The History of Marshall County and Bremen, Indiana
Marshall County was formed by Indiana statute on Feb. 7, 1835, and was formally organized nearly a year later on Feb. 4, 1836. It was named after the fourth chief justice of the United States, John Marshall, who remains the longest-serving chief justice in U.S. history.
Around 1840, the farming community in the area began to be called “New Bremen.” Bremen was officially platted in 1851 by George Beyler, and it later became incorporated in 1871. Surrounded by rich black soil, Bremen was recognized as a leader in agriculture for its mint production. Northern Indiana became known as the mint capital of the United States, and Bremen was given the nickname “Mint City.”
Bremen was the home of Otis Bowen, who served as Indiana governor from 1973-81. He then became Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan from 1985-89.
As of the 2024 census, Bremen’s population is 4,603, making it the second-largest town in Marshall County behind Plymouth (11,042). It is the 140th-largest town in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Bremen, Indiana
Be sure to check out one of Bremen’s most recognizable attractions – The Bremen Water Tower, a 101-foot-tall standpipe. The longtime local landmark, along with the Dietrich-Bowen House (also known as the Governor Bowen House), are listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Bowen lived in the house from 1953 to 1973.
Nature lovers can head a short drive west of town to Lake of the Woods, where hiking, fishing, and camping are the norm.
If your timing is right, the annual Bremen Firemen’s Festival is a summer hit. Enjoy the parade of over 100 entries, the Firemen’s 5K run/walk race that benefits the nonprofit Hoosier Burn Camp, carnival rides, vendors, and food tent.
Places to Eat and Shop in Bremen, Indiana
For Heaven Sakes Bakery had its grand opening on Jan. 24, 2025, and it’s already established itself as a go-to spot for pastries and morning beverages. Their fruit pizza is heavenly, and you can’t go wrong with their brownies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes. Stop by Tuesday through Friday from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
If you’re craving pizza for dinner, head to Wooden Peel, located just down Plymouth Street from For Heaven Sakes Bakery. Voted Best Pizza in Northern Indiana in 2015 and a 2024 and 2025 Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers restaurant, they’re obviously doing something right with their ‘zas. Guests give them 4.5 stars on Google and rave about their breadsticks and hot honey pepperoni pizza. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Two gems just east of Bremen and across the road from each other are Dutch Maid Eatery & Gifts and Rentown Country Store.
Dutch Maid opened in 2015 and is the area’s leading restaurant and gift shop (4.8 stars on Google among over 360 reviews), serving up its signature breakfast buffet every Saturday and offering everything from Amish food, jams, and jellies to candles, soaps, rugs, and art.
Rentown makes the trip north worth it too, backed by 4.7 stars and almost 1,000 reviews on Google. It opened in 1987 and has been serving Michiana ever since. They’re open Monday through Saturday and sell bulk foods, spices, meats, and the best bakery items and cheeses in northern Indiana.
Bremen High School
Bremen High School’s athletic teams are known as the Lions, and sports are a major source of community pride. The Lions have won three IHSAA state titles in school history.
Football has made four state championship game appearances, winning the 1A title in 1989 over Springs Valley (31-8) and the 2A title in 1994 over Evansville Mater Dei (38-10). The Lions lost in the 1988 1A championship to Sheridan 59-0, the third-worst margin of defeat in IHSAA football state finals history. They also dropped a nail-biter in the 1995 2A championship vs. North Montgomery, 20-17.
Softball secured Bremen’s third state championship, defeating Tecumseh in the 2019 2A title game 2-1. The softball team reached semi-state in 2005 and lost in the 2A state finals in both 2008 (2-1 vs. Cass) and 2018 (5-0 vs. Speedway).
Boys basketball has a strong tradition as well with nine sectional titles and a pair of 2A regional championships in 1998 and 1999. This year the Lions are off to an 8-0 start behind junior guard Chase Devine, who is on pace to become the school’s all-time leading scorer.
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 50. Where should we head next?
