By Loren Shaum
Guest Columnist

ROCHESTER — In 1827, the U. S. government built a grist mill for the Potawatomi Indians to grind corn. To power the mill, a dam was constructed near the present-day dam on Mill Creek. The dam flooded the area and formed Lake Manitou — named from the Potawatomi word for “spirit.” The Indians believed the waters held powerful serpents.

In 1831, a trading post was built, and the small settlement was named Tiptonville after Revolutionary War General, John Tipton.

In 1835, a town was plotted by Alexander Chamberlain and renamed after Rochester, N.Y.

In 1838, the government forced removal of Indians and sent most of the Potawatomi to Kansas. The infamous “Trail of Tears” came through Rochester and is memorialized there today.

The Fulton County courthouse was completed in 1896. This magnificent building was constructed with Bedford limestone and steel. The building was completed with a 100-foot-high clock tower.

Today, Rochester is a bustling resort town, and the clock tower remains the city centerpiece. With a population of over 6,000, the area is primarily agricultural, but there are plenty of interesting places to visit.

Lake Manitou

Formed by the dam, this 775-acre lake is surrounded by a park and nature preserves. The lake offers fishing (trout is a popular catch!), boating, waterskiing, swimming and kayaking. Surrounding nature preserves provide unique wildlife and bird watching opportunities, for those so inclined.

Like most lakes in Northern Indiana, Lake Manitou has its share of monster lake houses. Some of the more spectacular are on the south shore.

Food Scene

Downtown Rochester has several spots including, Uncorked, which features Cuban fare. For breakfast. there’s Jarrety’s Place and Evergreen Eatery. If you want Mexican, there are three — not including any chain.

Going eastward, there are several restaurants near the lake and even a BK Drive-in that’s usually loaded when lakers roll into town.

Hidden off the main drag is a popular lakefront gem.

Dam Landing

This place rocks!

Located adjacent the dam on Lake Manitou, this popular joint touts: “Everything made fresh!” Burgers, wings, tenderloins, pizzas and tacos are the go-to items. They also offer unusual items like dam Brussels sprouts, Reuben burgers, and their “dam frickin pickle fries”!

As we perused everything “dam” on the menu, we asked a table of local ladies about what to order, and they declared: “Everything is good, but you must try the guacamole.” So., we did!

Those house-made chips were crispy little triangles that glided through the thick avocado mixture nicely. This was south-of-the-border perfection! We would go back just for those addicting chips.

They offer six burgers and grind their beef fresh every day. So, I decided on the damburger. These patties are hand-formed, then grilled to perfection! The edges are crisp and crunchy while the center remains thick and juicy. The damburger comes with grilled onions and pepper jack and American cheeses. Served between a buttered and grilled bun, the burger did not soak the bun with grease. It just could be the best burger I’ve had! That, a cold brew and perfectly prepared waffle fries provided for a great waterfront lunch!

Meanwhile, Gayle, my wife, ordered the Baja shrimp taco. One was sufficient as she continued to munch on those delectable chips. The taco included grilled shrimp, verde, cilantro and fresh pineapple. It was an excellent choice!

Green Oak Antiques

Driving further south, you’ll find this massive antique joint. Once you wade through all the outdoor collectibles just to get to the entrance, it takes more than an hour to meander through the many rooms of all things antique. If you can’t find it here, it isn’t available anywhere.

Rochester is a little over an hour drive from lake country, but it’s worth the drive. Unfortunately, a favorite place to visit, Schnabeltier, has closed. They offered some great wines to taste and unusual cheeses, like raclette.

Take the time to mosey through rural Indiana and intriguing towns like Akron and Mentone to visit this interesting destination.

If You Go

Dam Landing: 1305 Ewing Road. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (574) 223-8950.

Green Oak Antiques: 3024 S 425 E. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.