Rensselaer+-+What+to+Do

=Rensselaer - What to Do =  

There are many things to do in Rensselaer, as long as one takes the time to look. In addition to two movie theaters (one a new release theater, the other a discount theater) and a bowling alley, the town is home to three city parks that children are sure to enjoy.



One nice thing about Rensselaer is the amount of local business it can offer its visitors. Some shops of note are Greene's Amish Furniture From the "Needle's Point," Steffan's Jewelry, and Long's Gifts.



In 2005, a few years after Fair Oaks Farms was built about 10 miles northwest of town, a ramp had to be built connecting State Road 14 to I-65 because of increased traffic! This popular attraction allows visitors to ttour one of the largest dairy farms in the country, which includes not only getting to tour the dairy farm and cheese factory, but also gettting to witness live calf births! Afterwards guests can visit the farm's restaurant and gift shop, where they can purchase homemade ice cream, fresh milk, and award-winning cheeses.



Another place worth visiting is Saint Joseph's College. Located on State Road 231 just south of the city, the small Catholic campus boasts a student population of about 1,000. Originally a secondary school created to teach Native Americans, this college (recognized in the academic world for its Core Education Program) was the location of the Chicago Bears training camp in the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, the training scenes for the 1971 movie Brian's Song, about Bears' running back Brian Piccolo who died of carcinoma, was filmed on campus.



Visitors who choose to stroll through the campus may hear some of the students talking amongst themselves about the campus' dark past. Supposedly many of the buildings are haunted, although none of the rumors have been confirmed. These ghost stories can be found on many different Internet sites, including StrangeUSA.com. However, there is a beautiful grotto in which visitors are welcome to enter, pray, or just think.

Rensselaer has its fair share of events, most of which occur in the summer and early fall. Some events of note include the Taste of Rensselaer (like a mini Taste of Chicago; occurs in late June), the JC Cruiser's Cruise Night (where antique cars are first shown at the fairgrounds then driven around the town loop; occurs in July), the Jasper County Fair (occurs mid-to-late July), and Oktoberfest (food, drink, and music; occurs in early October).