Indiana's hidden treasures: some of the state's less-known attractions are worth discovering.

• Author: Faris, Charlene

Most everyone knows about Indiana's hottest tourist spots--places like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Conner Prairie, the Indiana Dunes and Nashville. State tourism officials are trying to shed some light on the treasures that aren't as well known.

The Division of Tourism chose seven "jewels" to spotlight for the 1993 National Tourism Week--Berne Furniture in Berne, Hillerich & Bradsby Slugger Park in Jeffersonville, Menno-Hof in Shipshewana, Col. William Jones Historic Site in Jonesboro, Centerville Antiques in Centerville, Cataract Falls in Lieber State Recreation Area, and Freetown Village at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.

The following are descriptions of these new "hidden treasures" as well as other tourism gems across Indiana, mostly hidden treasures state tourism selected in past years. For more in-depth information on these attractions, contact local tourism bureaus or call the Indiana Tourism Division at 317/232-8860 or 800/289-6646.

NORTHWEST

Many of Hobart's locals may not even know about all of the treasures hidden away in the 960-acre Deep River County Park. There are daily grinding demonstrations in Wood's Old Mill (circa 1838), a three-story restored and operating grist mill that grinds corn, wheat and other grains into meals and flours. The town of Hobart was built around the mill, the first industry in Lake County. The Visitor Center, Gift Shoppe and Nature Center are open daily May through December. Some programs are held year-round, such as bird hikes and sessions conducted in the herb and Victorian gardens by the Deep River Gardeners. Pause for a quiet time in the meadow or by the old mill stream, see the sawmill and historic baseball field. The park is located at 9410 Old Lincoln Highway. For 24-hour info, call 219/769-PARK or 219/769-9030; reservations for historical tours, 219/755-3685.

The Indiana Wildlife Viewing Guide says the Kingsbury State Fish and Wildlife Area is a place for viewing deer year-round, plus mink, raccoons, beaver or muskrats. The area's 6,000 acres include wetlands full of fowl and fur-bearing animals. Some may enjoy bird watching, canoeing, boating, hiking and nature photography. Others may enjoy hunting, fishing or archery. LaPorte's Kingsbury is bordered by the Kankakee River and Tamarak Lake, which has bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike. Contact the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800/634-2650.

NORTH

At the Bird's Eye Museum of Miniatures, about 10 miles south of Elkhart, is a miniature replica of the little farming town of Wakarusa. Said to be the world's largest display of its kind, it's made from toothpicks, Popsicle sticks, steel wool and other materials. Located at 325 S. Elkhart St., Wakarusa, the museum is open daily. Call 219/862-2367.

Historic auto buffs discover surprises at the S. Ray Miller Foundation Antique Car Museum at 2130 Middlebury St. in Elkhart. The world's largest collection of auto emblems can be seen here, along with dozens of antique and classic autos, including a 1930 Duesenberg "J" Murphy convertible owned by Al Capone's...