For this week's small town breakdown we're going from Royal Center in Cass County to North Judson in Starke County. North Judson is two hours north of Indianapolis, one hour and 15 minutes north of Lafayette, and one hour and 10 minutes southwest of South Bend.
The History of Starke County and North Judson, Indiana
Starke County was organized in 1850, and its western boundary is the Kankakee River. It was named after Revolutionary War General John Stark. Knox was platted in 1850 and became the county seat.
North Judson was originally platted as Brantwood in 1859 but was renamed North Judson in 1860. It became incorporated in 1888. North Judson was once home to four major railroads that fueled its growth.
As of February 2026, North Judson’s population was 1,823, making it the second-largest incorporated town/city in Starke County and the 246th-largest incorporated town/city in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near North Judson, Indiana
If you’re in North Judson, you have to make a stop at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, located near the former junction of the Pennsylvania Railroad (built from 1858 to 1861), New York Central Railroad (built in 1881), Erie Railroad (built from 1881 to 1883 as the Chicago and Atlantic Railroad), and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad (built in 1902 as the Cincinnati, Richmond and Muncie Railroad). You can learn all about the railroads and see historic railroad maps in the area, take a train ride on one of their vintage trains, or hop on one of their Santa Trains during the holiday season. Back in its heyday, as many as 125 trains passed through North Judson!
The annual North Judson Mint Festival has been held every Father’s Day weekend since 1977, making it the oldest continuously running mint festival in the country. The 50th edition is coming up in June 2027 and will feature live music, craft and food vendors, a car show, tractor parade, fireworks and more.
Norwayne Field is the primary site of the Mint Festival and the monthly maker’s market, and North Judson Town Park is home to a playground, ball diamonds, and a basketball court.
For those who like U-pick farms, Bonnell’s Blueberry Patch is just northwest of town. It’s open seven days a week when blueberries are in season. There is also the family-owned and operated Lewellen Blooms, which offers U-pick opportunities and flower subscriptions, where you receive a bouquet every week!
Places to Eat or Drink in North Judson, Indiana
Fingerhut Bakery has been in North Judson since 1946, making 2026 the year of its 80th anniversary. Its history dates back to the 1700s in Bohemia, when a small bakery was opened by Frantisek Fingerhut. The bakery was passed on to generation after generation in the family before his great grandson, also named Frantisek, moved to America in 1895 and took the bakery with him to Chicago. In 1921, Charles Fingerhut began working at the Chicago bakery, but Charles’ son Joseph left for North Judson in 1946 because he wanted to farm instead of become a baker. However, the local bakery in North Judson had gone out of business because of World War II, so Joseph and his cousin bought the bakery. Joseph’s son Keith took over in 1959, and Keith’s sons Doug and Greg – eighth generation bakery owners – run the show today. You can’t go wrong with their donuts, cookies or cakes.
If you’re looking for a good burger, you’re in luck.
The Point Drive In is a classic spot known for great burgers and ice cream.
Locals love the Irish Pub and its delicious Reuben sandwiches, corned beef, and burgers. It’s open late seven days a week.
Another hot spot is Route 10 Bar & Grill. Fill up on Fridays with all-you-can-eat fish, and don’t skip out on the Italian beef.
There is also a hidden gem outside of town, Toto Cafe. Grab coffee during breakfast or lunch, and try the fried chicken or, you guessed it, a burger.
Home of an Indiana Governor
North Judson was the birthplace of Henry Schricker, who made history as Indiana’s first governor to serve two non-consecutive terms as the 36th (1941–45) and 38th (1949–53) governor of the Hoosier State. The Daily Reporter out of Greenfield mentioned Schricker as a candidate for vice president to counter the Republican vice presidential selection of Ohio Governor John Bricker, but he ultimately never ran.
High School History
North Judson-San Pierre High School is home of the Bluejays.
The Bluejays have one IHSAA state title in school history, winning the 2A girls volleyball championship in 2018.
They have historically had a strong football program as well, and the 2026 season is no different. NJSP is 10-1 entering the sectional championship tonight, is seeking its fifth 1A sectional title in the last six seasons, and 18th overall. They have also finished as the 1A state runner-up four times, doing so in 1980, 1984, 1986, and 2024. They were undefeated entering the title game in each of those four seasons.
Girls basketball also has a runner-up finish on its resume. The 2005 squad took second in 2A to Shenandoah but squandered a 19-8 lead in the 54-49 loss, the largest comeback victory on record in the 2A girls basketball final.
That's it for small town breakdown No. 86. Where should we head next?
