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With over 200 years of history, Owen County offers wonderful treasures in its historic sites and museums, as well as lots of places to embrace its distinctive landscape and natural habitats.

Most notably, the historic “Spirit of the American Doughboy” stands perched stalwartly on the Owen County Courthouse lawn. E. M. Viquesney, sculptor of the statue, called Spencer his home, creating dozens of these monuments in the 1920s. It is a true treasure, worthy of a look-see.

There are numerous historic markers in the Spencer area. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to visit the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center in the old Carnegie Library just off the courthouse square in downtown Spencer. They have a lovely museum and gift shop with lots of wonderful tidbits about the origins of this truly unique community.

If war memorials are of particular interest, you’ll find your fair share numbered among some of the oldest in the Midwest, including, but not limited to, the Revolutionary War and cannons from the Civil War at the Soldier’s Memorial Pavilion in Spencer.

The historic 10 O’Clock Line Treaty is memorialized in Gosport, being the only town on the line. There you will find not only a monument, but also a museum – a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

And of course, there’s the historic Cataract Covered Bridge. No longer in use, but as beautiful as ever, near the backdrop of the upper falls.