Union: Parks, River, and History

Union combines local history and parks with experiences along the Bourbeuse River. Hansen Park is a historically significant public space downtown. Other parks offer everything from a Liberty Swing designed for wheelchair users to a hiking trail through secluded woods. The area also features the Franklin County Courthouse with the Veterans Museum, and river access for fishing and boating. You can shape your stay around culture, nature, or activities on the water.

City Parks and Farmers Market

Hansen Park is a historically significant public space in the center of Union. The Farmers Market takes place right next to the park, at Oak & Main Street. Dates and operating details for the 2026 season are subject to change; check the latest information before planning a visit. The market’s location next to the park brings together two specific downtown destinations, without requiring you to follow a particular itinerary.

City Park offers something different: a Liberty Swing designed for wheelchair users. Clearview Park, meanwhile, is known for its views of the Bourbeuse River and a natural hiking trail through secluded woods. These differences can help you plan an outing: choose between a public space downtown, a park with a special play feature, and a nature trail.

Courthouse and Architectural History

The historic Franklin County Courthouse was built in 1923 and fully renovated in 1970. The year before the renovation, it was bombed as a diversion during a bank robbery. Today, the courthouse houses the Franklin County Veterans Museum. Building history, a significant event, and the museum come together in one building, giving your visit a clear historical focus.

German cultural influence is also still visible in Union’s architecture. Visitors interested in the town’s history can connect this visible influence with the courthouse and the Veterans Museum. The Franklin County Historical Society lists visiting hours as the first and third Wednesday and the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 12 to 4 p.m.; visits by appointment are also possible. Private visiting hours are available for groups, organizations, and extended families. Check the hours before you arrive.

Hiking Trail or River Activities

Clearview Park offers views of the Bourbeuse River and a natural hiking trail through secluded woods. Union Access provides access to the Bourbeuse River for fishing and boating. The focus differs: Clearview Park is about the views and the trail through the woods, while Union Access is about river access for fishing and boating.

Choosing Union as a Destination

When looking for a vacation rental in Union, you can start by considering what you want your stay to center on: local history and architecture, visits to the parks, or time by the river. The courthouse and the Historical Society suit a history-focused visit; Clearview Park and Union Access offer different ways to spend a day outdoors. This lets you choose a destination based on your interests before looking for a vacation rental for your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pacific, Villa Ridge, Saint Clair, Sullivan, New Haven.

Back to the main travel guide: Franklin County.