Jasper county was created in 1835 and the county seat of Rensselaer was selected in 1839. The first…read morecourthouse was built that year, replaced with a frame structure in 1845. The third courthouse was a brick structure built in 1856 but it was burned in 1865. There was s fourth one that was built that year and now the fifth (present) courthouse was completed in 1889 at the cost of $156,000. The building is a four-story, gray-colored Bedford limestone edifice that faces north. The structure is situated in the heart of Rensselaer amid beautifully manicured grounds. There are three peaked dormers along the roof line and two tall stone pillars along the north front. The building has a modest octagonal tower on each corner. A massive square stone tower with a clock on each side and a four-peaked roof at the top rises in the center of the structure. The Judicial Court is located on the west side, while the Jasper Superior Court is located on the east, in the inside third story. There is street parking and well worth touring the building. A lovely brass chandelier with lead blown glass shades is in the foyer between the two courtrooms. [Review 20598 overall - 132 in Indiana - 1579 of 2023.]

Not open for vehicular traffic but you can walk across the locally famous Dunn's Bridge. Built by a…read morefarmer named J.D. Dunn, it crosses the Kankakee River and joins the two halves of his property. Now a public park operated by Porter County and the only public access to the river in the county. It's an adorable bridge and some of the best photos you'll get in this part of Indiana. Some say the bridge was built in the mid-1890s using steel beams salvaged from the 1893 Colombian Worlds Fair in Chicago. Others contend the bridge was built using pieces of the original Ferris Wheel, which premiered at the fair and was dismantled after the 1904 Worlds Fair. Whatever you believe, it's neat! There is parking here but not much cellular coverage. Enjoy! [Round number review 20600 overall - 134 in Indiana - 1581 of 2023.]

Friendly, clean, and helpful. Nice comfortable library. The Building is new and contemporary. The…read moreOld Library is the Village Hall.

The town is so meeting I live on the outskirts and I am happy about where I am I could have…read moreschooling and Emma somewhere around there and yeah it's great it's a small town but it's great I just wish that the crime activity would stay in Chicago

Not far from the center of Rensselaer, this marker points out the terrific history of this musician…read morewho was born here and went on to write many great songs. On the front, it reads "Born February 17, 1892 in Rensselaer; became part of New York Tin Pan Alley music scene. Wrote for Broadway musicals such hits as "Second Hand Rose" (Grant Clarke, lyrics) for Fanny Brice (1921 Ziegfeld Follies) and "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (1934), popularized by Judy Garland 1938. Wrote scores for many Hollywood musicals in early 1930s." And on the reverse, ""(Back Home Again in) Indiana," by Hanley and Ballard MacDonald (lyrics), was hit in 1917, 1920s jazz classic recorded by Louis Armstrong, and a 1930s swing tune by Benny Goodman. Song has remained popular and has been performed at every Indianapolis 500 since 1946. Hanley died February 8, 1942 in New York; buried there in Gate of Heaven Cemetery." The marker was erected in 2008 by the Indiana Historical Bureau and Jasper County Historical Society. It is marker number 37.2008.1. There is parking nearby. [Review 20596 overall - 130 in Indiana - 1577 of 2023.]

I used to live in Pembroke Township, IL when I was younger. We moved around quite a bit while I was…read moreyounger. Not a bad place for a little kid (myself).

Very clean newer facility in a beautiful setting with an arboretum, lots of parking. Nice that they…read morehave so many interesting programs for all ages and that they are so heavily involved with the community. They constantly strive to make the library better. Love it!!