Charming Village Close To Indiana State Line

The bucolic village of Edwardsburg, situated just north of the Indiana line, was originally known as Beardsley’s Prairie after its first settler, Ezra Beardsley. In 1828, the town was formally founded by Thomas H. Edwards, who served as the county’s first merchant and postmaster. The village quickly became a center for early governance, hosting the first board of supervisors meeting and the first court session for Cass County. The surrounding Ontwa Township even drew its name from a local Native American girl who worked for the Edwards family.

The community’s growth was deeply tied to the shifting landscape of rail commerce in the mid-19th century. Edwardsburg faced economic challenges in the 1850s when major rail lines bypassed the village for nearby Elkhart and Niles. However, prosperity returned in the 1870s with the construction of the Peninsular Railroad through the heart of town. Today, this heritage is preserved at the Edwardsburg Museum, which is partially housed in a historic boarding house connected to the former Sherman Hotel. A detailed replica of the hotel was added in 2006 to expand the museum’s capacity for monthly historical displays and programs.

Modern Edwardsburg remains a hub for culture and outdoor recreation. The Barn Swallow Theatre has been a staple of the community since 1985, recently finding a permanent home in a former Methodist church after a fire destroyed its original barn location. For outdoor enthusiasts, the village is home to Lunker’s, one of the largest hunting and fishing stores in the country. Visitors often pair a shopping trip with a meal at the Angler’s Inn, a northern woods themed restaurant famous for its burgers and local specialties.