Cataract General Store

Grin & Barrett 

A Blog By Joshua Barrett - Brought to you by C Bar C Expo Center 

      As far as landscape and natural beauty goes, Putnam County has it in spades. Driving 30 minutes from the barn you can see several different landscapes and State parks from the canyons at Turkey Run to the state’s largest waterfall per volume. In fact, within 30 minutes of C Bar C you can find 4 state parks, 9 covered bridges, and a handful of lost towns. It is easy to get lost in nature and history as you drive around the county.

      After exploring Cataract Falls we stopped in the Cataract General store. A place as old as the town. The first thing you notice is the large sign painted on the barn it is a replica to the historic sign that sat on 231 directing people to see “the Niagara of Indiana.” The building has been in and out of operation over the years and was recently purchased and restored. I was drawn to the building because they have it set up like an old time general store so it gives you the “back in the day” feeling you don’t get anywhere else.

     Once inside you will be overwhelmed with antiques and collectibles. They have a diverse collection of old case knifes, old hats, lots of small collectibles and so many more. The antiques are mixed in with everyday convenience store products and camping gear. You may go for a roll of tp and walk out with an arm full of collectibles. If you like homemade or natural products like shampoos and soaps you will find some unique all natural products as well. Alyssa found some locally made honey mustard and an Amish Dijon mustard.


 My favorite part was the soda coolers that held around 100 soft drinks in glass bottles, none of them were recognizable as soda I had seen or tried before. It took us about 10 minutes to look over all the flavors and styles, I ended up getting a maple bacon soda that was way better than you think and a “Wyatt Earp’s homemade sarsaparilla”, Alyssa picked the butterscotch soda that was surprisingly good. Although neither of us took advantage of it, you can have any bottle of soda turned into a float. So, if you have ever been lying in bed and wondered “what would a maple bacon soda float taste like?” This is the place for you.
    Along with the soft drinks, Cataract General Store has a daily soup and sandwich special, and carries a large selection of Amish cheese and bison jerky both individual packaged so you can grab a snack for the road. Since the new owner took over they have cleaned the field next to them, that has a large fire pit where they feature live music on most weekends, a remodeled barn, and a few spots to tie up if you happen to be riding around the area.

    As we were leaving we were told about an old early 1900’s one room school house across the street, we walked over to get a look and it has been fully restored to look as original as possible. It was nice to see this place cleaned and opened. With the addition of Cataract falls and the school house it is easy to spend a day here.

   Cataract General Store is Located just 15 minutes from C Bar C At: 2799 S Cataract Rd Spencer In 47460

Check them out on face book at: https://www.facebook.com/cataractgeneralstore/