneth is an extinct town in Cass County. It was a whistle stop on the railroad.
Trail Talk: Issue 28
Trail Expansion to France Park
With the north end Phase 1 expansion in Winamac nearing completion, focus now turns to taking the Panhandle Pathway through to the entrance of France Park. The Panhandle team continues to work towards the vision of “Park to Park.” When completed, one should be able to follow the Panhandle Pathway from Tippecanoe River State Park on the north end to France Park on the south and never leave the trail. All of the Panhandle friends who continue to back these efforts are appreciated. This is not possible without your help.
The Guys Go Out for a Ride
Alan Nies, area resident and avid bicycle rider, had a recent memorable experience of riding the trail with his three grandchildren.
Fun time for all: Ages 3 to 64. As they discovered, bike riding on the Panhandle Pathway is more than a bike ride. There is so much to see and explore and no two trips are exactly alike. It is an adventure every time.
On this day’s ride they encountered a garter snake sunning on the asphalt. Riley, the 3-year-old, rode his bike right up to investigate. The older two wanted grandpa to check things out first. Next came a large trail side groundhog hole—all looked inside and discovered—no one was home! Just an empty hole.
Alan is no newcomer to bicycle riding and had to explain to the grandkids that a trip to Mud Creek is something that their mothers enjoyed doing when they were little. Back then, of course, it was railroad tracks and not a recreational trail.
As with any long trip out and back, everyone got a little thirsty, and Riley had to sample grandpa’s water bottle drink. He had to explain that grandpa’s drink tasted a little funny. Grandpa said the water was a sports drink and had electrolytes in it. “It gives you energy!” After that conversation, Riley was back out and leading the pack again.
The 7-year-old, Ezra, and the 5-year-old, Jonah, enjoyed wearing their new bicycle helmets. Riley and grandpa put new stickers on Riley’s helmet. By the end of the day, all were tired, ready to go home and agreed that they certainly had fun.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Park to park will be terrific… can’t wait 😊🚴🏻
